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Have an expired PPL and haven't been flying for years due to other commitments. Was considering "upgrading" to commercial a few years ago but decided against it. Somehow I'd like to get airborne again but as it is a time-intensive activity I have to admit there are other tasks in my life I consider more important right now.
Current EMB120 Capt.,
Previous
C441
C404/402
Barron B55/58
Cessna 208
Plenty instructing in C152 and 172's
Just nudging 5000 hours and still having a ball.
Current Aeromed Kingair Pilot in Aus.
Previous
777
Beachjet
Lear 35
Westwind
6k hours ish.
i was trying to get my PPL but injury put a stop to that. My dad is a pilot though. was an instructor on single engines for a while. cant remember if he also instructed on twins. He now works at parafield at the ground school for the airline students. I have a cousin in the navy in the UK as well. Was planning on getting into the airforce. So I just sit back and admire planes now, and paint portraits of them. and go up when ever dad can take me for a fly. so free up there.
Hmm, enough Landy loving pilots in Darwin to have a few beers one night! I spend a lot of time up there (callsign clue in my avatar).
just started CPL -1 hour down 149 to go!
Mate you should give us a link to your YouTube channel. Some good vids on there.Quote:
Originally Posted by jb747
I am the captain of a Cessna 182! Current CPL, hoping to complete an instrument rating by mid year. Then I will be packing up the Defender and heading up to NT / WA on the hunt for charter jobs. I have a few connections but any more are aways welcome!
Good luck with it - you'll have a ball. I did exactly what you are planning back in the late 90's. Ended up in Timber Creek flying for a year flying C210s then moved to Darwin on 402s and Barons.
I had this advice said to me before I left - Remember to take the time and enjoy every minute, even amongst the heat, flies, smell (you'll know what I mean after your first flight). It will be hard. You will be lonely at times and despair where that next paycheck is coming from, or even fearing for your job if you don't push it. BUT - it will be the best flying you do and the most fun you'll have flying. The adventures, the weird things you fly in the NT GA charter world, the close calls you have, the things you learn will make you a better pilot - and a better person.
I now sit in a nice chair with a view at 41,000 feet and get served coffee and nice food, and always find great memories as I look down over anywhere north of the Tropic of Capricorn.
I've lost count of the number of airline pilots that reminisce about the real flying adventures they used to do - not just the button pressing that goes with an Airbus or Boeing.
Enjoy it and good luck. - and sorry, don't have any contacts left in GA up north. :)
Thanks Stallie! I hear this quite a bit from the experienced guys. I see it all as a but of an adventure so I think I'm going to enjoy myself. Times are quite good now it seems. I have a good chance of getting a job in Darwin with a fresh CPL. I know in years gone by, telling people that would raise some eyebrows. 5 guys before me have done it so it looks promising. Would also love to check out Broome and other parts of WA. I think Landy pilots in Darwin should meet up for a beer. Stallie what do you fly these days?