[Tim Hancock]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Tim, I have to say that I am far more concerned about the flying part of the test than I am the aircraft technical part. Not only just for the sake of passing the test, but for the sake of properly learning how to be an effective and safe pilot. Sounds like a CD course in conjunction with the Gleim book might be a good way to go.

Thanks for the write-up on the A&P. It's not a direction I want to go for a career, but it would make aircraft ownership much more feasible. Plus, being a DIY guy, it would be pretty cool.

The flying part.... First obstacle- learning to simultaneously correct for drift, keep the airplane pointed straight and flare all at once when learning to land prior to it becoming "second nature". Second milestone- instructor hops out not too long after first obstacle is overcome and tells you to go do it by yourself. Third obstacle- trying to make sense of the tower the first time you land at a large controlled airport. Fourth obstacle- heading out on your long cross country (at least it was prior to having GPS in the plane . Last obstacle- passing your check ride with an FAA examiner.

Those are the things that I will never forget about getting my private ticket.