u/MainStreetBetz

Today I completed my second dual with my instructor and I must say, it was a much different experience than my familiarization flight. We briefed for half an hour prior to the lesson and discussed attitudes and movements. I performed the AROWJIL checks, signed the plane out at dispatch, and completed all the pre-flight checks under direction. My taxi skills to the runway vastly improved (I applied equal pressure to the rudders and looked further down the taxiway). Performed the checks prior to take-off under direction. The instructor asked me to perform the take-off, which I did. This was absolutely exhilarating.

We climbed to 1500ft where we hit some turbulence and I asked the instructor to take over. A flash of fear came over me and I briefly froze, which I immediately communicated to my instructor. He took control of the aircraft. I need my brain to understand that not all flight is smooth - but the yawing and rolling threw me off even though I thought I was prepared. I flew to the practice area where we worked on some light manoeuvres. I was comfortable and scanning visually, lightly on the controls and noticing more things that were happening (when to pull carb heat, hearing the radio calls, applying rudder without thinking).

We debriefed after the flight and the instructor mentioned that I had confused throttle up vs down a few times and that I needed to apply more rudder when exiting a turn.

Overall a more enjoyable experience. My first setback was freezing when we hit turbulence. My reaction had rattled me and it took me a good 5 minutes to get my bearings again.

For those just starting or thinking about getting their PPL, my costs are at about $3000 after two in-flight lessons. ($1000 = headset, books, flight bag, maps, etc; $1000 = PPL dual [2.2 hrs in the air, 2 hours lesson time]; $500 = medicals & paperwork; $500 registration and ground school). I have booked 29 more hours of flight time over the next 30 days.

Waitlist for my school was 2 years and the school has currently suspended all new registrations. This isn't just due to demand, but the practice area is sandwiched between 3 Class C airspaces with a skydiving club and glider club mixed in.

After being on a 2 year waitlist with my local Aviation School, I was finally accepted (2 months ago) which kicked off the process of working towards my PPL. I have some second seat experience in a Phenom and a 172, but was generally just 'looking out the window' the entire time.

Once I was accepted, I began studying two hours daily so that I could understand the basics of flying. I went and got my Cat III medical (with TC now). Yesterday was my familiarization flight with my instructor. I slept well the night before. He is excellent but I want to be honest, I didn't enjoy it. I mostly felt nothing. I was given the yoke, did some straight and level flight, turns, learned the pattern, started trimming the airplane, etc etc. I found taxiing to be the most difficult. I was in sensory and checklist mode the entire flight, with occasional flashing bouts of fear during the flight. I was calm and was able to complete the requested tasks.

When we returned to the FBO, the other students were excited and mentioning how thrilled they were. I didn't feel this. I didn't really feel anything other than the realization of how little I knew and how much work was ahead. I asked my instructor for feedback and readings.

To any pilots out there, did you have this same experience? I am still studying and prepared to doggedly pursue this every single day - but I have not had a lifelong dream of flying. I am a business owner and am interested in the freedom of travel that a PPL will provide. I also find the procedural nature of aviation attractive. But honestly, I did not feel any sense of thrill, joy or excitement after my first dual.