Who here is a private pilot?

BMWUltimateDriv3r · 07-09-2014, 09:18 PM

Is flying fun? Was it worth it getting your license? Do you prefer flying to driving?

ragingclue · 07-09-2014, 09:44 PM

All the pilots we had here mysteriously crashed and died so you'll probably be better off going elsewhere for advice.

Flying is tons of fun though, what are your intentions if you do get the license? That's a big factor in whether it's worth it or not.

BMWUltimateDriv3r · 07-09-2014, 09:49 PM

Fly around for fun. Or start an air taxi business.

dreamingat30fps · 07-09-2014, 09:51 PM

I started taking classes. Honestly I had/have no desire to be an actual pilot. I simply enjoyed taking the classes. It was fun I enjoyed it. The instructor kept trying to prepare me for the tests and what not and I kept telling him, I have no desire to be a pilot, I do this for fun and doing practice stalls is NOT fun, at least not for me, I'm not the kinda guy that likes roller coasters or any of that crap.

I may do it again at some time.

Around here all the schools have like an intro to flying class thats usually like an hour or so and like $100. I would do one of those and see how you like it.

Rotorocious · 07-09-2014, 11:37 PM

I've always wanted to be but cant afford the training yet.
So I got into rc flying

I do know that to do it for profit you'll need a commercial license not just a private so that is something to consider.

KingOfJericho · 07-10-2014, 07:42 AM

My buddy is a pilot and now a flight instructor. He's been flying since we were in high school and that bug never left him - he lives for it. There's something to be said for driving up to the hangar, hopping into a plane, and in 25-45 minutes being somewhere that would have taken 4-6 hours to get to with a car.

From southwestern CT, we usually fly out to Block Island, Nantucket, or Marthas Vineyard for lunch or to go to the beach. Katama on the vineyard has a plane parking lot right across the street from the beach. It's awesome.

He's been pushing me for years to get my license but it's a lot like a boat - it's better to have a friend with one than to have your own.

blankstar43 · 07-10-2014, 08:53 AM

My father has his private pilot license and a cirrus sr22 turbo he flies around. I have taken a few lessons and it's a lot of fun, but it takes a lot of time, dedication, and money to do it and enjoy it properly.

IMO just go take the intro lesson and see if you like it. If you want to get your license just be ready for the commitment if you intend to follow through.

2011CrazE89 · 07-10-2014, 09:21 AM

My neighbors an executive jet pilot. Also flys the Kardashians around all over the place. He’s flown Bon Jovi, Howie Mandel, Halle Berry, and a few other celebrities. He hates it! Not the flying but the hours. When a celebrity wants to be somewhere they expect you to be at the airport waiting with very little notice. He’s left me sitting at bars alone plenty of times due to his unpredictable schedule.

PJS313 · 07-10-2014, 10:45 AM

I've got mine and absolutely love it! As others said it is a commitment of time and money to get the license but so worth it IMO, there are flying clubs at some small airports which really cut down on the costs of taking a ride or trip once you have the license that's how I do it now. Go for an introductory ride/lesson and you'll know if it's for you (they usually have deals on groupon for one)

deeLow · 07-10-2014, 11:05 AM

My dream has always been to be a pilot, maybe not commercial jet liners but definitely private plane. Maybe even small private jets. Ever since I was a child it's what I've wanted to do...

But my money does not grow on trees and there is no way I could afford it. It's a terrible feeling really knowing you can not achieve your dreams because of a piece of paper.

deeLow · 07-10-2014, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PJS313

I've got mine and absolutely love it! As others said it is a commitment of time and money to get the license but so worth it IMO, there are flying clubs at some small airports which really cut down on the costs of taking a ride or trip once you have the license that's how I do it now. Go for an introductory ride/lesson and you'll know if it's for you (they usually have deals on groupon for one)

Take me with you, pretty pretty please.

954Stealth · 07-10-2014, 12:07 PM

I just fly drones

Rotorocious · 07-10-2014, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 954Stealth

I just fly drones

Ditto

TotalPower · 07-12-2014, 06:35 PM

I'm a private pilot, with multi-engine IFR.

