Aviation Bug

[Dreampilot]

Hey Everyone,

I just wanted to post because I have this unbelievable urge to fly. Has the bug ever caused you to make irrational decisions like taking out loans and not worrying about the consequences? or What do you do to try and avoid these urges? It is hard for any day to go by not thinking about it. Pretty crazy stuff haha. What are some crazy stories people have about first starting out? That is all for now. Thanks,

Matt

[clearsky76]

Matt,
Yes, it's hard to not take an $80,000 loan at 12% to go to Flight Safety Academy and be finished with training by December. But after I used a loan calculator, I realized I would be making the equivalent of a house payment for the next 30 years. Instead, I'm staying in Columbus, Ohio and going the FBO route, while getting a degree. I might go to ATP to finish up some ratings later on, but that's way down the road. So, I really don't have a crazy story to share with you, only one that I would've been sharing on this site if I would've taken the loan, and had no QOL, nothing to fall back on, and been miserable because I wouldn't have been able to pay for the basic things in life for the first few years in aviation. So, what I do to avoid these urges is to remember times in my life(I'm 31) when I was in debt up to my ears, and was stressed out, which ultimately effected every single other part of my life and made me a very difficult person to be around. Debt is the devil! The devil I tell 'ya! But honestly, I think a little debt taken in incriments is fine, just as long as you know what the payments are going to be after you get that big check and how it will effect your budget, spending habits, QOL, etc. and for what length of time you'll be paying the banks back for. I'm sure there are people that disagree with this view, but I'm just speaking from my own personal expriences in regards to debt. I realized I will do everything in my power to make my dream come true, but have to set some limitations.

Hope this was helpful and even a little entertaining. Best of luck in your adventure!

[ORAV8R]

What's up Clearsky....I am from CMH, live in Oregon now....where are you doing your training? Always nice to see a fellow Buckeye on here.

[clearsky76]

Hey Orav8r,

I've only had a few lessons out of Bolton Field/KTZR from Capital City Jet Center but want to begin training at KOSU/Don Scott. They seem to be a bit more organized at Don Scott. Inbetween the two, I was planning on taking out said 80K loan and heading to Vero Beach for Flight Safety, but decided to finish up a college degree here in Columbus while getting my training at KOSU over the next couple of years. Do you have any info about Capital City Aviation or anyone else out of KOSU?

Oregon, huh? I bet it's beautiful out there. What brought you there?

GO BUCKEYES!

[ORAV8R]

My parents live near Bolton Field, I don't know much about flight training in the Columbus area as I didn't start flying until I moved out West. I've been flying since June '07 and am currently practicing for my PPL checkride. I used to work in law enforcement in the Columbus area, my wife and I were ready for a change and we both landed good jobs out here (me in law enforcement again and her in the legal field) so we made the big move a little over a year ago. I have to say that I am very lucky to be learning how to fly in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, my reference points on steep turns, heading changes etc. are Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, and on really clear days, Mt. Ranier...it is truly awesome. Even though it is so beautiful out here, we actually talk about maybe eventually moving back in a couple of years.....there's no place like home! I would assume that Don Scott OSU is probably a good place to train, that airport seems to have a good reputation...oh well...in the meantime, fly safe, and I would be interested to know how the flight training is there in Columbus..as always Go Bucks!

[clearsky76]

Wow. I'm a little jealous. My CFI out of Bolton would use reference points like "the twin water towers" or "fly parellel to the rail road tracks below." I can't imagine flying around Mt. Hood, Helens or anything like that. I'll keep you posted on my training back here in Columbus. I understand about eventually wanting to come back here. It's a great town!
Be careful on the streets dealing with the general public. I applaud you for having the courage and patience to do so. I think I've seen every episode of "COPS" ever made, and I think it takes a unique individual to do your job.