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Posted by
@ 05:56 PM, June 18
Brady,
While I would probably be more cautions asking a question about this, we are all pilots and we know the question has to be answered to be safe and "legal"....You and Jason are not tiny people, how close is the weight and balance with you two in the plane? Do you have to fly the Remos without full fuel?
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Posted by
@ 06:08 PM, June 18
Brady - watching your progress is really fantastic. Thanks for putting all this in video as well as text.
Say, your Pilot Log shows
Hours flown: 28.3
Days since I started: 247
Cost to date: $4,334.80
*price includes ground instruction, flight instruction, books and supplies"
Does that "Cost to Date" include the costs for renting the plane and insurance?
Thanks.
Tom
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Posted by
@ 06:27 PM, June 18
Congratulations! Really proud of you!
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Posted by
@ 07:34 PM, June 18
Congrats on the first solo x-country! I did mine just over a year ago. That's when it became very "real" that I was going to finish my license. (Finally, I've wanted to fly since I was a wee lad...) We now have a Cessna 170, and my wife is finishing up her license this month. Anyway, you're through the big hurdles now, on to the finish!!!
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Posted by
@ 08:08 PM, June 18
Brady,
Congratulations on that cross country! I know that was a huge confidence builder for you. I really love cross country flying and seeing the US from low altitude. It is just such a neat feeling. Again, congratulations and I look forward to seeing you again at Oshkosh!
Lindy Kirkland
President
The Air Care Alliance
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Posted by
@ 09:30 PM, June 18
Dodge Co...is that the one with the hump in the middle and a huge drop-off? I flew in there once...after I had my ticket. If you landed there on a solo cross country you are doing very well! Yes, cross country flights do give you a "real pilot" feeling..
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Posted by
@ 09:58 PM, June 18
Congratulations on your X-country...a big moment indeed. I to am training in a Remos G3-600 and find it to be a wonderful aircraft for this purpose. The Remos is quite responsive without being to touchy which has made it easy to learn flight maneuvers. I am 6.5hrs into my accelerated flight program and am just starting to get the flair down...I've even squeeked a couple of landings to boot.
No flying today but I did get a chance to take my FAA Written exam and finished with a 98%. With that out of the way I can now concentrate on maneuvers and preparation for my first solo, which should take place sometime next week.
I want to thank you for sharing you training with the rest of us...It has helped to see that I am experiencing some of the same things as you have described. It's comforting to know that its not just me so I must be on the right track. Good luck with the rest of your training!
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Posted by
@ 07:50 AM, June 19
Hi Brady
Great job on your cross country. I remember flying to Ludington MI (LDM) and the closer I got the clouds were getting lower. I landed and taxied to the FBO. I saw a navy pilot starting to taxi to depart. He asked me who I was and congratulated me for my flight and told me that if I get lost I should fly low enough to read the town name on a water tower. That brought back good memories. Are you eventually go for your private license?
Thank you for the efforts you have made to share your experiences.
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Posted by
@ 07:53 AM, June 19
I was fine BEFORE my first x-country, but at about 4500' and 10 miles from my home airport I realized I was very much alone. I had a wave of anxiety come over me I've never felt before or since. I found it helpful to sing out loud a little, I dont know why. After a few minutes and some gatorade I relaxed and had a great solo x-country.
The first time I really felt like a pilot was a few months ago. I now have my license. I flew a x-country with my girlfriend, and we had to divert to a class C airport due to very strong and gusting cross winds. I made some mistakes, but landed fine and ferried the plane back the next morning. Flying is easy, its making good decisions that define a good pilot, and I finally feel like I can make good decisions in the cockpit
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Posted by
@ 09:11 AM, June 19
For years, I have maintained that I became a pilot the moment the T-Craft lifted off the ground for the first time with only me in it. If you are alone and the sole manipulator of the controls, you are a PILOT! I became a PILOT just 6 weeks after my 16th birthday in 1944, everything since then has been just learning to get better.
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Posted by
@ 11:40 AM, June 19
Nice going Brady!
I would have to say the first time I felt like a real pilot was when I could go somewhere without checking in with my instructor. I still had to see if the plane was available, but I didn't have to tell him where I was going or why, just write a check when I get back. I have since joined a flying club (closer and cheaper/hr.), and can go wherever I want pretty much whenever I want. It's great!
