Sorry if this is a dumb question, but i can't seem to find a straight answer for this: i'm thinking of going for my PPL. What's involved in remaining current?
The reason I ask is because i'll be flying out of Newfoundland and there's nowhere to rent a plane within a 4 hour drive, so I wouldn't likely be flying that often once I got my PPL. I just want to understand what that might mean for my currency.
Thanks!
Retaining currency
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Beefitarian
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Re: Retaining currency
The insurance policy of the aircraft will want you to take a check ride if you don't remain current by their standards. As for the official standards it's a minimum take offs and landings in the last 6 months prior to taking passengers an hour of circuts will exceed it.
Now let's start talking about actually staying current and capable of flying an airplane safely...
Now let's start talking about actually staying current and capable of flying an airplane safely...
Re: Retaining currency
Thanks for the info. And i definitely hear you loud and clear.
While I'd like to fly as often as possible, the reality of flying in Newfoundland is between crazy weather and a 4 hour commute to get the plane, I won't be able to fly that often. I just wanted to see what it means to remain current because I hear a lot of pilots talking about their "currency."
While I'd like to fly as often as possible, the reality of flying in Newfoundland is between crazy weather and a 4 hour commute to get the plane, I won't be able to fly that often. I just wanted to see what it means to remain current because I hear a lot of pilots talking about their "currency."
Re: Retaining currency
There are also CARs recency requirements you must fulfill as well when flying.
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/r ... htm#401_05
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/r ... htm#401_05
Re: Retaining currency
MSMLA,
Your point is a very valid one. As a student the reality is that the longer it takes you to get your licence, the longer it takes. What I mean is that if you do it 6 days a week you will most likely be up to licence standard in the minimum regulated 45 hours. If on the other hand you take 1 lesson every 2 weeks you will likely end up doing (and spending) double that or more. It's best to dedicate the time for doing your licence into blocks of as many weeks as possible where you live close to where you are training and be as full time about it as possible.
Once you get your licence, you don't have this option, and it gets even worse initially. There is no longer the impetus to keep going flying constantly in order to finish you licence. You have it in your pocket so you are liable to fly far, far less. When you have minimal experience, this can be very dangerous. I would suggest that realistically, until you have several years and several hundred hours flying, if it has been more than 30 days since your last flight, find another (current) pilot to fly with you. If you do this, there's really no need for you to worry about how far away you live or how often you go flying.
Once you are experienced enough that you don't need to fly every month to stay current, you will at that point no doubt start bashing your head against various flight schools' "currency requirements" which in your situation will likely require you to get a checkout every time you want to go flying. This is not only expensive but tiresome and can be a huge disincentive. At this point I find people either find an aircraft they can rent from the owner (or buy a share themselves), or stop flying entirely. While some schools actually are reasonable and will vary the requirements to suit the pilot, they are getting few and far between. Some schools are more lenient about their rules with pilots they have a history with (trained themselves). Go to the airport you are planning on flying from and ask all the schools what their currency rules are for licenced pilots.
Another option you might look into is an ultralight that can be flown from a field much closer to home.
Your point is a very valid one. As a student the reality is that the longer it takes you to get your licence, the longer it takes. What I mean is that if you do it 6 days a week you will most likely be up to licence standard in the minimum regulated 45 hours. If on the other hand you take 1 lesson every 2 weeks you will likely end up doing (and spending) double that or more. It's best to dedicate the time for doing your licence into blocks of as many weeks as possible where you live close to where you are training and be as full time about it as possible.
Once you get your licence, you don't have this option, and it gets even worse initially. There is no longer the impetus to keep going flying constantly in order to finish you licence. You have it in your pocket so you are liable to fly far, far less. When you have minimal experience, this can be very dangerous. I would suggest that realistically, until you have several years and several hundred hours flying, if it has been more than 30 days since your last flight, find another (current) pilot to fly with you. If you do this, there's really no need for you to worry about how far away you live or how often you go flying.
