How Many Licensed Private Pilots here?

[LongBomb]

Still looking at getting mine before 35. Had a conversation with “pd” (Daniel) on here in October about par 61 schools and his business. If any of you are thinking about getting yours and are in the Seattle area, get in touch with him.

Since the people in my career field are getting a 50% pay increase, it is  in the back of my mind to look at my commercial fixed wing and rotor licenses some point and saving my body from being beat up for the next 20 years.

I’m working in the Aviation sector this winter to gain experience and can say that there is a pilot shortage.

Not to derail but 50% wage increase?.....what career are you in??

USFS/federal wildland fire. Near a 50% increase that was included in the infrastructure  bill that was passed. still not much but at least I won’t be making the same as a burger flipper for a few years.

Gotcha

[Netminder01]

Started mine a few years back before piling up on my street bike getting me out of my course schedule, ended up starting a business.

Flying hunters and anglers into remote camps is my 'made it" goal.

Good thread to remind me what I'm working for...

[GWP]

Grew up in aviation. Rebuilt a few and helped others with theirs. Worked in it all my life. Flew a lot in both commercial and private.
Father was a WWII pilot (and before) and LOVED aviation. He was meticulous and an excellent pilot.
The stats ‘used’ to be the average pilot kept current for 2 1/2 years before not flying any more after getting their license.
Maintenance is critical. Once in the air, awareness is critical. Always head on a swivel thinking about the ‘what if’.
In all my years I only had a single ‘incident’ flying, and it was not all that bad.
I am VERY careful whom I fly with, and have passed on flying with some.
You can not (for long) half azz, be lazy about ANY of it, or take chances.
Had a Bud that flew from Western Wa to Western Montana about every two weeks for years in a 185. Never an issue.

[ucwarden]

I got my pilot's license in 1973 at the age of 17.  At the time, I was working as a lineman (fueling planes) at an EAA base airport in northern Virginia part-time for about six years.  Most of my time is in Cessna 172s and piper Cherokee 180s.  I then built an RV-6A, which I sold about eleven years ago. 
I personally would suggest getting your private license or at least get 20+ hours before buying a plane, but of-course then you have to pay the rental fees.  As you get more flying time, your preferences will likely change, plus there is always a chance you find flying is just not your thing.
I lost my medical quite a while back, so I don't fly anymore, but I can help in any way, let me know.
Now one piece of advice- Never make the mistake of thinking you can fly around the west coast at will, without having to wait in line for commercial flights.  Many VFR private pilots have paid the ultimate price for making the decision that "The weather is not that bad, and we can get around it, but I've gotta to get back for work tomorrow."
 
Enjoy!  There's nothing like it.     

[Taco280AI]

I'm beginning to consider a Cessna 140 with a 110hp upgrade. Guy I know has numerous planes and this is an extra 140 of his. Haven't looked into it, seen it, just talked with him about it. Love the idea, but would have to be picky about when and where in the mountains I'd fly. Have a bit of research to do.

[pd]

I'm beginning to consider a Cessna 140 with a 110hp upgrade. Guy I know has numerous planes and this is an extra 140 of his. Haven't looked into it, seen it, just talked with him about it. Love the idea, but would have to be picky about when and where in the mountains I'd fly. Have a bit of research to do.

Prices are finally starting to come down, they have been nutz throughout Covid.  110-hp on a C-140, that would make for a zippy taildragger, and could be a lot of fun.  Good luck!

[KFhunter]

got a number of pilots in my fam, but I have never reached that goal myself.

My bro could teach me he's an instructor, my son could teach me he's a private pilot but hasn't reached CFI yet


For me, since I know people, would buy a plane to start out with rather than rent.   There's a guy local that instructs for $45/hr and rents a C150 for $90/hr, but we're both a bit big to fit us in it.   

I'd buy a C180, get a bunch of hours on it, trade or sell or modify to a bush kit   

I really wanted to build a Bearhawk, but then I found out it's nearly impossible to get a check ride in them and being experimental you can't hire out with it, ever. 

[Skywagon_185]

I learned to fly in 1972. PPL in about  '74.  Rented planes  for a few years but found their restrictions not suitable to how I wanted to fly, no unpaved strips etc. At age 40 bought a C182 with a Robertson STOL kit. Great back country airplane.  My first real cross country was to Wrangell AK.  3years later I bought a C185.  Canada and Alaska was my favorite destinations. One summer, flew to AK 4 times.  Flying gave me much pleasure by allowing me to go into the great wildernesses  to the north.  In '96 I bought into a very remote hunting camp in AK. Fly in access only.  An outdoorsmans dream.  Moose hunting was awesome.  Had to quit in 2015 due to medical problems and costs.  Accumulated around 3000 hours of back country flying without bending any aluminum.  Probably the best  thing I ever did.

[GASoline71]

I'm a RADAR Approach Controller up at NAS Whidbey.  Oh the things I see on a daily basis keeps me from ever wanting to fly in a small private plane.   

Gary

[Macs B]

I'm a retired Army Rotary Wing Pilot, civilian multi engine instrument guy.  We own a half share in a Cessna 337H turbo, sometimes referred to as a Mix Master, Sky Master, or O2.  Don't fly near as much as I should, but we do travel a bit by air.

[pd]

I learned to fly in 1972. PPL in about  '74.  Rented planes  for a few years but found their restrictions not suitable to how I wanted to fly, no unpaved strips etc. At age 40 bought a C182 with a Robertson STOL kit. Great back country airplane.  My first real cross country was to Wrangell AK.  3years later I bought a C185.  Canada and Alaska was my favorite destinations. One summer, flew to AK 4 times.  Flying gave me much pleasure by allowing me to go into the great wildernesses  to the north.  In '96 I bought into a very remote hunting camp in AK. Fly in access only.  An outdoorsmans dream.  Moose hunting was awesome.  Had to quit in 2015 due to medical problems and costs.  Accumulated around 3000 hours of back country flying without bending any aluminum.  Probably the best  thing I ever did.

I know dozens, if not hundreds, of guys who would give their first born child to do what you have done.

Name checks out as well. 

[pd]

I'm a retired Army Rotary Wing Pilot, civilian multi engine instrument guy.  We own a half share in a Cessna 337H turbo, sometimes referred to as a Mix Master, Sky Master, or O2.  Don't fly near as much as I should, but we do travel a bit by air.

Push-pull.  I have never actually seen one of those.  Sure beats my 150.