Going for my life long dream ........

[Epeeman]

All,

Ever since I was a boy, I have always wanted to learn to fly.  However, as with all of us, the sheer cost made it pretty impossible. 

I have toyed with the idea of taking UK PPL lessons on and off over the years.  It was certainly out of the question whilst my boys were children.  However, I have always held onto the dream that one day I might be able too.

Recently, me and my family have been trying to move home.  We found a buyer for our house and saw a house we fell in love with and our offer was accepted.  All was going well with the chain until last few weeks when things just stalled.   Long story short, the seller at the top of the chain has pulled out from the sale meaning the chain has now collapsed.   Me and Jacquie (my wife) were pretty upset (I was angry - we have lost money that we cannot claim back as none of us in the chain had exchanged contracts) and pretty  p*@@ off.

I have a couple of days of work so me and Jacquie went out the day today to try and cheer us up.  We have a nice day in Walmer looking round the castle.  On the way back home, Jacquie asked me to take her to Rochester airport (close to where we live) to show her what these planes looked like and to show her what all the learning to fly stuff was all about - I very keenly complied!

Well, the upshot is that I have booked a short (5 hour course) on a Cessna 152 which includes club membership and various paraphernalia including a couple of key PPL text books.  My first lesson (weather dependent) is booked for this coming Sunday at 2pm.  My plan is to to aim for 2 lessons per month after this short lessons are used.  To say that I am over the moon is an understate - I have a mixture of feelings including excitement and nerves!

What finally clinched it, was the move now on hold (it may get going again if the people we were buying from find somewhere else but this is all long term) and my age.  I am 50 next March and know if I don't do this now, I never will.  Yes, expensive - but this has given me impetus to knuckle down more with work and take extra work study (in the New Year) to try and boost earning potential.  All a long road, and who knows what awaits in the future.  But, for now at least, finally attaining my life long dream.

Please wish me luck, folks!

Regards

Dave

[Ernie]

Dave, good for you, and wishing you the best of luck!! I started taking my PPL
training when I was 17 and when my family moved, I never picked it up in our
new location.  I have been kicking myself ever since! Now, of course it's too late, what
with health problems, etc.  I am so happy to hear you are not going to be in the same
boat.  I know you will enjoy your lessons to no end!  Well done!

Cheers,
Ernie

[Nigel Jackson]

Hello Dave

I'm so sorry to read that you and your wife lost the house as the chain collapsed, but how wonderful to see that you are about to make a lifelong dream come true. Good luck but do take care with those Immelmann turns!

Best wishes
Nigel

[Des]

Sorry to hear that your house sale fell through Dave but there will always be other buyers.

I was taking flying lessons at 16 and did my first solo after only 10 hours, it was the most exciting time of my life and I have never regretted getting my PPL. Good luck with your first lessons Dave and enjoy.

Des.

[uncletony]

Good for you Dave! if it is your life long dream then by all means, go for it -- you get but one ride on this great merry go round...

[lcarroll]

Dave,
   Sorry about your house deal, however..........My compliments on an excellent decision, follow your heart and, as Bo said just before, you only get one ride as the earth goes round and round. I spent most of my professional career in flying, and it started so long ago with a PPL, at a time when I had a family to care for, very little money to spare, and a full time job to attend to. Go for it, enjoy the "wind in your hair", put the power up in the turns, and remember above all else, pull back to make the machine go up, pull back harder to make it go down!!
   Good on you!
Cheers,
Lance

[Rob Hart]

Good luck and, more importantly, enjoy yourself. I hate flying on commercial airliners, but the few flights I have had on private light planes were very pleasant and interesting.

[IanB]

Go for it Dave!
Flying was all I ever wanted to do for as long as I can remember - at least aged 7. I got my glider licence at 16, PPL at 21 and then never flew again until I was 34 and decided I had to chase my dream. I sold my house and car and came to the US for my Commercial, instrument, Flight instructor and Multi-engine training. Now have over 7,000 hours and fly professionally. I may never be able to afford to retire, but I have acheived my childhood dream!

Ian

[Gisbod]

Go for it Dave..

I've flown since I was 17, military & commercial for the last 20 years. You'll love doing a ppl 

If you get the chance and can afford it - I'd highly recommend 30 mins in a Stampe/ Tiger Moth or similar.. You can't beat that feeling - it's a life experience you'd never forget.. 

Regards

Guy

[Epeeman]

Thank you all, gentleman!

I very much appreciate your words of support and encouragement. 

If possible, would those of you who already fly, would I be able to 'knock on your door' for any help/advice please?  I promise not to become a pest and will only ask advice on some problem/issue I may come across during the training.

Regards

Dave

[mike in calif]

Dave, enjoy! Something I'd love to do also, but the time is not right. I guess I'll live vicariously through you for now.

[mc65]

hi dave,
I'm very happy for you -except for the house affair, of course- not only you'll go to discover if your dream it's it or something else (sometimes happens, just know) but your wife supports you!!

about any help I may give, just ask, I have some flying hours under my belt, and my flight instructor license is still current.. to start, I may say a simple rule: pull little houses, push big houses!

enjoy!

[Ernie]

My favourite is "there are old pilots, and bold pilots, but few old, bold pilots".
As mother said, fly low and slow.
Enjoy!

Cheers,
Ernie

[coyotemagic]

Sorry to hear about the house, Dave, but delighted that you've made the decision to get your PPL.  I know you'll have a blast, mate.  Downside is that maybe we won't see as much of you here.
Cheers,
Bud

[Epeeman]

Many thanks, again, gentleman! 

Don't worry Bud, I will still be on the forum even if model building takes a back seat for a while - besides, I still have my 1/28 Revell DVII to complete!

All - just to let you know I had a first taster this afternoon.  Nearly did not get to fly at all due to the weather pulling in, so was at aerodrome going over some pre flight stuff.  Bonus was that I did get a short flight (30 minutes) in the end experiencing a very bumpy ride in strong wind - an experience that I actually quite enjoyed.  Did get a very brief hands on experience going over the principle and secondary effects of applying elevator, aileron and rudder.  Great stuff!!!

My first proper lesson (weather permitting) will be next Saturday afternoon, so hopefully get the full hands on.  At least I now know what to expect in terms of movement sensations in the aircraft.

Regards

Dave