Wow! My post got a
huge response! Many thanks for all of the insight and welcome each of you have offered me, each of them are greatly appreciated. I will do my best to respond to some of the highlights on this thread.
@T6Harvard
T6Harvard wrote:I would add that for ground school, take a look at https://www.easypplgroundschool.com/
That looks like a great resource, saved it for future use!
T6Harvard wrote: Which area of the country are you going to be flying from?
My local airfield is Brighton City Airport, along the South coast. From my layman's perspective, it's a really great location for learning: Grass and tarmac runways, plenty of Class G airspace as well as more complex airspace a short flight north. It also has open water, and it's only 20 minutes from international airspace as well. That's not to mention the views on offer at the South Downs and English Channel!
T6Harvard wrote: What did you think of the experience flights? Which aeroplane are you likely to be learning in, have you decided?
My trial lesson(s) have both been in the acrobatic variant of the Cessna 152. The school I am likely to go with also has the "standard" 152 and the Piper PA-28 on offer for use. I would like to fly the Piper, however my current plan is to do most (if not all) of my training in one of the 152s. The reason being that spending a few lessons in the Piper *afterwards* to acquaint myself, is far more financially economical than using it for the entirety of the course.
For the time being, I intend to use my potential PPL as a recreational hobby: In an ideal world I'd love to go further. But for now at least, that's more of a pipe dream. I would be beyond content with a PPL alone. But should further opportunities arise in the future, I'd certainly chase them!
@TopCat
TopCat wrote:Putting undue pressure on yourself to get good, results in slower progress, not quicker...
...learn from mistakes but don't constantly beat yourself up about them.
I feel like this is a great reminder that I will oft come back to. Much like driving a car, I expect that dwelling on a mistake will only lead to *more* mistakes. Best to get in the habit of wiping the slate in one's head clean when something happens!
@Rob P
Rob P wrote: Don't buy commercial 'Starter Kits'...
...Use school headsets if you can, or again buy used.
Yes, this seems to be a common one! It can be very tempting for someone like me who is brand new to everything to buy a kit, as there are lots of items and equipment that we're not familiar with. A "bundle" with everything one needs can easily be comforting concept.
Rob P wrote: Don't quote an entire humongous post just to comment on one part of it. Edit your quotes down.
I've taken this one to heart, as you can see!
@Micromouse
Micromouse wrote: Things are going to take you twice as long and cost you more than you think. Double it and add 50% and you might be close.
This sounds like quite a solid life mantra, beyond just flying!
Micromouse wrote: You will have more cancelled days than flying days. get used to it.
I'm happy you mentioned this. I can imagine I'd start to become rather disheartened if this happened, and I wasn't advised in advance!
@Grelly
Grelly wrote: I could recommend reading this by one of our regulars: https://leiafee.wordpress.com/how-to-learn-to-fly/
Another bookmarked resource added to the list! Many thanks
@StratoTramp
StratoTramp wrote:I would recommend documenting a short review after each lesson.
What went well?
What could be improved?
What will I do differently next time?
Extra Points for - What will I do differently next time?
I've already bought myself a nice book to write notes, do some independent study, and write up reviews from lessons! It's small and flexible too, should I ever need to put it on a kneeboard.
@FlyingBoot
FlyingBoot wrote: If you will have another trial lesson, get a logbook as they count towards your hours.
Yes! I need to get myself a proper logbook. The flight school I ran my trial lesson with graciously set it up so that once I go back for the full course, they can add the hour or two I've already completed to my record.
@Cessna571
@Milty
Many thanks for that perspective! That's precisely the reason why I wanted to find a forum like this: To continue gathering information, opinions, and perspectives from as many different sources as possible. I'll be sure to keep what you said in mind, some food for thought.
Once again, thanks to all that took the time to write something back for me! My CAA application has been approved, and my medical has been booked. Once that's behind me, I can finally start approaching all of this with certainty instead of just reserved anticipation!