Tomorrow at 9am, Tipton Airport (KFME), I finally start on my private pilot’s license. Like most people who start down this (expensive) road, it’s been a long time dream of mine and I’m excited about finally getting on with it. I’m lucky to have a wife who supports my dream, even though she wants nothing to do with small planes.
And that’s enough of that. I’m not one to carry on about what I feel, analyze my childhood, etc etc.
Before I’ve logged my first hour (this go around – I do have some time under my belt but that’s a story for another day), I’ve shelled out a few dollars in preparation:
- Membership for 1 year and one month at the Fort Meade Flying Activity: $390
- Pilot USA PA-1771T headset. I wanted something with ANR, under $400, made in the USA. I was initially going to go with one of the highly-regarded Lightspeed Aviation models. While they’re designed in the US they’re made in China (in the factory owned by one of Lightspeed’s principles). I try to keep as much of my money in the US as possible so I went with the PA-1771. I’ll write more about the headset as I accumulate hours with it. Purchased from Gulf Coast Avionics: $369.00 ($360 + shipping)
- ASA Private Pilot Test Prep, version 3 (widescreen). I prefer to study on my own rather than go through ground school so I opted for a DVD course. Sporty’s and King’s are the heavy hitters in this category, and I almost went with Sporty’s – their guarantee is pretty sweet. I really didn’t find much online about the ASA offering, but what I did read was positive. From Marv Golden Pilot Supplies: $152.75 ($135.95 + shipping)
And on that note, time for bed. I’ve got a plane to catch in the morning.