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Posted by
@ 11:49 AM, June 19
Anthony: Great question! I've been waiting for somebody to ask this question on the blog. The empty weight of the plane is 665 lbs. Jason and I together weigh 465. Add 132 lbs. for 22 gallons of fuel and the total comes to 1262 - still 60 lbs. under gross. And that's for two big boys. I've been really impressed with what the Remos can carry. I don't think we could've done this training in some other small planes.
Tom: good question about the cost tally on the blog. We included this feature on the blog to give people a realistic idea of what my training would cost in a normal situation. We are grateful that Remos has donated the plane to EAA for this project (as well as the AirAcademy program) and Jason has been donating his instruction. However, we still wanted to give people a realistic idea of what my training would cost in a real-world situation. So, I am calculating the plane rental at $99/hr. (wet), which is what a similar aircraft on the field rents for, and Jason's instruction at $36/hr. I also understand pricing will vary for people depending on location, aircraft and how long the training takes, but at least this hopefully will give people a realistic idea of the costs.
Ernest and drinky: thanks and I am looking forward to the finish line!
Lindy: so good to hear from you again! Look forward to seeing you here in Oshkosh in about a month!
Anna: I landed and departed and Runway 02 at Dodge Co. and don't remember any bumps, but I did land and takeoff only on the first third or so of the runway. It could've also been on the intersecting runway 08/26. Either way, I'm glad I didn't encounter a big runway bump on my first solo x-country.
Randy: Keep me informed of your accelerated training in the Remos. I bet you pick things up much quicker because of the proficiency factor. I'm interested to hear how it compares with how I did it. And be sure to let us know when you solo, so we can celebrate with you! It's an incredible feeling.
Paul: Good question. I'll try to answer it as briefly as I can. 95% of the flying I'm interested in doing can be done with the sport pilot certificate, so for the time being I'm going to go enjoy the skies as a sport pilot. However, I've always enjoyed night flying, so one day I may go on to pursue my private. Tailwheel training is is also attractive. Floats would be fun too. There's a whole world of fun out there, so we'll see what's next.
bikesandcars: Thanks for your comment and I love what you said... "Flying is easy, it's making good decisions that define a good pilot." Diverting to that Class C airport in the situation you described shows you are indeed in the good pilot category. I'm writing your quote on a post-it note and putting it by my computer.
Bill: Yes, you are so correct. Are you still flying? I bet you have some great stories!
Douglas: It's funny you mention that. Jason wanted me to call him before I left for this flight, but the weather was so nice and the plane was ready, so I didn't even think to call him until I reached my first airport. By the time I landed at my second airport, I noticed I had a text message from him, but the engine was running, so I just decided to call him when I returned to OSH. I should've called him ahead of time and intended to, but totally forgot. He laughed when I finally called. It is a good feeling when your instructor trusts you and your judgement to the point where you don't have to check in before every flight.
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Posted by
@ 12:08 PM, June 19
Awesome! Nice Job! Looks like you had perfect weather for a solo cross country. That feeling of accomplishment is something only us pilots can understand. Welcome to the club!
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Posted by
@ 02:53 PM, June 19
Brady you need to decide...are you going for your sport pilot license? Or not? Or with this number of hours and this much money spent have you decided to just go after your PPL. I think your blog casts an unrealistic example of a regular Joe earning his wings. You've spent more time not flying then learning and most of your time in the air now is spent remembering what it was you learned six months ago. You don't seem very committed at this point and I am ??? why this blog is on EAA's page. You are doing more harm than good at this point. I am not impressed. I went from zero time logged to passing my check ride in seven days with 21 hours logged. Trying to set the record for most money spent on light sport training? While both lengths of times are unrealistic, my time was closer to average then yours. Basically I think this blog needs to find a new home besides the EAA page. Your blog is very uninspiring and if your instructors are having a hard time getting the job done then you need to travel just a little further south to Sport Pilot Chicago in Newark, IL...find a man there, Bud Cushing, and get done with this before you throw away more money and time. What ever you are doing is wrong and discouraging to others who thanks to you are going to think earning their wings will suck a year off their lives and 5K from there wallets.