Learned to fly in college- been flying for nearly 10 years now. Fly from CA to TX and all of baja....LOVE IT.

ASAP · 07-12-2014, 09:50 PM

I almost am...

It's a very expensive sport... like everything it was fun for a while but eventually i got bored with it. Imagine shelling out 10k for a license and then paying $150-200 an hr every time u want to fly... u have to decide if it's worth it for you. It's certainly fun and something different but it didn't nearly float my boat as much as cars did.

sf313 · 07-15-2014, 12:51 AM

Commercial Single Engine Land Single Engine Sea, Multi Engine Land & Instrument. Fly a King Air and Cessna 340 for the company I work for. Have a Pitts S2-C for fun.
For about $4,000-$6,000 you can get a Private Pilots License depending on where you're located. (Which is a license to learn) Less for a Sport Pilots License.
It definitely is an addictive thing once you get into it and there are so many interesting different things to do in aviation (seaplane, tailwheel, bush flying, gliding etc.) That being said it is expensive but if you join a club you can mitigate costs as well as meet some like minded people, which is always fun.

AOPA is a good resource if you're thinking about it. http://www.aopa.org/Pilot-Resources/Learn-to-Fly

In my mind if it came down to the Pitts or the M3, its an instantaneous decision and off goes the M3 simply for nights like this. (Not my vid as I'm still getting my go pro mounts figured out) But then again, to each their own...

[u2b]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odwJr5FzArM[/u2b]

If anyone has any questions feel free to PM me. I highly recommend going for an intro lesson as was mentioned to feel out your interest level. Careful though, once bitten by the aviation bug there's no turning back.

PJS313 · 07-15-2014, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sf313

Commercial Single Engine Land Single Engine Sea, Multi Engine Land & Instrument. Fly a King Air and Cessna 340 for the company I work for. Have a Pitts S2-C for fun.
For about $4,000-$6,000 you can get a Private Pilots License depending on where you're located. (Which is a license to learn) Less for a Sport Pilots License.
It definitely is an addictive thing once you get into it and there are so many interesting different things to do in aviation (seaplane, tailwheel, bush flying, gliding etc.) That being said it is expensive but if you join a club you can mitigate costs as well as meet some like minded people, which is always fun.

AOPA is a good resource if you're thinking about it. http://www.aopa.org/Pilot-Resources/Learn-to-Fly

In my mind if it came down to the Pitts or the M3, its an instantaneous decision and off goes the M3 simply for nights like this. (Not my vid as I'm still getting my go pro mounts figured out) But then again, to each their own...

[u2b]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odwJr5FzArM[/u2b]

If anyone has any questions feel free to PM me. I highly recommend going for an intro lesson as was mentioned to feel out your interest level. Careful though, once bitten by the aviation bug there's no turning back.

That Pitts is gorgeous must be a blast to fly!!!!

So lucky being able to fly the King Air and 340 for work, that'd be a dream come true for me. I'm just about finished up with my instrument and hopefully will be going to get my tailwheel endorsement towards the end of August and maybe try some aerobatics after that looks like fun just not sure if my stomach can handle it.

PJS313 · 07-15-2014, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deeLow

Take me with you, pretty pretty please.

Hey man I'll send you PM, depending on where you're at in NJ maybe middle of August I could get you up for a ride!

sf313 · 07-15-2014, 05:54 PM

PJS313 Good luck on the instrument ride! Even if aerobatics aren't for you definitely get the tailwheel endorsement. You'll realize afterwards when you're comfortable in a tailwheel aircraft that you were merely an airplane driver before, not a pilot. (Not demeaning anyone in any way, I just have a grizzled old instructor that likes to say that. He's right.)

Nate2046 · 07-15-2014, 11:49 PM

Damn I want a ride in that Pitts! One of those things I've been saying I'll do for years and just never gotten done. Gliders are also on the bucket list. As others have said, take a Discovery or intro flight, gauge your interest, and take it from there. I've had my CFI for 18 years, though I don't actively instruct, if you have any specific questions.

