What’s next?
In the days after my first flight, I began to think about the next step in my training and possible benchmarks for the future. That right there is exciting enough in itself to write.
While I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself, of course, I want to at least brainstorm some potential future accomplishments. Even though I’m 40-something I want to be positive and have the mindset that, like any pilot, training is never really finished.
To know what you do not want can be just as important as what you do want, and there are some certificates and ratings I know I can rule out. First, I can rule out that I don’t want to try to become an airline transport pilot or work as a company pilot. Second, I’m definitely too old for the military. Third, I don’t need the light sport certificate or recreational certificate since I’m working toward my Private Pilot’s License. Finally, I don’t see myself doing a lot of high altitude flying, but for now I will hold short of saying never.
However, there are other ratings and endorsements that I know for certain I want to undertake – tailwheel and seaplane, for example. Both only require a few hours of instruction and here I can focus on my love for antique or vintage aircraft. Further, there are at least a few possible goals that I’d research thoroughly before summarily tossing out as rubbish. Do I need an instrument rating or a commercial or flight instructor certificate? Finally, other goals go hand-in-hand like multi-engine and complex or even high performance.
How much time?
The other consideration must be time. As the title of this post suggests, in French no less, I have also thought about how much time do I have to devote to my aviation training. How often can I effectively dedicate to fly? A few hours a month or more? Would that increase with owning an aircraft? Am I too old to think about certain certificates, ratings or endorsements or not? With time also comes the consideration of money. Both are huge factors that potentially stall the progress of a pilot’s destination.
At the end of this post I’ve started a bucket list of accomplishments I want to complete along the way – either in the near or distant future. Every person should have a list of fun goals to keep things fresh and new. This allows a person to look forward to the next goal no matter how big or small. While reaching to attain a new rating or endorsement, a pilot is able to achieve a sense of satisfaction with the bonus of realizing further proficiency on previously learned skills. This is not a comprehensive list and I know my goals and desires may change over time, but I’ll never reach any of these accomplishments if I don’t write them down first.
Certifications
- Private Pilot
- Commercial Pilot
- Certified Flight Instructor
Ratings
- Instrument
- Multi-Engine
- Seaplane
- Helicopter
Endorsements
- Tailwheel
- Complex
- High Performance
- Skies
Bucket list
- Buy an airplane
- Take friends and family for a ride
- Plan a trip to a Fly-In with airplane
- Plan a trip to Oshkosh
- Visit all the airports in Illinois
- Land at a large international airport
- Fly to most of the Midwestern States
- Fly an open cockpit aircraft
- Plan a trip to fly to an airplane museum
- Complete a Cross Country trip
Have you thought about your goals? Do you have any items on your bucket list? How much time do you have to devote to your passion? Please feel free to comment as I’d like to hear from you. If you have any suggestions I’d certainly be glad to hear them.
Soundtrack: “Talk About The Passion” – R.E.M.
Sierra Charlie Alpha 