While reading the bio I posted earlier, Scott asked why I wanted to get a commercial license. Do I plan to try making money by flying gliders? No, not really.
Flying isn't something you learn how to do and then stop learning. Getting a license was just the second of many, many milestones. The first was my first solo flight. If I don't keep pushing myself, I'll stagnate, get bored, and not feel the sense of accomplishment that fuels a lot of my interest and enjoyment.
Getting a commercial license involves learned more about the FAA rules and regulations, and knowing them in more detail. It also means learning to fly more precisely. The flight test standards are more strict for a commercial license than they are for a private license. By getting g a commercial license, I'll be pushing myself to do more and do better.
Yes, I'll be able to fly rides for money and that sort of thing, but I don't expect to do that much (if at all). It really depends on whether or not HGC would need me to do fly for them. There are a fair number of pilots with commercial licenses who fly rides already.
The one the next stepping stones, a much bigger one in my mind, is becoming a flight instructor. But that's a ways off and I'll write about it more later.
In the meantime, I'm going to start working on my power license and my bronze badge. I hope to begin flying cross country this year. More milestones, both in gliders and in power.
So, Scott... I hope this answers your question.
Posted by jzawodn at January 02, 2004 09:03 PM
How does it work with the various planes you're allowed to fly? Are there different certifications/licenses/etc. for each type/class/...?
BTW, what's a bronze badge (and power license while I'm asking)?
Thanks, Jeremy. That answer helped a lot. I decided sometime last month, in part from reading about your flying experiences here, that I want to take up flying. I'm hoping to get my private pilot license this year. Your thoughts on continuing the process towards the commercial license make me all that more excited about getting started.
Now if I could just rustle up some spare cash for some lessons. ;-)
You said it about progressing in soaring. For me one of the biggest joys of soaring is the challenge of flying a new glider or getting a new rating. With all the gliders you fly now the Commercial license is an excellent new challenge... and we'll definitely book you for rides ;-) If ever we're both on the ground at the same time (not likely!) let's go practice some slips to landing. Then there's always cross-country...
Enjoy the fact that you have relatively few TFRs and no annoying stupid ADIZ to worry about out in Cali. If you ever want a challenge to just take off, come join us at Martin State in the Baltimore area :)
Jeremy:
Too bad you joined WVFC. I was told that after
you get your CFI, you can't instruct there
because they prefer Part 141-trained instructors.
You should pick a school/club that will allow
you to instruct before getting advanced ratings.
Oh ya, and WVFC has a lot of problems keeping
a twin on the line in airworthy condition
for actual training.
James.
Pls tell me does a commerce 10+2 can pursue pilot study?If yes then which institution and where?What is the fee structure? Is loan available and where? Please reply fast. I m in its need urgently.
