Saturday, June 23, 2012

Since I started flight training, talking to friends has involved the subject of JFK Jr. plane crash on July 16, 1999. Here is the technical report until I find the official version on the NTSB website. As to the non-technical details and more of celebrity gossips, check this out. I remembered the news coverage and has always wondered why didn't he pursue instrument rating when money was no objection for him. Apparently he was, just didn't have it at the time of the fatal accident.

Tuesday, June 05, 2012

Flying has been my dream and getting my private pilot license has been an item on my new year resolution for a few years. I finally took the plunge and started my training with Lone Star Flyers based out of Addison airport. My instructor Torrey Zook and I regularly fly in a 2008 Cessna 172S N6137Q and sometimes a 2007 Cessna 172S N286SA, both rented from Landmark Aviation, a Fixed Based Operator (FBO) out of Addision. I have either bought and downloaded so far:
For $95, I obtained my third class airmen medical certificate from one of the Aviation Medical Examiners (AME).

I also obtained aircraft renters liability insurance because the insurance that came with the rental airplane only covers damages to that airplane, not damages to hangar, other airplanes or property while I am piloting the rental airplane.

I used both a hard copy logbook which Jeppesen gave me for free and the free online version from ZuluLog.

I am planning on getting me the Ground School Workbook for Private Pilots and the Flight Training Workbook for Private Pilots, both recommended by my instructor.

Among the flight schools, I narrowed it down to ATP Flight School, American Flyers, Lone Star Flyers and Monarch Air. I picked Lone Star Flyers, one that I felt most comfortable with after contacting each.

I would say the biggest difference so far between learning to fly an airplane and learning to drive a car is weather. I used not to pay much attention to the weather, no matter how ominous the clouds. Not anymore, having to read weather forecast to determine Visual Flight Rule (VFR) conditions before taking off each time.