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Hi Jason, Anais

I'm planning on getting back into flying this year after a 10+ year break. I'm currently 34 and learnt when I was 19 and flew for about a year. I have around 120 hours of total time.

Just wondering if you have any suggestions about a refresher program that would help me back into the cockpit faster.

I have been doing lots of refresher reading of texts (bought a whole stack of new books) and have a aerobatics rating at the top of my list to complete once I have become current again. I have been doing lots of study around flight rules/air law as there has been big changes to the rules in Australia since I learned to fly - our airspace is becoming more like the US.

As I'm in Sydney, Australia I don't expect you to give me any advice on rules and regs - but instead what things should I concentrate on regarding aircraft handling and general airmanship.

BTW - the podcast is great - I am a big fan. You have the right balance of time and content - that is hard to get right sometimes but you seem to have nailed it. The forums are also a great idea.

Any chance you can cover aerobatics in any of the furture podcasts?

Cheers
Ross

Hi Ross,
First of all, I just want to say thanks for your question. It's really exciting that we can be talking, and we appreciate your input into our forum.
I think they are many people that are in your position. You are on the right track. Reading and preparing for the lessons ahead is truly the best way to get yourself back into it.
A couple of options for you...Aopa has a website that contains plenty of information, refresher clinic type videos. We also offer The High Airwork audio CD where Jason breaks down the upper airwork maneuvers, including common pilot errors. This might be a good start. We will be releasing two more come June.
Generally, when a student approaches me to do a Biannual Flight Review, I hand him/her several texts, including our FAR/AIM (book of regs and airmanship) and one of the many Private Pilot manuals, I personally like ASA. As far as aircraft handling, it is essential to understand aerodymanics and I would look to somebody like Kershner for a full explanation.
Once you start taking lessons again, one of the most valuable options you have though, is "dry" time. This is rehearsing the actual flight. You can sit in a plane, or on the couch at home...all free, and will help immensely.

Just the beginning, but I hope this helps...
if anybody else out there has some other options, we'd love to hear it.

Have fun,
anais
and I think aerobatics would be a great podcast, did you hear our podcast #4?

Hey Ross, good to hear another aussie pilot getting back into the air!
I have many a long gap in my logbook too, years sometimes! It is tricky to keep flying as it becomes expensive, but the downside of not flying is that you get more rusty with the whole process, flying, rules, decision making, weather, weight & balance, x/country flight planning... Oh my god!
A good start is getting hold of The Flying Training Manual. While this is primarily directed at ab initio pilots, it is pretty much what you will need. This book from the Aviation Theory Centre www.aviationtheory.net.au/ , goes thru each process of attaining a GFPT thru to PPL. It discusses in logical sequence the steps a beginner would go through. The documentation, medical, the flight sequences etc. It's a good start. There are other books from ATC as well as the Bob Tait series http://www.bobtait.com.au/ Make sure you check when buying book that they have the latest rule changes, eg non-towered airport procedures changed in Nov 2005. Contact Airservices Australia to get hold of the relevent charts & docs , Visual Terminal Chart (VTC), Visual Navigation Chart (VNC), ERC low. You will also need an ERSA, AIP, Civil Aviation Orders (CAOs) and if you can afford it the Civil Aviation Regs (CAR's). These are all on on the website http://www.casa.gov.au/rules/index.htm but it's easier to flip thru them when studying.
It cant be stated enough that the more study you do will make your training more economical and safer.
Also, go & visit as many flying schools as you can, do a TIF or two, 'interview' them about what they can do for you. Speak to the CFI, instructors and students. If they seem happy, chances are you will be too. Sometimes you can get 'caught' at one flying school where there are better options for you. Have a look at the type and the particularly the condition of their aircraft, don't just base your decision on their rental/instructor rates.
Consider the pros & cons of a school OCTA, CTA or a GAAP. Mainly, find a place where you feel the most comfortable, where they listen to your needs. We are definatly in the age where you are the customer and you have the right to shop around for the best deal, let them know that too. If the dont pay you the attention you deserve, move on!
Good luck mate, I hope you get flying soon!

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Fly safe,

David

I recently got back into flying after being away for more then 24 years. After the first flight I knew I was "home again". I can't stress enough how important it is to find the right instructor. So many seem to be just biding time to move to the airlines and really don't want to be instructing. I was fortunate and it made my retraing fun. Good luck.

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Dave

Thanks for the replies - some great ideas. I have been reading a lot recently and my next step is to go an interview a few flying schools. I'll be sure t opost an update in a few weeks on progress

Ross,

Let me echo bobzob - welcome back to the skies.

I've flown with Basair at Bankstown and Curtis at Camden. I can recommend them both - Curtis is a bit more laid back, with Basair being more 'structured'. The important thing is to get a good instructor you can work with.

Let us know how you get on.

Cheers
Chris

An update.

Back into it 2 lessons down and trying to get 2 a week from now on. I am flying with Sydney Aerobatic School http://www.sydneyaerobatics.com.au/ and Doug my instructor is exactly what I was after, a seasoned pro who is easily the most professional instructor I have flown with. I am completing their Advanced Aircraft Handling course which includes an aero endorsement as well as covering off my Biennial Flight Review.

The Robin we are flying is a great aircraft with awesome visibility and damn can it do some excellent tricks. Can't wait to start the next lesson - aileron rolls.

Will post again shortly with further progress...........