07-09-2014, 09:18 PM	#1
BMWUltimateDriv3r First Lieutenant 92 Rep 324 Posts Drives: '08 328xi Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	Who here is a private pilot? Is flying fun? Was it worth it getting your license? Do you prefer flying to driving?
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07-09-2014, 09:44 PM	#2
ragingclue One cam is enough 136 Rep 6,801 Posts Drives: VF Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: mulletville iTrader: (1)	All the pilots we had here mysteriously crashed and died so you'll probably be better off going elsewhere for advice. Flying is tons of fun though, what are your intentions if you do get the license? That's a big factor in whether it's worth it or not.
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07-09-2014, 09:49 PM	#3
BMWUltimateDriv3r First Lieutenant 92 Rep 324 Posts Drives: '08 328xi Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	Fly around for fun. Or start an air taxi business.
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07-09-2014, 09:51 PM	#4
dreamingat30fps Colonel 5967 Rep 2,025 Posts Drives: Miata, Cayenne, Model 3, F350 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: South Florida & NC iTrader: (1)	I started taking classes. Honestly I had/have no desire to be an actual pilot. I simply enjoyed taking the classes. It was fun I enjoyed it. The instructor kept trying to prepare me for the tests and what not and I kept telling him, I have no desire to be a pilot, I do this for fun and doing practice stalls is NOT fun, at least not for me, I'm not the kinda guy that likes roller coasters or any of that crap. I may do it again at some time. Around here all the schools have like an intro to flying class thats usually like an hour or so and like $100. I would do one of those and see how you like it.
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07-09-2014, 11:37 PM	#5
Rotorocious Lieutenant Colonel 105 Rep 1,520 Posts Drives: 335xi Join Date: May 2010 Location: Colorado iTrader: (3)	I've always wanted to be but cant afford the training yet. So I got into rc flying I do know that to do it for profit you'll need a commercial license not just a private so that is something to consider.
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07-10-2014, 07:42 AM	#6
KingOfJericho Major General 2458 Rep 7,341 Posts Drives: Yes Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CT iTrader: (1) Garage List 2010 135i Coupe [5.26]	My buddy is a pilot and now a flight instructor. He's been flying since we were in high school and that bug never left him - he lives for it. There's something to be said for driving up to the hangar, hopping into a plane, and in 25-45 minutes being somewhere that would have taken 4-6 hours to get to with a car. From southwestern CT, we usually fly out to Block Island, Nantucket, or Marthas Vineyard for lunch or to go to the beach. Katama on the vineyard has a plane parking lot right across the street from the beach. It's awesome. He's been pushing me for years to get my license but it's a lot like a boat - it's better to have a friend with one than to have your own. __________________ The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Bimmerpost. 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee High Altitude Hemi \| 2010 S4 Sold \| 2010 BMW 135i Retired \| 2006 Lotus Exige Sold
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07-10-2014, 08:53 AM	#7
blankstar43 Lieutenant 55 Rep 596 Posts Drives: 2012 e92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Neverland iTrader: (3)	My father has his private pilot license and a cirrus sr22 turbo he flies around. I have taken a few lessons and it's a lot of fun, but it takes a lot of time, dedication, and money to do it and enjoy it properly. IMO just go take the intro lesson and see if you like it. If you want to get your license just be ready for the commitment if you intend to follow through. __________________ 2012 JZB/Fox Red M3 DCT -JZB reflectors, CF gills, gloss black grills
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07-10-2014, 09:21 AM	#8
2011CrazE89 Moved on 130 Rep 166 Posts Drives: 2011 Z430i & 2015 MB C300 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	My neighbors an executive jet pilot. Also flys the Kardashians around all over the place. He’s flown Bon Jovi, Howie Mandel, Halle Berry, and a few other celebrities. He hates it! Not the flying but the hours. When a celebrity wants to be somewhere they expect you to be at the airport waiting with very little notice. He’s left me sitting at bars alone plenty of times due to his unpredictable schedule.
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07-10-2014, 10:45 AM	#9
