I am sure most pilots set goals to fly more hours each year. I started flying in April of 2004 with a heavy concentration between April and August, in which I flew 47.2 hours, culminating in earning my Private Pilots License on August 1, 2004. I continued to fly frequently into the winter of 2004, completing the year with 63.3 hours of flight time.
My flight time was decreased in 2005 in a year of transition where I moved from Cincinnati, Ohio to Chicago, Illinois. Between a new job and new city I had less free time to get out to the airport. In 2005 I only logged 12.6 hours, just over an hour per month. My goal for 2006 is to at least double that number. I plan on doing that by finally buckling down and choosing a home base airport and FBO. I am looking at a variety of airports and FBOs ranging from Midway Aviators based at Midway, Windy City Flyers at Palwaukee, Stick & Rudder Club at Waukegan and an FBO at Schamburg. Additionally, in 2006, I would like to fly some more solo cross-country flights exploring new airports and scenery.
I look forward to sharing my 2006 flight experiences with you!
Hope you're settled in and that everything is going well! I'm looking forward to hearing about your adventures.
Posted by: similate at January 2, 2006 8:38 PMSounds like a great plan!! What do you think about buying a small C-150 or something to help make the goal easier?
Posted by: Richard Caetano at January 3, 2006 2:47 AMRichard - Unfortunately, I don't think I am ready to buy my first plane, yet. Though, I did some googling and found some 150s for sale in the area. I did not realize you could get a Cessna 150 for $25,000 - $35,000, not bad.
Posted by: MyFlightBlog at January 3, 2006 9:15 PMI was looking for a flight school to start my PPL training in August and visited 3 of the 4 FBOs you mention. I decided on Midway Aviators due to its accessibility from my home and work, the opportunity to regularly fly in Class C airspace, and I liked the instructor with whom I was teamed.
I really liked Windy City Flyers at Palwaukee, too, but the airport is too remote for me to arrange after-work flight lessons. They earned a lot of respect from me, though, when their lead instructor recommended going to Midway Aviators if it meant I would get to fly more frequently and, consequently, require fewer lessons.
I've only spoken with Northwest Aviation at Schaumburg by phone, but that have DA40s (which I love flying), good prices, an attractive flying club arrangement, and the staff member with whom I spoke was very courteous.
Please let me know if I may be of assistance with your FBO search.
Posted by: David L Kinney at January 9, 2006 8:39 PM