Nicholas Wood
EAA 831459
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Posted by
@ 04:06 PM, June 19
I was going to write about how I passed my Final Flight Test today, but Mr Wood had put me right off. He seems to think everyone has time to fly, Fact is these days people just dont have the time. Also here is RSA the requirement for Light Sport is 35 hours minimum. Please dont let him put you off! Not Everyone has the money to spend in one go. This blog is anything but discouraging!!!
PS: Now I just have to wait for my License.
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Posted by
@ 04:26 PM, June 19
Nick,
I think every student has unique experiences in learning to fly. Some are worst or better than others. I don't think there is a reason to be negative. I do welcome your insight. Good flying to you.
Grady,
Great blog Grady! I find it very inspiring.
George
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Posted by
@ 04:39 PM, June 19
Brady,
Just found your site for the first time. Looks like you are doing great.
I would say that you are a pilot the first time you touch the controls. Every minute in an airplane is a learning experience no mater how long you fly.
Good job planning. One thing I find helpful is google earth. I put the measuring tool at my departure airport then the destination. Then I zoom in and follow the line. Later when you fly for real it feels like you have already been there.
Please do not take this the wrong way, but please make it a habit to no longer sit at the end of the rwy reading your charts or preparing for your flight. You are very exposed there and I would not want something bad happen to you. This is especially true at a non-towered airport, not everyone uses a radio.
Great job and enjoy it all, not to worry about time, it is all flying.
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Posted by
@ 05:22 PM, June 19
Nicholas: First off, congratulations on earning your certificate in 21 hours. I would love to have earned mine in 21 hours and you bring up a good point - it is possible to earn a sport pilot certificate in much less time and with less money - especially if you enroll in an accelerated program and do nothing but fly and study.
The purpose of this blog is not to show how quick or how cheap a person can earn a pilot's license. This blog aims to merely show one person's journey to becoming a pilot - and in my case that includes real life obstacles like work schedules, plane repairs, weather and aircraft availability. I feel I am a better pilot now because I've learned how to fit aviation into my regular life with these real-life scheduling issues. For me, that's a valuable lesson to learn in becoming a pilot.
Thank you again for raising the point that it can be done much quicker and much cheaper than I've done it. In fact, you've given me an idea for a future blog post. I obviously chose to do the "extended" route, but would be interested to hear from people who learned the accelerated way. Thanks again Nicholas.
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Posted by
@ 05:27 PM, June 19
John G: Congrats on passing your flight test! That's awesome. I can't wait for the day I can report similar news!
George: Thanks also for your encouraging words.
Scott: Thank you for your comment about not sitting at the end of the runway. This was my first time at an airport without a taxiway alongside the runway and for whatever reason I didn't see the pull-off at the end of the runway until just now when I watched the video again. I even remember looking for one while I was back-taxiing. Even though I was making radio calls, I knew it wasn't good to sit on the runway so I tried making my time there as brief as possible. Next time I will definitely look for a pull off now that I know they're there. Lesson learned. Thanks for pointing that out.
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Posted by
@ 06:32 PM, June 19
Good going Brady. I've been following your blog from the beginning. I'm going for my PPL and have my night x-country tonight... can't wait! I fly out of KBFI in Seattle so I know the woes of weather. Good luck going forward!
Nicholas, first off I would say this video blog is the most comprehensive and informative of any flight training blog I've found. Also, if you take the time to read all the comments I think you'll find many people have been inspired. In fact, a few even give credit to this blog for starting them off!
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Posted by
@ 07:31 PM, June 19
If the typical sport pilot student spent this much money and time on aircraft rental, instruction, fuel, books, materials, ect...and close to 40 hours on instruction, then other than the fact that the FAA medical is not required would be the only benefit to the student. With that in mind a student would be better off going PP rather than SP. Sure, sure life, job, money, and time, family obligations can keep us out of the air. But if that is the case then why isn't Brady a sport pilot yet? More time and money has been spent here getting close to a license than a busy poor person would have spent. But when I read this blog all I see is pandering. The longer it takes Brady to demonstrate what it takes for "Average Joe" to accomplish, the longer Remos gets to attach a name to it and the more Money EAA makes on the banner advertising surrounding the blog.
