It's been Decided!

[ScottyB]

Gidday guys,

As you would've probably seen I have posted a couple of topics re: commercial pilot training. After finishing high school last year, I decided to take a gap year to see the world and give me time to decide which career path to go down. And it have finally decided - PILOT. I know it will be tough...but..

"Success is a staircase - not a doorway"

So in Feb 2012 I am starting my dream. Just wondering if any of you can recommend any books/websites/info to use throughout my training?

Thanks guys

[HardCorePawn]

For some interesting theory: See How It Flies... and Fly Better!

I would have recommended MetFlight (and the decoder at "Plain English Met"), but the CAA in their infinite wisdom have decided that you now need to cough up $100/year to use it... hopefully common sense will prevail, but as they say... "common sense isn't that common"

FlyCalc is useful, but not a replacement for knowing how to flight plan... it is handy for double checking your work when doing Flight Planning practice!

Some might argue this... and tbh, the Signal to Noise ratio is a little low these days... but PPRuNe still has some decent content... just remember to take most of what you read with a grain of salt... I highly recommend the "Pics" thread in the Dunnunda, Godzone and the Pacific GA Forum... one of the few places on PPRuNe where aviation enthusiasm still tops cynicism!

Might seem obvious... but get to know the CAA Website... loads of essential reading there... like the various Parts and AC's... Especially the stuff around licensing! I know a few people who haven't bothered to familiarise themselves with the various min hour requirements for license issue and have come unstuck as they sometimes change... and instructors are notoriously bad for not keeping up to date! Make sure you check this stuff yourself!

NZ AIP... more essential reading... and copies of plates etc... useful if you lose/damage a page from your "AIP Vol's"...


Are you self-funding? Going on an "integrated" course at one of the bigger schools like Massey, AFS, IAANZ etc?

In any case, Best of luck...

[benwynn]

Good stuff, so I guess you're gonna be paying for the 100 hours PIC yourself? Certainly a good way to cut down the massive student loan we end up with at the end. Also keen to see which institution you've applied for.

[huff3r]

Good luck mate, I made a similar decision at the start of the year and am not regretting it one bit! Also interested to see which school youre planning on flying with.

[ScottyB]

BenWynn and Huff3r, I am applying at IAANZ - I have been a CAC member my whole life, so know the place well therefore seems the best option for me

[Syncop8r]

Good Luck! All the books you get during your training should cover all you need to know. I bought an FAA book for PPL before I started but have barely looked at it since, because the Pilotbooks ones you get are more relevant to NZ and in fact pretty much what the exams are based on. Perhaps you could start getting them now if you really want a head start.
You could start saving for a decent headset. In my opinion you don't need ANR when starting out (unless you can easily afford it), just a reliable, comfortable headset. When you start flying for a job they will most likely give you a decent headset anyway. My 2 cents :-)

[benwynn]

Sounds good. Great bunch of instructors and a nice modern fleet including some glass cockpit Archers and Warriors!

You wont get a headset when you get a job (unless you're first job is at Air New Zealand) so buy a good one. I've got an ANR and I really like it, apart from replacing batteries. You can get $1000 course related costs towards one, so I'd use that if available. DC's are also great, really robust. The ones the club provides are less than average, so I'd recommend getting one before you start flying. However, for the first two months or so, you'll be doing full time PPL theory anyway.

[HardCorePawn]

QUOTE (benwynn @ Jul 24 2011,3:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I've got an ANR and I really like it, apart from replacing batteries.

Just invest in some rechargeables... I got 2 sets of the new fangled type that hold like 80% charge for 12 months when not being used! I've found they'll generally last a good 30 to 40 hours before needing a recharge... But given that currently I'm flying like 60+ hours a month and some flights are 5 to 6 hours long, I am often changing them inflight So, I always have my "backup" set in my pocket/glovebox/close to hand when flying! I sometimes think the Passive NR on my Lightspeed Zulu is worse than NOT having a headset!!!

Mine are Panasonics, but I think Sony have something similar...

[H500Fan]

such a nice picture in your avatar, pity you're gonna fly planks good luck mate