Soon-to-be Newbie

[Listerlegs]

Hi all,

 

I'm a 100% inexperienced pilot who has wanted to fly since I was a very small girl. I've decided that 2012 will be the year for it and I plan to drag my father along for the ride as he's always wanted to learn as well. My grandfather was an ultralight enthusiast, but Father and I tend to find small Cessnas more practical as well as more comfortable.

 

Unfortunately, my husband absolutely HATES flying, so I will probably have a battle on my hands when the time comes; he has already expressed his anxious disapproval of the idea, but has indicated that he won't try to prevent us.

 

Does anyone know of anywhere good to learn in the Hunter Valley? The only place I've seen so far charges about $300 per lesson; although this includes instructor's fees and plane hire, it seems a bit steep to me. Or is this typical?

 

I plan for us to get started in 2012, so I've got plenty of planning time!

 

 

[Tomo]

Welcome Listerlegs! Great to have you on the site, I hope you enjoy it.

 

I won't be much help in the area of the Hunter, but there are a few on here from around the area that will be able to help you out I'm sure. Depending on the aircraft that is getting around the price it costs these days for dual training for GA (General Aviation). Though I'm guessing that's a 172. It is expensive isn't it, but I found I just couldn't help it and had to do it when I did mine!

 

Makes ultralight flying seem really affordable!

 

My Mum loves flying, and so does the rest of my family, other than my Dad, who doesn't mind us flying, but wants to keep his feet on the ground! Shame about your husband... maybe he might catch on someday and find out it really isn't that bad after all :big_grin:

 

Hope you enjoy the journey.

 

 

[Mazda]

Have a look at Maitland and Cessnock aerodromes. I did a lot of flying at Maitland but that was a long time ago. This is in GA not RA-Aus, and I flew with an aerobatic instructor there who is currently out of action. The aero club there has been going for a long time. Cessnock has a big school which seems to primarily train foreign airline students, it can get very busy and you might have more personalised attention elsewhere, but maybe talk to the different schools and see which one feels the best. You have time to hang around a few times and form an opinion!

 

The locals might have more current information though.

 

I hope you and your Dad enjoy the training. Your husband will get used to it!

 

 

[winsor68]

Hi Listerlegs... Why not do your first 50-100 hours Ra-Aus and then go GA... like Tomo has. Even if it doesn't save you a few dollars it will be a LOT of fun!

 

Welcome to the forums.

 

 

[coljones]

welcome aboard Listerlegs,

 

Royal Newcastle Aeroclub at Rutherford is dual RA/GA. Their website is here http://www.rnac.com.au

 

There is at least one person (Hildy where are you?) that is / has converting to GA at RNAC. "Girl with a stick" went from GA to RA and we are currently awaiting her tales of her experiences doing that conversion.

 

If nothing else tour the strips and smell the avgas and chat to the folks to get a good idea what they do.

 

Cheers

 

Col

 

 

[fly_tornado]

hi lister, shop around you want to find the school that's right for you.

 

Maybe take your husband along to the airports to get him used to the idea of you flying?

 

Good luck and let us know how you get on

 

 

[Guernsey]

You said. but Father and I tend to find small Cessnas more practical as well as more comfortable.

 

I used to own and fly small Cessnas and indeed they are comfortable however many new Recreational aircraft produced since possibly your Grandfather was flying are now even more comfortable,

 

perform as well and in some cases better and around half the cost to train on. As others have already suggested, have a good look around as I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised.

 

I would also suggest that you take hubby with you as he may be pleasantly surprised also.

 

Welcome to this site and most importantly to the world of " Recreational Flying '.

 

Alan Marriette.