My last post here is to let you all know that the Olympia Pilot has decided to hang up the headset.
For those of you who know me and how passionate I've been about aviation for so long, this may surprise you. It sure has surprised me! I never expected 20 hours of flight training to bring me to the conclusion that flying around in a small plane, under my own control, is not for me. But it has. Here's why.
There is a subjective continuum of risk and safety and comfort, and everyone has to find their own point on that continuum. This is of course true of any hobby or pursuit--I think we all know (or know of) people who have died in accidents just by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. But it is especially true of flying, since it is so unforgiving. You will not find me claiming that general aviation flying is unsafe. Statistics demonstrate that it is quite safe, especially for conscientious pilots who follow the rules and stay within their limits.
But those statistics have to be lined up against each individual's comfort level. And I've come to the conclusion that I'm not comfortable. Much of this is due to turbulence. Despite having flown a quarter of a million miles commercially in the past three years, and experienced plenty of the bumpy air that goes along with any flight in an aircraft, I somehow thought it wouldn't be an issue. It was. On my solo flights especially, I found the constant bumpiness from thermals and unstable air to be extremely unsettling, to the point that it sapped the enjoyment out of flying. Experienced pilots, including my instructor, told me it would get better with experience. My instincts told me it would take too long to get that experience and comfort level, and during that uncomfortable time I'd need to continue learning the craft of flying, with all the additional risk that inexperience brings. I've judged that to be below my point on the risk/safety continuum.
I've also been unable to come to grips with all the little things that tend to go wrong in a small airplane, especially one that's 30 years old like TP. The past few times I've flown, the radios have had minor problems (including some pilots reporting them inoperative at times), and on the other 172 I've flown, the directional gyro has become unreliable. I am not at all saying these aircraft are unairworthy, and I have reminded myself of Glacier's excellent safety record. These mechanical issues are minor problems that to an experienced and comfortable pilot represent inconveniences at best. But to this somewhat anxious student, they represent one more factor in that risk profile assessment.
I have the greatest respect for people who complete private pilot training and enjoy aviation. It is a challenge in many dimensions, and hats off to anyone who achieves it. I also have the greatest admiration and esteem for Joel, who is a terrific instructor. If anyone in the Olympia area is looking for a good instructor, and you want to work with someone who will adjust to your particular capabilities and learning style, give Glacier a call and request Joel.
I appreciate the support from friends and family, and hope you've enjoyed reading about my adventure here!
--Scott
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Training airplanes are crap. We know that. Gyros precess and radios are garbage and its bumpy in the afternoon between April and October. The thing you did not realize is that you don't need gyros and radios to fly. EVERY single flight you have flown has been under visual flight rules. This means you did not ever need a gyro or even a radio to fly. Back in the day, NO ONE had gyros and or radios.
ReplyDeleteSo while all the technology is wonderful, and in my airplane and in many other more modern airplanes [of which my Comanche is not] have lots of reliable bits and technology, you don't need any of it to fly. I've flown a Tiger Moth with a guy and has a hand held radio, and airspeed indicator and compass.
Nothing any of us can do about the bumps - but the bumps are a normal part of flying. If they bother you, spend an extra tenth every lesson and climb above 5000 feet agl. it smoothes right out. You can over come your fear or not. That choice is yours and you made it.
I don't blame you for feeling uncomfortable with thermals and the like. I still do not like them. I recently flew up the East Coast unable to get on top. It took the fun out of the trip. I didn't get sick, but believe someone could have easily done so. This is why I did 90% of my training early in the morning. I like 6AM starts as much as my instructor. Problem solved. Today I just did a long solo cross country and started at 0530 local to get into the clean air. Good luck to you. We certainly were in the same boat here and I found there is more than one way to "skin a cat" so to speak.
ReplyDeleteflying early and flying higher both can take care of a lot of the bumps, and both would certainly have been worth exploring before deciding to bag it. That said, some folks are meant to be pilots and some folks are meant to be passengers and there's no shame in however it turns out for any particular individual in any particular category.
ReplyDeleteIn response to aninterestingman... Actually, I do realize that a working DG is not strictly essential to flying VFR. However, I choose not to fly in an aircraft where stuff doesn't work, even the optional stuff. Maybe some folks will think that's unreasonably picky, some folks won't. I think there is room for both points of view, and as I said in my original post everyone has to choose their comfort level and act accordingly.
ReplyDeleteAnd where I was training radios actually are required...KOLM is a Class D field. Even at non-towered fields, I personally think it's crazy to fly without a radio. Which, for a 20-hour student, is equivalent to flying with an unreliable radio as well.
In response to the others... I explored all these options, and yes flying in the morning and evening help. Just not enough of a solution for me to stick with it.
Thanks for the comments!
