JollyWalter

Guys and Girls Thanks for the responses, particularly those that reflected or at least resembled my current experience. Until now when I've taken on something new I guess I've been used to some level of improvement up to the level of my ability, whatever that may turn out to be. However with flying it seems to be more of a 3 steps foward, 1 step back currently. Thanks again, I'm keen and committed and ready to take it on again this weekend. Cheers Mick P.S. - GraemeK, Please don't compare flying with golf. If I wind up as good a pilot as I am a golfer then the skies are not safe for anyone.

Had my first session of circuits last Wednesday and was well prepared. Had flown the circuit in my head so many times that I found it quite easy to manage and my FI told me that it looked like my 5th session rather than my first. Went home felling good about the whole thing. Session 2 on Saturday and although I flew the circuits well enough I found I was really struggling managing the descent on final and then couldn't judge the roundout when we got to the landing. So we flew low approaches for a few circuits which to be honest I didn't really get the swing of. I was touching down instead of holding off, then zooming instead of levelling out. Went home feeling a bit disappointed but determined to do better next time. Had a third session today and the wheels fell off. (Not literally fortunately). Admittedly we had a stiffish crosswind that I hadn't experienced before, but I had a bad first circuit and to my horror the FI took the controls and flew an entire circuit showing me where I had gone wrong. From then on I never really recovered and tensed up so much I forgot half the basics, stuff I had committed to memory. And my control input was all over the place. Left for work feeling like I am going backward. I'd like to get an indication from other low hour students about their progress at this stage. I don't really want to ask my FI about my progess be it good or bad. I just rely on him to tell me what I'm doing right and what I'm doing wrong. And he's very good at that. Not looking for anyone to 'pump up my tires', just for an idea of how it played out for you at this stage. And sorry about the long post. Cheers Mick

Hi there, Johndl There are a few of us in the same boat. I'm closer to 50 than 40 and after this morning I'm 8 lessons in. It's overwhelming for the first half dozen (well it was for me) but even now it's starting to come together. Enjoy the ride and keep us up to date with your progress. Cheers Mick

There's another acronym that fits there, and it applies to me after most lessons: C - Can't R - Remember A - A F - Flippin' (or substitute your favourite F word) T - Thing

With the Royal Aero Club (if the instructors don't give up on me )

Just had a class 2 medical today and no blood test (therefore no drug test). The rest of it was pretty full-on though! I didn't realise how thorough it was going to be. And having walked 20 mins in 40C temps to the doctors my blood pressure was a tad high. Fortunately was back to normal after a lie-down having the ECG.

Not such a stupid question. I was asking myself the same thing yesterday (ergo I'm not stupid). My student pilot notes clearly label it as 'Finals' on the circuit diagram. Does anyone have a definite answer? Mick

Hi Frank Like you I'm a mature aged very recent starter and I have 8 hours in the book. Having two lessons a week and if the bank balance could stand it, I'd do it every day! God luck with the flying. Cheers Mick

Hi Mike, How did that first flight with your wife go? I was looking up all day. Mick

Good one Mike. The PPL seems such a long way away for me. And getting my partner to get in a plane with me is even further off. Hope you enjoy that flight. I know I will when I finally get there. Cheers Mick

Thanks Guys for the warm welcome. It's great to see a forum that's keen to welcome 'newbies'.

Thanks, Decca. Anticipating no issues with lack of motivation or interest here. I find the theory and the reading almost as enjoyable as the flying. But not quite! Cheers, Mick

Well I'm finally in the air after many (many) years of talking about it. I'm a 'closer to 50 than 40' new student pilot with 2 hours in the log book (Cessna 152 Aerobat) and absolutely loving it. I've recently been scouring and devouring everything general-aviation related on the net and happily came across this site with plenty of enthusiastic pilots and would-be pilots like myself, even a few from my local aerodrome of Jandakot in WA. Looking forward to reading about what's going on with you all and maybe getting a few tips. Cheers Mick