What next in the wonderful world of flying?

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

Well, after finally getting some annoying TSA paperwork requirements out of the way I finally got my long-due refresher on landings done today. I still know how to do short and soft field take-offs and landings, despite the rarity with which I do them. And the infrequency with which I’ve been flying.

Anyhow, my flying fund IS acquiring some cash and I’d like to start thinking about a new project in aviation to keep up my interest and skills. Let’s see, among the choices are:

  1. Finish my complex aircraft sign-off (cut short last February due to the Other Half’s hospitalization)

  2. Unusual attitude recovery course

  3. Taildragger sign-off

  4. Glider rating

  5. Something else…?

If someone brings up the idea of an instrument rating … well, it would cost more than any of the above and, despite the fact I think I would enjoy it I’m not sure it’s economically justifiable. I don’t fly in bad weather, and I don’t fly airplanes suited to anything but the tamest of IFR conditions. Heck, quite a few planes I’ve flown aren’t even equipped for IFR, even if the pilot is. If it makes you feel better I do regularly review emergency IFR procedures for VFR pilots, including spending time under the hood every year practicing things like keeping it upright and using a VOR to find a safe haven. Everything I’ve mentioned is something I am likely to use once I complete the trainging. If I had an IFR rating I doubt I would ever use it.

Anyhow - Doper pilots what do you think? Any suggestions?

2

It probably won’t surprise you that I suggest #4. I think flying gliders is the most interesting, challenging and rewarding flying of all. It will increase your awareness of wind and weather, which can be useful in power flying as well.

Just MHO.

3

I would love to get a seaplane rating one day. That is supposed to be pretty quick (something like 10 - 15 hours I think) and it is pretty exotic and lets you do fun things.

Another obvious choice is to take aerobatic lessons but I never had the urge o do that myself other than the spins that I can already do.

I would assume that helicopters are out for many reasons.

4

I’m going to go ahead and say Glider as well.

I got my glider licence a few years ago (I’m only now getting my private, and commercial/multi-IFR next year, probably float/ski after that) and it was great. Xema said it right, it increases a lot of awareness. Heck, just being a tow pilot would be a great time. (And probably involves a taildragger endorsement as well, as a bonus.)

Seaplane is a cool idea as well. It doesn’t require much time, and opens up a whole new world of options.

5

Broomstick?

6

How about a flying sleigh? I’m sure Santa could do with a co-pilot.

7

I’m just posting to say that I simply love the phrase “unusual attitude recovery course”.