Kudos Brady on your success! And Kudos Remos for finding away to maintain a years worth of bottom page headlines.
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Posted by
@ 09:34 PM, June 19
It looks to me like Brady is having very much an "Average Joe" experience. Prior to Sport Pilot, we were told that the average completion time for a Private was 70 to 80 hours. Brady is on track to gain his Sport license in 35hrs or less, and this includes a major maintenance disruption that hardly supports your "conspiracy theory" - I seriously doubt Remos wanted that kind of publicity. Brady, please don't let these few cynical comments get you down. I have followed your blog since the beginning and read all the comments. You have done a fantastic and informative job and clearly inspired many people.
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Posted by
@ 04:12 AM, June 20
I decided to post this after reading the comments from Mr. Wood. I just wanted to say Bravo Zulu to you Brady for posting this blog for those of us pursuing a pilot’s license. I have 15 hours now towards my PPL and I have learned a lot from watching your videos despite the differences in obtaining the Sport License.
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Posted by
@ 09:01 AM, June 20
Brady – Continue to fly “the high road” and you will go far. Thank you so much for sharing this blog with us in such a positive way, your successes as well as your challenges and frustrations. It has been an inspiration to me as well as many others from the comments I have read. Thanks also to EAA, Remos and Justin for supporting such an informative, professional project. It has inspired many to start flying, has rekindled memories of those who have been there, and, I expect it has been, and will be, a positive for EAA and Remos.
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Posted by
@ 01:14 PM, June 20
Getting your certificate in 21 hours gives you nothing more than bragging rights. And it does not mean you are a better pilot. I have always been suspicious about "crash courses" in aviation. Why wouldn't you want to take your time learning to fly? That is the best part sometimes, the learning aspect of it. Spending more time with an instructor is always a benefit as well...no matter how many hours you have logged.
Keep it up Brady!
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Posted by
@ 04:50 PM, June 20
I hold a PPL, I've been following Brady, I would rather go up with Brady right now before getting his ticket than with Mr. Wood and his 21 hrs.
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Posted by
@ 07:12 PM, June 20
hello i am really interested in planes and i am looking for someone around the age of 13 to basically become email friends with me. I am looking for someone that shares the same dreams as me to become a commercial pilot. if so please email me at david08_@live.com
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Posted by
@ 07:50 PM, June 20
Mr. Woods.. this is what makes blogs so fun.
There's always one moron to stir it up. Quit worrying about Brady, the EAA, Remos, and go fly and build up some hours so that you are as proficient as Brady is.
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Posted by
@ 07:57 PM, June 20
I'm just shy of 58 years old and been considering getting the sport pilot license. Wasn't sure what to expect from the video blog and stayed away for a while. I finally checked it out and now I can't wait for the next installment! I don't excite easily, but I am truly excited for you in this endeavor. It makes me all the more determined to try myself. Take your time and enjoy every moment you can, age has a way of sneaking in and robbing you. Perhaps at the end of the training you could put it out on DVD. Good Luck.
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Posted by
@ 01:07 AM, June 21
Bravo Mr. Woods, you have done a wonderful job stirring up things around here and getting lots of attention. It looks like you have a type “A” personality like me. You should have no problem fitting in with the rest of the piloting community. So you got your certificate with the bare minimums in your log book, well almost. And I’m sure you knowledge is probably the same. If you actually stay in aviation for more reasons than just thinking being a pilot makes you cool you will see that there is not actually just one correct way to achieve your goal. I can see the path you thought was correct for you was the most efficient cost effective means possible and just because that worked for you doesn’t mean it’s going to for the next guy. Good luck with the rest of your aviation adventure. If you ever think about pursuing aviation as a career you should check out ATP, they to will push you through your ratings with bare minimum times and knowledge enough to pass a check ride.
Brady, keep doing what your doing which is having fun learning to fly and inspiring others to pursue their dreams. Any way’s I’m sure you have gotten to see and do way more fun things during the pursuit of your license than Mr. Wood. Just remember you can’t make everyone happy and there is always going to be someone who is better than you (or at least think).
Happy fathers day.
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Posted by
@ 01:12 AM, June 21
Totally agree with you. My first solo cross-country was when I felt like a "real" pilot. And it is still the most enjoyable part of flying for me today, some 20 years later!
