How many RallyPoint members have their Private Pilot License?

1SG Eric Rice — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 04:45:45 -0500

I have always been interested in aviation since I was knee high to a grass hopper. That being said in February 2005 while stationed at Fort Benning, Ga I finally took the plunge and went to the local airport and inquired about flight lessons. A few short months later (June 2005) I passed my check ride (flight exam) and have been flying ever since.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2014 4:55 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 04:55:52 -0500

Congratulations 1SG Eric Rice for going out and doing want you have dreamed of doing. I have always thought about it but have never acted on it.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2014 11:09 AM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 11:09:33 -0500

1SG Eric Rice - Like MSgt Private RallyPoint Member said, congrats on taking the plunge and accomplishing such a rare feat. I started flying back in September 2004 when I was still in college at Georgia Tech. Luckily they had a flying club that made it much more financially feasible than taking lessons out in town. After a long break while finishing up school and starting a full-time job, I passed my PP checkride in March of 2006.

Haven't flown in a while due to time constraints, but I would highly recommend it to anyone thinking about doing it. Especially if you are near a USAF installation that has an Aero Club...

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2014 3:50 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 15:50:34 -0500

Once you get your private certificate I would suggest people look into the organization that I do oversight for. That is the Civil Air Patrol. If you join, you can get checked out in their aircraft which very from C-172's to the latest Garmin cockpit 182's and turbo 206's. As a member you can rent the Air Craft for flight proficiency at wet rates well below the civilian market and even the prices at the base aero clubs. If you have 100 hours of PIC time you can get qualified as a mission transport pilot. At 200 or more hours you can get mission pilot qualified to do air search and rescue and disaster relief reconnaissance.

They also allow for flight training towards advanced ratings like instrument and commercial ratings. They don't allow for initial training towards the solo or private for the adult members.

I would highly encourage everyone who pursues aviation to work towards an IFR rating at a minimum as it may save you one day if you happen to poke your nose into a cloud.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2015 2:01 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 02:01:56 -0400

Got my private pilot certificate in 2011. I started lessons at the age of 12 in 2005, not trying to make you feel old or anything SFC Rice! I'm currently attending Kansas State University in the flying program, half way through Instrument now, but I think I'll be switching to Airport Management next semester and plan to join the K-State flying club, $85/hr for a 172 is pretty good these days. Much better than the pilot program at KSU which is about $ 135/hr. :(

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 11:38 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 11:38:08 -0400

Congrats to your achievement. I've been wanting to do this since I was kid but it has never been financially feasible, since total cost is anywhere from 6 to 10 thousand. At 6'3", I've flown only once in a 152 and will never do it again- the yoke was in my knees constantly.

I joined my local Civil Air Patrol squadron about a year ago which has renewed my interest but until I can save up for at least half of the costs I'm not going to start ground school. Another option I'm looking into is University of Oklahoma's aviation bachelor's degree CPL program. Since it's a degree program, the GI Bill applies.

If you are a young enlisted servicemember and want to cross to the commissioned officer side to be a pilot (I hear they have cookies), having a PPL or better can help grease the wheels so long as you meet the other requirements.

Response by MSgt E. W. Forbess made Jun 15 at 2015 7:13 PM

MSgt E. W. Forbess — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 19:13:05 -0400

I took an aviation course in high school "for fun" (i.e. no credit). The next semester, I took it again for credit, and the semester after that, I was the teacher's assistant, and there was nothing I wanted more than a pilot's license. After 23 years in the USAF with a grand total of 5 duty-related flights (one helicopter, one C-130, one RC-135, one C-5 and one G-222) all in the back end of the aircraft, I finally got "a round tuit" and got my private pilot license in 2000, 5 years after I retired. I had a lot of fun, but my flying has tapered off considerably since 9/11 -- it's just not as simple as it was before that...

Response by LTC Erik Spike Thiesmeyer, Sr. made Jun 16 at 2015 9:46 PM

LTC Erik Spike Thiesmeyer, Sr. — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 21:46:08 -0400

The Army taught me to fly airplanes as well as helicopters so I've had my pilot's license for 25 years. In all that time, I have never rented or borrowed an airplane to fly for fun. Always working.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 11:26 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 23:26:18 -0400

Got mine while stationed at Camp James Rudder in Florida at Eglin Air Force base. I'm out of currency and need a flight review, but being in paramedic school right now makes it hard to study what I need to. Looking forward to taking to the skies again in October when I'm done!

Response by SrA John Shellenberger made Aug 21 at 2015 1:10 AM

SrA John Shellenberger — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 01:10:09 -0400

I have taken and passed the FAA exam and have 68 hours of VFR flight time in an MXT-7.
Cross-country solo completed. Did not complete check ride and sign off with Dr. Roberson at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia Ar. I was also offered a position with the SC National Guard warrant officer candidate aviation course...I don't know why I did't take it. I had a CWO endorsement even.

Response by CPT Enrique M. made Jan 27 at 2016 2:37 PM

CPT Enrique M. — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 14:37:30 -0500

Late to the game on this post.

But I have my PPL ,SEL with instrument ratings about to complete my Multiengine commercial
Also I have a glider rating.

main plan is to finish my commercial , get my Instructor glider , and then eventually work on my CFIG, CFI , CFII

people ask me to this day why I didn't choose the AF. Simply because my eyesight doesn't meet the requirements. And I am now to old to be one lol

Response by SGT John Hogg made Dec 28 at 2017 8:33 AM

SGT John Hogg — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 08:33:14 -0500

So, without creating a new thread, and just digging up a relevant one for at the PPL holders; what was your commands first reaction to telling them you can fly a plane? Of those, who actually owns their own plane? Do you have to do a monthly POA inspection with your first line at the airport? Looking at acquiring my license when I return to the US, and possibly purchasing an older affordable aircraft.