It's a shame that you're going to give it up after all you've worked through and all you've accomplished. Reading back through a lot of your posts you seemed so excited everytime you accomplished a new task. I'm not sure what suddenly happened to sour your taste for flying, but it's too bad that it happened. I hope you'll rethink your decision and get back to earning your certificate.
ReplyDeleteHey Scott, as soon as I took off on my discovery flight I was certain that flying was not for me, but I'm glad I decided to give it another shot.
ReplyDeleteHopefully at some point in the future you'll have a different perspective on the continuum of risk and give it another go - especially if you're truly passionate about flying... It does have a way of sucking you back in!
I think avaition is somewhat like a virus. It can go dormant, but lies there in wait and will re-emerge.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was young and first learning, the turbulence never bothered me. However, I was NEVER OK as a seagoing naval officer until I threw up and got that done with. Then I was Okay.
Now, 35 years later, with control of maintenence, turbocharged equipment, and a high dispatch reliability, we (the family) spend less then ten minutes per trip in the turbulent air below 10,000 AGL.
You'll know when it's time to return. The virus will let you know. And since you have, as I understand it, soloed already.....you have earned the title "pilot". It will live with you.....forever.
In the USN, we believe(d) that 90% of motion sickness could be trained out. I simply had to get the upchuck done with.....It had to be trained out of me.
Hope to see you again in the skies. :)
I commend you for having the common sense and fortitude to listen to your inner voice that this isn't for you. Aviation is not for everyone, and most people realize that without ever trying it themselves. There are a percentage of those though with a spirit of adventure who go ahead and give it a shot before making a final decision.
ReplyDeleteIf you aren't grinning the entire time you're flying and think bouncing around is fun, or at least no big deal, recreational aviation is far too expensive.
You'll never lose the experience you've gained, and you went and gave it a real chance. Now go forward and find something you really enjoy to spend your recreational budget on.
I think you are pulling the rip cord to soon here, I had similar issues of doom and gloom. All you need is confidence, and that takes time.....fly early when there is no turbulance. You still have at least 20 hours dual left, that will help build your confidence. Maybe even try a different instructor. Like Dr. B said, you have the virus :)
ReplyDeleteAbout 15 years ago I gave up flight training after 15 hours due to what I thought was unreasonable motion sickness. Fast forward many years and I found some advice regarding conquering it using a device (Relief Band) and supplements (Garlic Pills). I started training again and these things helped me over the hump. I now am a certificated private pilot with 133 hours, and I feel zero discomfort while flying in pretty rough turbulence.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing that as the years go by you will have the nagging feeling that there is something amazing that you almost accomplished, but didn't because of a surmountable fear. And you will be back. :)
Scott do what works for you. I'm glad that you tried it and you'll always be able to say you did. Most people never even give it a try. I have a good friend who learned to fly, even bought his own 172, but was never really comfortable, finally gave it up, sold the plane, bought a Harley and a boat. He doesn't regret any of his decisions and can always say he gave it a try.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you in the future in whatever you choose to do.
Dave
Thanks everyone for the terrific and helpful comments. This little box doesn't give me space enough to reply to each one of you, but I appreciate the kind words.
ReplyDeleteSeveral mentioned the "virus" that will likely always be with me, even if it lies dormant for awhile. I suspect you're right. I of course reserve the right to do this again at any point in the future!
so.....Scott, why don't you move your flight training to periods when the air is not turbulent? Why did your instructor not suggest this? I guess your instructor doesn't have much experience with mature students as they have different needs when compared to the typical fearless kid learning to fly.
ReplyDeleteWith proper training, not only can you overcome your uneasiness in the cockpit, you can become a good pilot - because you bring a higher level of reasoning to the cockpit. What you need is a CFI who can tailor flight training to fit your needs, instead of forcing you to learn in an environment that is uncomfortable.
I can't believe you will let a couple of bumps in the road end your journey.
e you decision. Let experience and education ng to let a thorn or two end your quest. That's analagous to giving up on buying your dream car because you came up $100 short on the purchase price.
Early morning and altitude really do take the bumps away. If you do give it another try take the time to climb a little more and clear most of the thermal activity.
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great series of postings and a diary of your progress. It's wonderful that you challenged yourself, set a goal, achieved it, added a new skill and knowledge, tested yourself, and made a thoughtful decision. It seems that people often have an interest in something, but too little conviction to accept a challenge see it through.
ReplyDeleteI think your decision is the right one...at least for now. You can always pick up where you left off, after children have grown beyond their formative early years.
I started at Glacier in April, apparently somewhat behind you. I was struck by your progress (my own, apparently substandard, progress is all I have to compare to), and found myself wondering what I am doing wrong.
ReplyDeleteAll of your comments rang true to me, especially the comments about good ol' 0TP. It reminds me of a sturdy old pickup that's had a hard life and is eagerly anticipating retirement.
Anyway, thanks for an interesting, well-written blog.