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Posted by
@ 08:07 AM, June 21
Congrats on the X-country!
I guess their is a certain bravado that goes along with aviation, So for the "Woods in the world" maybe next flight you could wear a leather jacket, scarf and cigar.
Keep up the great work! Your an inspiration to us all, even us GREAT pilots!
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Posted by
@ 10:31 PM, June 21
WOW.. you can sure tell allot of people are watching your every move Brady! This just goes to prove how many people are following your progress and are sincerely interested in you and your adventure. Great Job on the X-C. I bet that feeling is amazing. I too look forward to that when my time comes. Again congrats on all your success..
www.mypilotchronicles.com
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Posted by
@ 10:47 PM, June 21
Brady,
Thank you very much for this very thorough documentation of your experience, and thanks to EAA also. I am 58 years old and I have been considering building a Light Sport airplane and getting my Sport Pilots Certificate for some months. I have spent countless hours reading books, talking to people and surfing the web learning about all facets of this exciting hobby. Tonight, Father’s Day 2009, is a special day. Tonight I have made the decision to do this. I have selected which aircraft to build and I am certain that I can get my pilot’s certificate, thanks to your blog. You have done a wonderful thing for many like me. I hope I have the opportunity to meet you at Oshkosh and shake your hand. Best of luck and success to you.
PS – Mr. Wood is an idiot.
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Posted by
@ 09:49 AM, June 22
Hey, it's not the number of hours in your logbook that make you a pilot (or even a good one), it's the things you experience over the course of those hours. Take your time Brady. I respect pilots who take care to truly learn and own the skill as opposed to those who cram for the test so they can move on to the next rating or license.
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Posted by
@ 12:45 PM, June 22
Congrats on your 1st cross country.
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Posted by
@ 07:18 AM, June 23
Congrats on your solo..
Mr. Woods, you just confirm the verbage.."There is always one in every crowd"
John Gifford
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Posted by
@ 10:39 PM, June 24
As has been well stated by others, I would definitely encourage anyone reading this blog to not let these left field comments from Nicholas get you down. And As John G stated: “This blog is anything but discouraging!!!”
I did not start learning to fly with the intent of getting it accomplished in the least amount of time or at the least cost. Whether it is the hobby of flying or fishing or vintage cars or etc… we are each fortunate to live in a country that allows us such freedoms. As Brady is trying to show, there is the reality of life for the ‘average’ or ‘typical’ student pilot. I would not categorize your accomplishment as typical, but rather the bare minimum… bravo – hurray for you.
Mine private has been a twenty year, 100 hour project… but I am proud to say that if all things align properly I will go for my check ride this coming weekend. I have had to take the enjoyment as I could, in between family, school, job, lost instructor to airline job, airplane mechanical issues, and a dissolved flying club. While you may be able to represent the other extreme of the scale… this is not a project or activity to undertake with the entire goal of least time and cost. If this had been a race to the end… then great, you won.
To me, it was not the destination, but the experience of the journey. It will be (has been already) a journey with which I have learned much and enjoyed more and am very proud of. I also know that once I have that certificate in my pocket… it will continue to serve just as my college ID… that I have earned the license to continue to learn.
Anyone that chooses to do so, joins the membership of the few of the whole population that can say they can get into an airplane and pilot themselves to whenever and wherever they desire.
Brady… keep up the great work! And good luck as you prepare for your check ride!! As with many here, we will miss the blogs… so maybe you can continue it with a sharing of flying experiences, learning and maybe even further endorsements.
On Dreams and Wings… Blue Skies to All!!
Regards,
Bryan
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Posted by
@ 08:01 PM, June 25
Brady,
Great job and you're almost there. I remember my first solo cross country back in 1972. The clock said I should see the airport and I started getting worried when I crested a little mountain ridge and found myself right on top of it. It is a great feeling.
I'm very sorry Mr. Wood has chosen this place to try and make us believe he is Mr. Pilot. If he's so good why didn't he go ahead and get his PPC as surely he could have done it in 40 hours!
Brady, hope to meet you at AirVenture.
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Posted by
@ 02:11 PM, July 28
You should make a video on flight planning
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