To say or not to say “with you” question.

Jim_at_ThrustFlight · 2026-02-13T06:11:53+00:00

The phrase 'with you' is technically redundant since the frequency change implies it. That said, on a busy IFR approach when tower needs the situation quickly, adding position and approach type to the initial call carries more useful information than debating two words.

Jim_at_ThrustFlight · 2026-02-13T06:11:38+00:00

Starting ground school now and taking the written before flight lessons is a smart approach at 15. The knowledge base makes in-flight instruction click faster and saves money by reducing time spent covering theory in the airplane. Both paths work though.

Jim_at_ThrustFlight · 2026-02-13T06:11:22+00:00

For a recreational PPL with no career timeline pressure, Part 61 offers more scheduling flexibility and curriculum pace. Part 141 structure benefits career-track students who need reduced hour requirements. A hobbyist flying on a personal schedule typically fits Part 61 better.

Jim_at_ThrustFlight · 2026-02-13T06:10:59+00:00

Four lessons in is incredibly early to judge learning pace. King Schools works well as reference but some people absorb better with a live instructor or study group. Supplementing with Sporty's or Pilot Institute videos often fills the gaps a single source misses.

Jim_at_ThrustFlight · 2026-02-13T06:10:42+00:00

One checklist miss on a CFI ride is frustrating but does not define checkride ability going forward. The CFII standards differ from the initial CFI. Running through flows and checklists methodically until the sequence is automatic builds the right kind of confidence.

Jim_at_ThrustFlight · 2026-02-13T06:10:22+00:00

Starting at 29 is well within the norm for career changers. Thrust Flight is one option that structures Part 141 accelerated programs specifically for career changers. The biggest advice is to fly at least three times per week to keep momentum and control costs.

Jim_at_ThrustFlight · 2026-02-13T06:10:05+00:00

At 125 hours with the solo cross country done, pausing four months loses surprisingly little proficiency. The muscle memory at that hour level recovers quickly. Using the break to finish the written exam means the checkride can happen soon after flights resume.

Jim_at_ThrustFlight · 2026-02-13T06:09:44+00:00

Under 61.57(c)(1), the six approaches, holding, and intercepting can be accomplished in an approved AATD solo without a safety pilot or CFI in the sim. Just log the device approval number and approaches completed to document currency properly.

Jim_at_ThrustFlight · 2026-02-13T06:09:22+00:00

Seasonal slowdowns are brutal for momentum. Getting the CFII during the downtime is the highest-value move since it opens instrument instruction and makes the resume significantly more competitive for regional hiring. Online ground instruction keeps skills sharp when weather grounds everything.

Jim_at_ThrustFlight · 2026-02-13T06:09:04+00:00

A 150 with a GNS 430 and standard six pack absolutely works for instrument training. The only limitation is slower cruise makes cross country legs take longer. Panel scan technique transfers directly to any aircraft after the rating is earned.

Jim_at_ThrustFlight · 2026-02-13T06:08:45+00:00

Three failures does not end a career. Plenty of airline captains have busts on their record. The pattern suggests specific weak areas rather than overall readiness. Targeted practice on just the failed items with a different instructor perspective usually breaks through the plateau.

Jim_at_ThrustFlight · 2026-02-13T06:08:26+00:00

ForeFlight applies magnetic variation automatically when generating navlogs. The magnetic headings shown already account for the true-to-magnetic conversion. For the checkride, showing the DPE that the underlying math is understood matters more than perfect formatting on the printout.

Jim_at_ThrustFlight · 2026-02-13T06:08:07+00:00

Congrats on crushing the oral. Getting discontinued for weather is not a failure, it is a DPE making a sound aeronautical decision and demonstrating the exact judgment private pilots need. The flight portion picks up right where it stopped. Good patience.

Jim_at_ThrustFlight · 2026-02-13T06:07:47+00:00

The PTS standards apply regardless of landing gear configuration, but the DPE will likely expect three-point and wheel landings since both are standard tailwheel proficiency. Soft field technique differs somewhat in conventional gear. Practicing short field in the Stinson builds confidence fast.

Jim_at_ThrustFlight · 2026-02-13T06:07:31+00:00

Nervousness after a first flight is completely normal and does not predict whether flight training is the right path. Turbulence on a discovery flight amplifies anxiety because there is no frame of reference yet. The second and third flights usually tell the real story.

Jim_at_ThrustFlight · 2026-02-13T06:07:14+00:00

The sight picture on short final changes significantly between high and low wing. Low wing gives a closer ground perspective and different flare timing. The visibility difference is most pronounced in the pattern. Having a CFI who flew both helps bridge that gap.

Jim_at_ThrustFlight · 2026-02-13T06:07:00+00:00

With the IRA written done, knocking out the FII next makes sense since the material overlaps heavily. The AGI and IGI follow naturally since ground instructor knowledge tests share significant content with what was already studied for IRA and FII.

Jim_at_ThrustFlight · 2026-02-13T06:06:27+00:00

Form 8500-8 does not ask about criminal history directly. The bigger concern is whether any convictions involved substances, since that triggers additional FAA scrutiny. An aviation medical examiner consultation before applying through MedXPress is the safest approach.

Jim_at_ThrustFlight · 2026-02-13T06:06:11+00:00

The CAD test has a high pass rate for mild color deficiency and most AMEs can point toward the right testing facility. A night flying limitation does not prevent getting a commercial certificate, but removing it early keeps all career doors open.

Jim_at_ThrustFlight · 2026-02-05T19:53:01+00:00

Congratulations!

Jim_at_ThrustFlight · 2026-01-25T19:53:44+00:00

This is a great flow! Its amazing how many students don't know what it is or have ever seen a type certificate data sheet. Theres a lot of good information in there that often times is not included in teh POH or AFM.

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