The title of this entry poses a question that I have asked myself for quite some time now. Should I, a crazed not current private pilot take on such a challenge? Well if you’re reading this then I think you’ll defiantly have your answer.

As an intro to what you’ll be reading you’ll have to understand my background in the Aviation industry. Growing up I lived in the eastern suburbs in a mildly dysfunctional family. My parents didn’t really seem to want me to what they said “waste my money” on flying lessons but when you want to do something you just have to do it.

With my head held high I made my way out to Ardmore Flying School on my mountain bike from Pakuranga. It was a mission for an 18 year old but it kept me fit. I’d arrive some days an hour earlier sometimes being told the weather conditions would be rough but it was up to me if we wanted to go flying.

I would always say “yes” only because riding home would have been one hell of a mission. Dad would sometimes drop me off on his way to work or pick me up on the way home so most of the time it wasn’t a two way ride.

Like quite a few Private Pilots that I know it took me about a year and a bit to complete all my training by running up huge debts. Thankfully AFS had no problem with me paying as I could afford it.

Working full time during the week I’d find that two flights a week was affordable. This I might add was when flying around with an instructor only cost NZ$105 dollars in the tee tailed Piper Tomahawk.

My first solo was with one of the Gibson brothers instructors. I remember him climbing out after telling the tower something. Probably something along the lines of “watch out for this one he’s a-rouge”. Sometimes your instructor has more confidence in your ability than you do!

Once the solo was out the way and all the theory exams were complete it was then time to sit the test. Knowing it was a test was freaky enough but with Warren sitting next to you makes it that little more intimidating. I’ll talk about him more some other day.

I passed PPL flight test by the skin of my teeth with a little corrective training required. I could never really get that right hand turn right.

These days I’m somewhat grounded because of my financial position. With rent, car and a full time job I’ve let things slip a little. It has been four years since I have been PIC of an aircraft and I miss it. I still fly with friends (as a passenger) and random people when I get a chance.

So my background in aviation gives me enough information and contacts to write about my experiences and things that might get stuck in my head as Pilot and Passenger.