Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on June 05, 2011, 06:32:15 pm
A PPL is a costly thing, and I don't want to have to stop half-way through the course, so setting aside a chunk of money before I actually start my flying lessons is a good thing, I think. I'll keep on pouring money into that account even when I'm done training, so I'll be able to actually go fly , once I have the so desired piece of paper.
This whole saving thing will also give me some time (a year at least; I hope to keep it under two years) to look around and see what options I have for taking the course. When it comes to this kind of big decisions, I always like to write down my arguments, so that I can look them up again later, but more to just organize my thought process. I find that if I try to explain my reasonings to a "public", I tend to draw better logical conclusions. It forces me to think it all over again. Anyway, those scribblings have now resulted in a (still) small weblog, that will grow as I discover more. And of cause my blog will continue once I start my training, and hopefully continue with my real life flight experiences... :)
The original blog is in Dutch, but there's an English translation as well => click on that subtle Brittish flag top right ;)
Have a look:
http://ericje.blogspot.com (http://ericje.blogspot.com)
and keep coming back for more!
P.S.: Scroll down to the bottom first time you get there. Newest posts are at the top...
You could also go directly to http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com (http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com) for the English version
Post by: EHM-1465 Dominic on June 05, 2011, 08:41:39 pm
Keep us updated with progress and photos when you can and good luck :)
Post by: EHM-2155 Mariano on June 06, 2011, 08:58:25 am
I'm following your blog with my alter-ego "Patres" :P so I can keep updated with your progress. You're welcome to read my blog too, I'm planning a piece on why I love flight sim so much soon :D
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on June 06, 2011, 09:15:10 am
Of cause I will keep you all updated, both here and on my Blog. Be patient, though, I'm not flying very soon yet ;)
I'm just so excited that my wife and I agreed to put the necessary money aside (over time) for me to pursue my childhood dream :D
Post by: EHM-1749 Hector on June 14, 2011, 02:23:14 pm
Besides being a pilot in real life I also was ground and flight instructor. quid pro quo.
I will be more than glad to assist you in case you so consider it.
Good luck and remember: " The aircraft can fly but cannot think. The pilot can think but cannot fly. If you place a pilot that can think in a plane that can fly, perfect. But if you place a pilot that cannot fly and cannot think inside an aircraft that can fly but cannot think, disaster is at the turn of the corner"
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on August 24, 2011, 09:25:09 pm
I have logged my first hour already :D
Not that I plan to start my lessons on a regular basis already, but all in the broader scheme of selecting a flight school and a plane I would like to fly in, etc.
I took my wife along in a C172 in a one hour round trip to see if she would scream flight. Luckily, that was not the case ;D. Beforehand, she was just talking herself into a fear of flying, and I thought I needed to stop that by having her experience flight in "such a shoe-box" in real life. As a touring flight or an instruction flight are both expensive in the same order of magnitude, I wanted to make this officially my first "Dual" hour. Optimistically, I think that 44 hours is enough for me to get my PPL in ;) So now I have a logbook, with one official hour recorded already!
I want to buy a share in a plane to save on the hourly rate during the course already, but more importantly, after the course. I figure: the less per hour cost, the more I will actually go fly in the end of this forseen trajectory. And before I do that, I want to have flown in each of these planes. So I already flew in an AT-3, and I have a standing arrangement to fly a DA-20 in October (weather permitting). Then, I'll try to also find an Aquila A210 to fly in to complete the wish-list. Then I hope to have saved up enough to actually buy myself a share of one of those planes.
You can read all about it in my blog, which I have updated now that I'm back from my holiday:
http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com/ (http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com/)
Post by: EHM-1465 Dominic on August 24, 2011, 10:35:03 pm
Post by: EHM-2589 David on August 24, 2011, 11:11:54 pm
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on August 25, 2011, 11:36:26 am
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on August 25, 2011, 09:50:03 pm
And you hang on to that dream, David! And be patient ...
It took me 35 years to get it to the top of my priority list. First those other little things, like getting married, a house, car, new kitchen, you can imagine the list. Now, finally, I seem to have the time and (soon) money available for such luxuries as pursuing a childhood dream. I'm sure if you really, really want this, it will come for you as well, some time. In the mean time, work on your skills with FS. My flight instructor said I could already fly because of FS. All I need to do is learn the pile of theory (of which I know at least half already, because of our hobby), and to perform the emergency procedures, unusual attitudes, that sort of thing.
