New Pilot Certificate

[Guest JHHarris]

I started building model aeroplanes when I was 10 years old and always wanted to fly. However, work, career, family, mortgages became my excuses for not doing anything about it. A good friend who is now a retired air traffic controller advised me to try flying at the Adelaide Biplanes flying school at Aldinga airport in South Australia. Another friend and I were given vouchers by our wives for a joy flight in a replica WACO biplane and we haven't looked back.

 

On 11 December last year I tentatively phoned Gaylene at Adelaide Biplanes and she said I could start the next morning!

 

So I had my first lesson in an Evektor Sportstar on the 12 December. One month later, on the 10 January I went SOLO and on Monday, this week (21 April) I passed my flight test for the RA_Aus Pilot Certificate with Nose Wheel, X country, Passenger Carrying and RAAus Flight Radio endorsements.

 

Was I perfect. Far from it! I haven't been so nervous since my wedding night!

 

I did lots of much better landings on my own and I couldn't believe I could make a mess of so many basis procedures. But, the chief instructor at Adelaide Biplanes is a perfectionist and expects a very high standard of flying and especially of safety, so I know that a pass from him means I can confidently hire & fly on my own.

 

I must add that the facilities at Aldinga are outstanding and everyone is especially friendly and helpful.

 

I turn 60 this year and I'm thrilled to have reached this milestone in just under 50 hours of excellent training.

 

Cheers,

 

John

 

 

[Guest J430]

Well done John,

 

You are now Licensed to Learn, and that is where we all are in the schoolroom of aviation.

 

Hope you enjoy the privileges that you are now afforded.

 

J:wave:

 

 

[Guest Decca]

Congrats, John. Welcome to the forums too.

 

I'm envious, but won't be far behind you, I am soon to restart training.

 

Regards, Decca.

 

 

[farri]

Keep Learning.

 

John,

 

An achievement at any age,more so at our age.

 

Forever more,make every flight a learning experience.

 

Frank.

 

 

[Guest J430]

John / Frank

 

Since Frank has brought up the age issue.......you better get into it asap!

 

Life is like a toilet roll, the closer you get to the end, the quicker it spins!

 

J:wave:

 

PS: And life is more adveturous, every day is a new adventure, even if its doing the same thing:laugh: :ah_oh:

 

 

[farri]

Age.

 

J430,

 

Your right and some day`s you feel like the stuf you need the toilet roll for.

 

Frank.

 

 

[Deskpilot]

G'day John, I second your remark re Aldinga facilities. Martyn and Gaylene have done wonders for the airfield since they took over running. As a member of ACC I pop in occasionally for coffee and cakes. Are you going for your tail-dragger endorsement in their Sport Cubs? I'd like to but it's a matter of money. Martyns prices are a bit on the high side for me, still he's got to pay for all those new aircraft somehow. Fly safe...