Once you are experienced enough that you don't need to fly every month to stay current, you will at that point no doubt start bashing your head against various flight schools' "currency requirements" which in your situation will likely require you to get a checkout every time you want to go flying. This is not only expensive but tiresome and can be a huge disincentive. At this point I find people either find an aircraft they can rent from the owner (or buy a share themselves), or stop flying entirely. While some schools actually are reasonable and will vary the requirements to suit the pilot, they are getting few and far between. Some schools are more lenient about their rules with pilots they have a history with (trained themselves). Go to the airport you are planning on flying from and ask all the schools what their currency rules are for licenced pilots.
Another option you might look into is an ultralight that can be flown from a field much closer to home.
Re: Retaining currency
This is exactly my thing: I currently live in a city close to 3 flight schools, so I'm thinking now might be an opportunity to go for my PPL. I think I can dedicate the time to get it done in about 8 months.
But I'm really torn. In all likelihood, I will be moving to Newfoundland in the spring. When I do move, if I have to drive 4 hours to rent a plane, my flying will inevitably drop a lot - probably to the once a month range or less.
You figure in that case it's probably not worth the trouble I'd have to go through with constant checkflights (not to mention safety and lack of experience)?
But I'm really torn. In all likelihood, I will be moving to Newfoundland in the spring. When I do move, if I have to drive 4 hours to rent a plane, my flying will inevitably drop a lot - probably to the once a month range or less.
You figure in that case it's probably not worth the trouble I'd have to go through with constant checkflights (not to mention safety and lack of experience)?
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Beefitarian
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Re: Retaining currency
I would recommend getting your private pilot's license. I think about flying everyday yet I still don't regret getting the license even though the last time I was current was 2006.
Re: Retaining currency
If you want to 'retain currency ($)' stay away from aviation........
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Beefitarian
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Re: Retaining currency
Nor do I, but I wish I had a job that could afford flying for fun. But, I guess flying a 737 around the country is fun too.......
Re: Retaining currency
Beefitarian, how do you rent planes ( or even fly your own) if you're not current?
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Beefitarian
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Re: Retaining currency
Well for the last 4-6 hours (estimated I can look it up if you wish) in my log book it's been with a nice instructor as PIC. It's only an extra $60 per and they get to come for a ride and point at the gauges and say things like, "Watch you speed."
I like to make them work the radios too since they're there. It's actually kind of nice if you're at a strange airport, they know the inbound check points what altitude the local ATC dudes like you to be at when you call and things. I keep hoping to get current again but it's not going to happen until I can put aside the money and time to fly more than. A couple of hours per year.
Oh and if you're still thinking about getting married there's some other things you need to know. It's not the worst thing that's happened to me but my plans are not the priority here.
Like I said I don't regret doing it, Pilot's license I mean. I can still fly, the problem is my skills are not up to a point where they need to be. Even those short dual trips once or twice a year are one of my favorite things.
If you can get out once a month and fly at least an hour of dual once a year after you get your license. Add in a short cross country when ever you can and you would do great. You may not be the ace of the base but you will stay current and continue to improve as you go.
viewtopic.php?f=54&t=71256&hilit=catalina
I like to make them work the radios too since they're there. It's actually kind of nice if you're at a strange airport, they know the inbound check points what altitude the local ATC dudes like you to be at when you call and things. I keep hoping to get current again but it's not going to happen until I can put aside the money and time to fly more than. A couple of hours per year.
Oh and if you're still thinking about getting married there's some other things you need to know. It's not the worst thing that's happened to me but my plans are not the priority here.
Like I said I don't regret doing it, Pilot's license I mean. I can still fly, the problem is my skills are not up to a point where they need to be. Even those short dual trips once or twice a year are one of my favorite things.
If you can get out once a month and fly at least an hour of dual once a year after you get your license. Add in a short cross country when ever you can and you would do great. You may not be the ace of the base but you will stay current and continue to improve as you go.
viewtopic.php?f=54&t=71256&hilit=catalina