To be continued ... ;D
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on November 20, 2011, 09:32:09 pm
...That October appointment was postponed until in November after all.
I have a standing arrangement to fly a DA-20 in October (weather permitting)...
Despite low visibility on the ground (marginal VMC), I finally got to fly the Katana ;D ;D ;D
The other good news is that the third plane is available as of next week, so I´ll try to make an appointment there too ... :D
Stay tuned at
http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com/ (http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com/)
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on November 29, 2011, 07:31:28 pm
http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com/2011/11/aquilla-ferry-flight.html#more (http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com/2011/11/aquilla-ferry-flight.html#more)
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on December 10, 2011, 10:09:27 pm
http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com/2011/12/aquila-info-evening.html (http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com/2011/12/aquila-info-evening.html)
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on December 16, 2011, 06:56:32 pm
http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com/ (http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com/)
I'm just looking for a sponsor...
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on December 28, 2011, 09:34:56 am
Here's a summary of how and why:
http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com/ (http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com/)
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on March 12, 2012, 08:01:07 pm
http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com/ (http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com/)
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on April 01, 2012, 08:46:10 pm
So we're in business !!!
Now, we need to officially set-up the corporation, do some legal paperwork, create an agreement with KLM Aeroclub, and order the plane (after fighting over the colour of the leather ;)). So it will probably be August before she flies in. Can't wait already!
But the most important thing is that it will go on ;D ;D ;D
My Blog (EN) (http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com)
my KLM Aeroclub pictures (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eham-spotter/sets/72157629589033253/)
Post by: EHM-1465 Dominic on April 01, 2012, 10:02:33 pm
Post by: EHM-2589 David on April 02, 2012, 11:20:39 am
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on May 01, 2012, 11:49:56 am
Delivery times would then make it the first week of August, before she arrives ...
http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com (http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com)
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on July 10, 2012, 07:07:35 am
A delegation of the corporation will travel to Schönhagen to see the plane being buit on the 25th of August. I am one of them ;D
Expected delivery date: 22 Oktober 2012 ...
http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com (http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com)
Post by: EHM-1465 Dominic on July 10, 2012, 11:08:40 am
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on July 17, 2012, 08:53:04 pm
http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com (http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com)
Post by: EHM-2589 David on July 18, 2012, 05:12:46 pm
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on July 19, 2012, 07:28:40 am
Expect a full report a couple of days after ;)
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on August 16, 2012, 01:16:44 pm
http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com (http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com)
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on August 27, 2012, 10:27:42 am
Meanwhile, people at Aquila Aviation are working really hard to get the plane finished, so maybe in a week or two we can re-try for the delivery flight already! Original planning was delivery second half of October :D
EDIT: http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com (http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com) has been updated again
Post by: EHM-1465 Dominic on August 27, 2012, 11:45:52 pm
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on October 04, 2012, 11:05:49 pm
http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com (http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com)
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on October 11, 2012, 09:34:22 pm
http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com/ (http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com/)
All that's missing now ... is an airplane ;D
(and a bucket of money ;))
Post by: EHM-1465 Dominic on October 11, 2012, 10:15:35 pm
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on November 10, 2012, 11:19:09 am
SHE HAS ARRIVED ;D ;D ;D
http://t.ymlp228.net/emeanahmsjafaujwagamjy/click.php (http://t.ymlp228.net/emeanahmsjafaujwagamjy/click.php)
or even better:
http://youtu.be/yEsQvNd1020 (http://youtu.be/yEsQvNd1020)
Post by: EHM-2589 David on November 10, 2012, 11:34:07 am
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on November 11, 2012, 10:11:48 pm
Meanwhile, I updated my blog, but there's not much more there, than the pictures I already linked to ;)
http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com (http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com)
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on November 26, 2012, 06:16:23 pm
http://ericjes.ppl.blogspot.com (http://ericjes.ppl.blogspot.com)
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on August 29, 2013, 09:44:22 pm
I've updated my blog with some minor posts in the mean time, but now I added a major event: my first flying lesson in my own aircraft! ;D
Also, I decided to start the theory course as of next week, and I will start regular flying lessons with the upcoming new year.
