Keen to get back in the air

[AusFlyer]

Hi, previously had my PPL (got to Night VMC, constant speed and retractable) and glider many years ago now, but let them lapse due to the usual - house/marriage/children/work/expense. Now retired and have just had first lesson on my way to a Recreational Pilot Certificate! Ultimately I'd like to build a plane, but first steps ...

 

 

[mnewbery]

The learned experience is you can either fly or build but can rarely do both. If building, take a moment to cherish the thing you have created then fly something else with an instructor then for a good while more before trying the new toy out in earnest

 

 

[cscotthendry]

Hi, previously had my PPL (got to Night VMC, constant speed and retractable) and glider many years ago now, but let them lapse due to the usual - house/marriage/children/work/expense. Now retired and have just had first lesson on my way to a Recreational Pilot Certificate! Ultimately I'd like to build a plane, but first steps ...

Goodonyer!

As for building an airplane: Now that you're retired, this is the perfect time to do that. I know I'm biased in these things, but IMO the perfect plane to build is the Skyranger Nynja. They can be built as fast or as slow as you like (in build times that is), cruise at a respectable 100kts and are very predictable flyers with few vices. They're a great airplane for low time pilots (I'm proof of that) and they are a proven, solid robust aircraft that will take a bit of punishment. The build is very simple and you will be up and flying very quickly (Greg built his in 10 weeks).

 

The REAL benefit of building your own plane is 1) You know every inch of it 2) You can maintain it better and trust it 3) When you want to add the latest electronic gizmo or whatnot, you can and will know how to go about it safely 4) Building it will de-mystify airplane and engine maintenance.

 

Caveat: Building and airplane will not save all that much money over buying one second hand. However, you will have the airplane EXACTLY to your wishes, it will be YOUR airplane.

 

I know the above looks a bit like a Nynja ad, but I am not connected with them in any economic way (I still regard Greg Robertson as a friend though). I built one and never regretted my choice. Other kits like RVs etc might be flasher looking, but will take more time to build. In that time you will have to rent other peoples' planes which costs money.

 

Welcome back to flying. Here's wishing you clear skies and tailwinds.

 

 

[AusFlyer]

Thanks, mnewbury and cscotthendry.

 

Good tip about building OR flying. Matches my experience - no boating while building the boats and still no "flying" while finishing the hovercraft.

 

And always good to get opinions on what is available. I hadn't run across the Nynja before - it looks a remarkably good plane for the dough.