1 answer
2
Asked 340 views

What was the toughest part of your training to become a professional pilot, and how did you get through it?

I am a freshman in a college program to become a professional pilot, and my hope is to someday fly for a charter or fractional company like NetJets. Right now I am finishing my PPL, but I really got stuck on learning landings and didn't solo until 40 hours. It was hard to not be discouraged, but I know becoming a pilot takes a LOT of work, time, and effort. I'm willing to give it whatever I need to, but I'd like to know places where people tend to have trouble or get stuck, like I did with my landings. I didn't realize that it does take some people a long time to solo, and that was the main reason I got discouraged, since I thought it meant I was a terrible pilot. Of course, once, landings clicked, I was just fine. Where did you get hung up in earning certificates or additional ratings?

spring25 aviation pilot airline-industry commercial-pilot aviation-industry commercial-aviation
Answer This

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you
2

1 answer

0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Wayne’s Answer

Hanna - I think all pilots have various types of challenges when they are getting their various pilots license. Mine was "stalls" and cross-wind landings and takeoffs. I really disliked doing them and still do. I will probable go and take some aerobatic lesson, just to feel more comfortable in unusual flight situtations. As far as your situtation, I would ask a couple of questions:
1. How many times a week you are you flying. If you are not flying 3 times a week you will spend extra time relearning your prior lessons.
2. Are you flying out of a "controlled" airport where you use a lot of radio communications, that takes time to learn.
If you ever watch the program "Air Disaster" lots of times when they review the pilot's and first officer's training, they didn't pass their "check-rides" the first time and needed retraining and these are pilots with lots of flight time.
As you acquire your other pilots licenses, Instrument, Commercial, etc, you will find other challenges. Just don't look at the whole picture. Break it down into individual lessons, a little at a time. Your instructors will provide you with the training skills you need.
Enjoy your journey. Wayne
0