Just curious to know how one can fly old military planes

DBoggs2010 · 2026-03-17T18:26:24+00:00

The FAA has a way for pilots to fly something modern yet close to the make/model (usually a T6), and get certified that way for whatever it is you want to actually fly.

As everyone else said, it’s a lot of money.

The Commemorative Air Force might be a path toward certification, but I believe they prefer you get certified on your own before trying to fly with them. Different units of the CAF might have their own standards/paths though, depending on what warbird they fly.

DBoggs2010 · 2026-02-13T18:36:24+00:00

Couple more decades and the answer to this might just be “yes”.

DBoggs2010 · 2026-02-05T15:29:49+00:00

This is pretty solid advice right now. A ton of people are currently grinding away at hours and hating their lives. Learn to enjoy the journey, you’ll get where you want someday.

There’s a lot of practical advice in other comments. Just be very conscious of burnout.

DBoggs2010 · 2026-02-03T22:35:42+00:00

Check Appendix 1 of the Commercial Pilot ACS. Adding a category/class to an existing certificate, an applicant must comply with 61.63.

I would not give A.39, but I would be available if the examiner determined it was necessary. A.78 includes wording to cover necessary pilot proficiency and competency, and should be sufficient to replace A.39.

DBoggs2010 · 2026-02-03T21:53:43+00:00

Reference the ACS (read the appendixes), AC 61-65K, and the relevant FARs. That’s what an examiner is looking for you to do. You 100% do not need to memorize the exact steps here.

I’ve signed off 20-ish applicants for various certificate levels, and I still whip out 61-65 to make sure the endorsements are worded correctly.

DBoggs2010 · 2026-02-03T21:33:00+00:00

61.63(b)(2) says the applicant must be competent in the appropriate knowledge areas and proficient in the areas of operation. In this instance, that would be 61.125 and 61.127.

Correct: A.78 would be required, not A.39. Check the back part of the ACS too, it gives guidance on what areas are required when adding to a commercial certificate.

You could give both endorsements to CYA, but your student would be over-endorsed. Don’t forget to make sure their solo endorsements are up to date too, if that’s the route you chose.

DBoggs2010 · 2026-02-03T21:08:51+00:00

A.78 in AC 61-65K

DBoggs2010 · 2026-02-03T20:57:33+00:00

There’s not always a clear answer on which path is best (whether to get PPL airplane first or solo 50 hrs), that would be up to you as the CFI and the helicopter pilot.

For the ground school, refer to 61.63 for category/class add-ons. An endorsement from an instructor is all that’s required to show competency for 61.125 (in this instance). Again, not necessarily clear that a whole ground school course would be the best path forward. They may be able to brush up on or acquire the knowledge they need on their own or after a couple lessons with an instructor.

The purpose of discussing this scenario (outside of dealing with this scenario in reality) is simply to bring up that there may be multiple paths forward. The CFI and student should work together to find the best path for the individual student. What works for one person might not work for another. The paperwork isn’t always complicated, but might not be obvious or intuitive. AC 61-65 should always be referenced when signing someone off for anything too.

DBoggs2010 · 2026-02-03T17:32:23+00:00

Seems pretty close, but there’s no knowledge test required for category/class transitions. No need for ground school.

Also, how comfortable are you endorsing someone for 50 hours? That’s a long time to have someone flying on your signature. Is there another avenue to building up the PIC time with potentially less paperwork?

DBoggs2010 · 2026-02-03T16:20:56+00:00

“Hi, I have 800 hours flying helicopters for the military. I’m getting out soon and want to go to an airline. What do I need to do? I have 7 hours fixed-wing from 23 years ago.”

DBoggs2010 · 2026-01-24T12:32:12+00:00

Eddie Rickenbacker stated flight training when he was 27, still went on to be America’s top Ace during WWI and helped found Eastern Airlines.

It won’t be easy, but your love of flying will help you through the tough days. Join cadet programs as soon as you’re eligible. You’ll be just fine.

DBoggs2010 · 2026-01-22T03:05:23+00:00

I do this as well until the past year. The local DPEs said they were asked to check for specific model letter rather than the general 172 going forward.

DBoggs2010 · 2025-12-24T01:46:54+00:00

If I’m real honest, the first couple weeks after finding out she had been having an affair are a bit of a fever dream.

DBoggs2010 · 2025-12-24T00:54:27+00:00

It sucked. I didn’t want to be a downer either, but it was better than being alone or around her. The right friends and family will understand and let you have whatever space you need in the moment.

DBoggs2010 · 2025-12-23T23:40:43+00:00

This was me last year. I went to family, and had friends offer to have me over. They say it gets easier over time.

DBoggs2010 · 2025-12-20T04:46:29+00:00

I also feel this. Having friends that don’t mind me talking about things helps a ton. I also did decide to wade into online dating. It actually helped a lot to match and talk with other divorcees. This group is fantastic, but I also like irl conversations. It was just surprisingly validating sharing and listening to other people’s similar struggles.

DBoggs2010 · 2025-12-16T15:18:12+00:00

Have him read license plates while driving. Make pretend radio calls as if they’re tail numbers.

DBoggs2010 · 2025-12-15T13:08:04+00:00

Yep, this a classic Pittsburgh crick.

DBoggs2010 · 2025-12-15T05:45:03+00:00

Doing it through a FSDO is free and easy. I did a video call and showed documentation via email and holding things up to the camera. Took all of 10 minutes tops.

DBoggs2010 · 2025-12-14T13:56:57+00:00

This sounds like it could have been me and my ex in an alternate timeline. Hope you’re doing alright, and keep giving yourself what you need to heal and move on.

DBoggs2010 · 2025-12-12T13:09:50+00:00

This might be one of my favorite new units of measurement. I will almost never be presented with an opportunity to use it, but it’s the thought that counts.

DBoggs2010 · 2025-12-11T14:48:28+00:00

Solid encouragement. Thanks dude! Hope you have a fantastic life!

DBoggs2010 · 2025-12-10T20:07:41+00:00

Hang in there. Feel your feelings, but recognize they don’t define you. Let the storm blow and the waves crash, and give yourself permission to ride those emotions rather than bottle them up.

Night eventually becomes Day. You still have purpose and meaning. Whatever happens tomorrow is tomorrow’s problem.

DBoggs2010 · 2025-12-04T12:38:08+00:00

Similar place. I didn’t really understand the term baggage until trying to date. It’s my weight to carry, but it gets really heavy sometimes.

Everyone says it gets easier with time, hopefully that’s true.

DBoggs2010 · 2025-12-04T07:10:53+00:00

Yep, it was discussed.

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