PJS313 Private First Class 49 Rep 111 Posts Drives: '23 Black Sapphire X5 M50i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	I've got mine and absolutely love it! As others said it is a commitment of time and money to get the license but so worth it IMO, there are flying clubs at some small airports which really cut down on the costs of taking a ride or trip once you have the license that's how I do it now. Go for an introductory ride/lesson and you'll know if it's for you (they usually have deals on groupon for one) __________________ Black Sapphire G05 X5 M50i - Sept 2023 '71 Fiat 500L Donnington Grey X3MC - Sold Mineral White F82 M4 - Sold AW E92 M3 - Sold
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07-10-2014, 11:05 AM	#10
deeLow DOPE 148 Rep 759 Posts Drives: F80 Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Earth iTrader: (2)	My dream has always been to be a pilot, maybe not commercial jet liners but definitely private plane. Maybe even small private jets. Ever since I was a child it's what I've wanted to do... But my money does not grow on trees and there is no way I could afford it. It's a terrible feeling really knowing you can not achieve your dreams because of a piece of paper.
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07-12-2014, 06:35 PM	#14
TotalPower Lieutenant 32 Rep 480 Posts Drives: 2011 335is Vert AW Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	I'm a private pilot, with multi-engine IFR. Learned to fly in college- been flying for nearly 10 years now. Fly from CA to TX and all of baja....LOVE IT.
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07-12-2014, 09:50 PM	#15
ASAP Major General 10893 Rep 9,064 Posts Drives: '23 X3 M40i Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	I almost am... It's a very expensive sport... like everything it was fun for a while but eventually i got bored with it. Imagine shelling out 10k for a license and then paying $150-200 an hr every time u want to fly... u have to decide if it's worth it for you. It's certainly fun and something different but it didn't nearly float my boat as much as cars did. __________________ 2 x N54 -> 1 x N55 -> 1 x S55-> 1 x B58
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07-15-2014, 12:51 AM	#16
sf313 New Member 9 Rep 6 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Milwaukee, WI iTrader: (0)	Commercial Single Engine Land Single Engine Sea, Multi Engine Land & Instrument. Fly a King Air and Cessna 340 for the company I work for. Have a Pitts S2-C for fun. For about $4,000-$6,000 you can get a Private Pilots License depending on where you're located. (Which is a license to learn) Less for a Sport Pilots License. It definitely is an addictive thing once you get into it and there are so many interesting different things to do in aviation (seaplane, tailwheel, bush flying, gliding etc.) That being said it is expensive but if you join a club you can mitigate costs as well as meet some like minded people, which is always fun. AOPA is a good resource if you're thinking about it. http://www.aopa.org/Pilot-Resources/Learn-to-Fly In my mind if it came down to the Pitts or the M3, its an instantaneous decision and off goes the M3 simply for nights like this. (Not my vid as I'm still getting my go pro mounts figured out) But then again, to each their own... [u2b]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odwJr5FzArM[/u2b] If anyone has any questions feel free to PM me. I highly recommend going for an intro lesson as was mentioned to feel out your interest level. Careful though, once bitten by the aviation bug there's no turning back. Attached Images
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07-15-2014, 05:54 PM	#19
sf313 New Member 9 Rep 6 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Milwaukee, WI iTrader: (0)	PJS313 Good luck on the instrument ride! Even if aerobatics aren't for you definitely get the tailwheel endorsement. You'll realize afterwards when you're comfortable in a tailwheel aircraft that you were merely an airplane driver before, not a pilot. (Not demeaning anyone in any way, I just have a grizzled old instructor that likes to say that. He's right.)
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07-15-2014, 11:49 PM	#20
Nate2046 Lieutenant 16 Rep 421 Posts Drives: '11 e92M Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Indianapolis, In iTrader: (2)	Damn I want a ride in that Pitts! One of those things I've been saying I'll do for years and just never gotten done. Gliders are also on the bucket list. As others have said, take a Discovery or intro flight, gauge your interest, and take it from there. I've had my CFI for 18 years, though I don't actively instruct, if you have any specific questions.
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