Hi, read about this forum in a recnt edition of Recreational Aviation Australia magazine - Thomas Scott article. Very inspiring. I have wanted to fly since I can remember (I'm now 50). Time poor, family and money have always seemed to interfere with my desire to fly but have now made a conscious decision to attempt my recreational licence and build up experience wioth the possiboility of taking it further. I have taken trial flights and most recently in October 2008 - I managed a take off and landing and several circuits around the training area at Moorabbin, Victoria. It was simply great. I have also (many years past) spent an hour in an Ansett 727 simulator - very cool. Flew the thing under Sydney harbour bridge! Anyway this seemed a relatively more cost effective approach as I am a big believer in currency and flight time - regular flight hours to maintain skill and experience. So hopefully this will be my year for sprouting wings! Will be looking for some sage advice of quality flight schools in my area (Essendon, Victoria) and also the better types of recreational fixed wing aircraft to fly. Cheers Tony