I’m still alive and well. I’ve been busy with some life events lately that have taken priority over flying and posting to this blog. I normally try to keep my personal life out of this blog, but I have made an exception here.
Things have changed quite a bit over the past three years since I started flying. I got engaged, bought a house, became a little older and wiser, the economy took a turn for the worst, I broke up with my fiance, and my house is now for sale.
The original plan was to make flying a career. Go back to school, get what I needed to get, take the pay cut, and fly for a living. My timing was almost perfect. There was a boom in the aviation industry as pilots were retiring. I took the idea that I had 5 different instructors while getting my PPL a positive sign that quick motion up through the ranks was possible.
Depending on how you look at it. I either started a year too late or didn’t have enough money up front to be more aggressive with my training.
Where once I had a dual income and support to help me make this transition, I now do not.
So. What have I decided to do?
I have accomplished a lot. Not only can I fly airplanes, but I can fly multi-engine airplanes at night! ;) I’m just shy of the 200 hours total time mark. I’ve already started my CPL training and it would be a shame to stop now.
So. Whats the plan now?
First thing first is to get my books in order, which involves selling my house. Once that is done, then I can better budget my flying and start getting back into the skies. Who knows how long that will take with the current market conditions.
I’m going to finish up my CPL training. It would be a shame to put all that effort to waste. I believe that it will give me the most flexibility when it comes to flying. I would hate to turn down a part-time/weekend job because I didn’t have a CPL.
All the while, I plan on saving up for my own aircraft. I’m not sure what kind of airplane I would like to own. I know it wont be an easy decision and I will be sure to solicit some of the current owners that read my blog for advice in the future.
I’m going to Australia in October. I’m not sure if I’m going to try to convert my Canadian License to an Australian one or just to get some dual time down there instead. (Side note: I’m flying there on a direct flight via Air Canada on their 777-200LR).
I’m looking into flying while on vacation in the U.S. So do you convert your license then convert back when you return or do you carry dual licenses therafter? Seems like a lot of trouble just to fly as PIC in another ICAO county?!
Have fun down under.
Dan
Dan,
Your licence only allows you to fly Canadian registered aircraft.
If you fly into the USA with a Canadian plane, you’re fine. However, if you want to fly a plane in the US that registered in the states, then you need an american licence.
Thanks Blake,
So do you just convert back when you get home?
Dan
Dan,
You just get an aussie license, you still keep your Canadian one.