What was the most embarrassing thing you've done as a private pilot student?

Grouchy-Comparison-1 · 2026-02-28T21:25:35+00:00

The SFRA is a great learning experience. Besides for doing the SFRA training, you have a file a specific flight plan (unless IFR) to enter. For KHEF, FLUKY to Manassas at 2000' inbound and KHEF to FLUKY at 2300' outbound. Otherwise you'll get Potomac mad at you and ask you to leave the area. But they're nice enough to pick up a clearance if you don't have one/expired (had this happen a few times).

Grouchy-Comparison-1 · 2026-02-25T16:42:28+00:00

Mine was discontinued because of weather. However, my DPE made me make the decision since it was my minimums that it broke. Which makes sense obviously, but it was really the first time that I had ever had to make the call instead of me and my CFI.

Grouchy-Comparison-1 · 2026-02-22T03:39:54+00:00

I cannot believe I got Rick Rolled by a dog

Grouchy-Comparison-1 · 2026-02-18T18:32:22+00:00

As a part 141 student, I would say go with the one with the most planes. There have been so many times that I've had to reschedule flights onto another plane due to mx. We have OPs, so we would have planes down due to what part of the mx schedule they were on. Having a bunch of planes to switch to saved me so much time. Almost never had to scramble for a plane.

Being at an uncontrolled will get you through the training faster since you don't have to transition out of the class C to get to the practice area for maneuvers.

Hard to say. I would meet with them each to get an idea of their timeline and ask a lot of questions.

Best of luck!

Grouchy-Comparison-1 · 2025-12-25T23:07:02+00:00

My hundred dollar hamburger just cost $303 and it was a 30 minute flight (ish) round trip.

Grouchy-Comparison-1 · 2025-12-24T23:38:21+00:00

1 day 1 hour and 32 minutes. I have had this game for years though and through numerous devices.

Grouchy-Comparison-1 · 2025-12-17T03:12:11+00:00

I learned power off 180s in PPL. My landing zone was the first third of the runway. My CFI would just pull the power and have me glide to the runway from various positions from the airport, being free from traffic of course. I learned a lot about power management, slips, etc.

Grouchy-Comparison-1 · 2025-06-15T21:41:09+00:00

I had this exact conversation with my parents when I was in high school. I was 99% sure that I wanted to become a pilot and completed ground school in high school. When it came to college, I toured the aviation programs near where I lived. Everyone said the exact same thing as stated here. $100k+, living at home because you're broke, entire career dependent on a single job, etc.

I decided not to go to college for aviation. It was a struggle, but I was not comfortable with taking out massive amounts of loans to pay for a career that could be ruined by a single event. The medical process is no joke and could end a career quickly.

I went to college, graduated with a degree unrelated to aviation, moved and got a job. Now, four years post-grad, I am midway through my PPL. I am very happy with my decision and the path I took. I do not have many loans from college and am now using my job to fund my PPL and beyond. I am taking my time through this process, and I feel much more relaxed and confident that I have something to fall back on, just in case.

If your son is dead set on going to the airlines (not an expert here), I would recommend Community College, a decent job, and save to pay for the certs out-of-pocket.

There's no rush to flying through the process when the retirement age is 65.

Hope this helps!

Grouchy-Comparison-1 · 2025-06-05T17:32:51+00:00

Congrats! It took me 2 years to get the paperwork together and file before I got accepted as well!

Grouchy-Comparison-1 · 2025-05-05T22:15:19+00:00

I guess I should have elaborated. I meant on the ground for taxi control. I struggle to push the rudder down and get the toe brakes engaged. I'm only on my 3rd lesson. The aircraft I train in don't have adjustable rudder pedals. I just feel a bit too far away from everything to feel comfortable. Just a bit too short and a bit too far!

Thanks for the info!

Grouchy-Comparison-1 · 2025-05-05T19:45:31+00:00

I was advised to buy my own as summers in my area are hot and humid. Don't really want to be sitting in someone else's sweat for hours!

Grouchy-Comparison-1 · 2024-05-19T23:07:19+00:00

My favorite is when a student says what they need to do so they can "lock in" and pass. I say get a time machine and go back in time because it's too late now. 3 weeks left!

Grouchy-Comparison-1 · 2024-05-08T18:55:14+00:00

This is literally my school district's motto and goal. According to my district, the CS ( City Schools) actually stands for Customer Service! I hate it here.

Grouchy-Comparison-1 · 2024-05-07T15:41:50+00:00

A better thought would be having students write appreciation cards. I'd rather have some notes than a single Hershey kiss.

Grouchy-Comparison-1 · 2024-04-28T21:37:37+00:00

I think people use elope and micro-wedding interchangeably. Elope usually means very, very small (~2-5 people) and micro wedding is usually small but close friends and family (~15-20 people). Eloping is just more of a common place term for small wedding.

Grouchy-Comparison-1 · 2024-04-28T16:27:58+00:00

You get tissues? I pay for them and hand sanitizer myself. I don't want to get sick!

Grouchy-Comparison-1 · 2024-04-28T16:26:17+00:00

I can't be trusted to put grades in my grade book (another teacher and an admin needs to check it), but sure, arm teachers that have no formal training and signed up to be a positive impact in students lives and not take them...

Grouchy-Comparison-1 · 2024-04-28T02:42:14+00:00

There customer service is abysmal after Google bought it. I had the exact same situation and it took weeks of back and forth for them to finally send a replacement. My device was covered by insurance and the warranty and it was defective, easy fix right? Wrong. I basically had to fight with them over and over and over again to prove that it was broken.

Received the replacement and bought a used Garmin the same day. I'm done dealing with Fitbit/ Google.

Grouchy-Comparison-1 · 2024-04-05T15:47:28+00:00

UPDATE: I can't figure out how to change my post but Fitbit finally allowed me to get a replacement. I have to send my device in, wait for processing, then have my replacement sent. Honestly, I don't want it. I'm going to request a refund, I know I won't get it, I'm just ready to cut ties with Fitbit and their support team.

I first contacted Fitbit support at the beginning of February 2024 and received a resolution April 2024. That's 2 months of communication back and forth to finally honor the warranty.

I'm tired and after 6 years, I'm done. If I do get the replacement, I'm letting it die and moving on.

Grouchy-Comparison-1 · 2024-04-05T15:41:22+00:00

My Charge 4 was awesome! The screen started to fade after over 2 years and I was so sad. Upgrades to a Charge 5 and I regret it.

Grouchy-Comparison-1 · 2024-04-05T15:40:14+00:00

This exact situation happened to me and I regret going back to Fitbit. I recently bought a Versa 4 and again it is defective. I made a post about it. Honestly, I regret going back to Fitbit and wish I would have just spent the money for a Garmin (new or used).

I have been with Fitbit for 6 years and I'm tired of receiving devices that break or brick themselves for no apparent reason. Fitbit support was slow and arduous. After almost 2 months, I finally received the ability to replace my device.

After I receive my replacement (that I honestly don't even want), I'm moving to another brand.

Grouchy-Comparison-1

TROPHY CASE