The thing is: I only created the Dutch version yet: http:\\ericje.blogspot.com
The English translation will follow soon, but I do need to find some time for that...
[EDIT] the English translation can now be found on http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com (http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com)
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on January 15, 2014, 07:10:37 pm
And I have now started to actually FLY ;D ;D ;D
See the last six posts to catch up since my previous post here ;)
http://ericjesppl.blogspot.nl/ (http://ericjesppl.blogspot.nl/)
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on February 27, 2014, 07:14:24 am
I have posted a blogpost about the first flight after that month of not-flying, and I have meanwhile had another lesson despite the relatively high winds. I'll write a piece on that soon (have to find the time somewhere), but here's a video of one of the four landings I did during that flight. Just to show you how I struggled to get the plane down on the tarmac correctly. ;) Did a reasonably good job during the flight, but I was exhausted afterwards. ;D
http://youtu.be/t4ZPRAMKbec (http://youtu.be/t4ZPRAMKbec)
Blog:
http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com (http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com)
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on July 18, 2014, 09:35:29 am
Meanwhile, I also did RT practice (as opposed to RT theory), so all that remains is LPE (Language Proficiency Endorsement), which I will get towards the end of my practical course, I think.
I've been out of flying for a good month-and-a-half now, because of a shoulder injury, but that has healed enough for me to already book three lessons in August, to get back in the saddle.
On to my solo!
http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com (http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com)
Post by: EHM-1882 Gian on July 20, 2014, 06:34:30 am
Gian
Post by: EHM-2589 David on July 20, 2014, 10:47:04 pm
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on July 21, 2014, 07:49:24 am
One major hurdle is taken. Now all that remains is the fun stuff: the actual flying bit ;)
So, no matter how long it will take me to get my license, I'll be having nothing but fun getting there!
P.S. I see the English version of the article on my theory exams was not stored properly (not stored at all...); I'll re-do the translation shortly.
Meanwhile, if you can read Dutch ... http://ericje.blogspot.com]heres a link [url]http://ericje.blogspot.com (http://heres a link [url)[/url]
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on October 10, 2014, 12:06:13 pm
Slowly closing in on my first solo :D
http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com (http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com)
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on October 15, 2014, 01:17:46 pm
http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com (http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com)
Post by: EHM-2155 Mariano on December 26, 2014, 03:14:18 am
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on March 16, 2015, 10:20:30 am
It's starting to shape up like something. I'll have my first solo cross country soon!
http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com (http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com)
Post by: EHM-2131 Bruce on March 16, 2015, 12:00:53 pm
Post by: EHM-1749 Hector on April 13, 2015, 01:43:10 am
just my advice on your cross country solo: If in doubt, don't hesitate. Make a 180.
I learned that in the bad way. Never forgot it.
This coming October I will be celebrating my 40th birthday.... in my second life.
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on June 07, 2015, 11:10:13 pm
And my 2nd and 3rd too, because I immediately did my 150nm + "triangle" as well in one day ;D
Post by: EHM-1829 Trevor on June 08, 2015, 07:12:25 am
Congratulations E-J
That would have been daunting and exhilarating, all in one. ;)
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on November 18, 2015, 09:18:47 pm
http:\\ericjesppl.blogspot.com (http://http:\\ericjesppl.blogspot.com)
Meanwhile, as the weather is worsening again, I'm test flying this pre-release version of an X-Plane model of my own plane :)
Flying friend of mine modeled it, and is thinking of releasing it commercially.
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on March 25, 2016, 01:56:01 pm
This time it's about the end sprint to my practical exam, which will be any day now (depending on availability and weather, mostly)
http://ericjesppl.blogspot.nl/ (http://ericjesppl.blogspot.nl/)
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on March 30, 2016, 08:34:01 pm
I am an official holder of a PPL! ;D
Blog update will follow later. Beer first!
Post by: EHM-2589 David on March 30, 2016, 10:13:03 pm
Post by: EHM-2758 Peter on March 31, 2016, 01:48:40 pm
Post by: EHM-1829 Trevor on March 31, 2016, 09:47:51 pm
Well done EJ, a great accomplishment, ;) will see you on Mumble.
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on April 07, 2016, 09:32:14 pm
http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com (http://ericjesppl.blogspot.com)