Category Archives: General Aviation

Complex Time with a Retractable Gear 172

By Rory | Published: January 10, 2012
A complex aircraft has flaps, retractable landing gear, and an adjustable pitch propeller. Believe it or not, I have used a Groupon more than once to get a flying lesson at a flying school that I would not otherwise have visited. As a result, I have had the opportunity to fly a complex Cessna 172 [...]
Also posted in Complex Aircraft, Learn to Fly, My Private Pilot Training, Private Pilot | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Flying the Mesa Departure from John Wayne

By Rory | Published: January 7, 2011
Up until now, I have only flown to the practice areas south of John Wayne airport. This includes the El Toro practice area as well as the Dana Point practice area. One great thing about flying the same practice areas is that you get accustomed to the landmarks and navigation. Exiting and entering the Santa [...]
Also posted in Airports, KSNA - John Wayne - Santa Ana, Learn to Fly, My Private Pilot Training, Private Pilot | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Private Pilot License Update

By Rory | Published: December 17, 2010
Stats: 22.5 hours (time in both Cessna 152 and Cessna 172) 79 Takeoffs and Landings Currently working on: Stalls, Steep Turns, Unusual Attitude Recovery, Instrument (hood work), Radio Communication with Control Tower, SoCal Approach, Ground Control, Clearance Delivery and Flying the Traffic Pattern at KSNA (John Wayne, Santa Ana). About to work on: VOR Introduction, [...]
Also posted in Air Traffic Control, Airports, Flight Schools, KSNA - John Wayne - Santa Ana, My Private Pilot Training, Private Pilot | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Pilot flies without arms

By Rory | Published: October 18, 2010
Next time I think that learning to fly can be the slightest bit overwhelming, I’ll just have to watch this video of a pilot flying solo without arms: Pilot_Flies_Without_Arms-SABG.wmvUploaded by vidalde. – Explore more music videos. Tweet This Post
Also posted in Flight Instructors, Private Pilot | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Flying Lessons Update – Can You Help Me Earn My Wings?

By Rory | Published: September 28, 2010
If you love flying and aviation, and you want to sponsor me to become a private pilot, you can donate: Or Advertise, or you can Hire Me to do something. I have been taking flying lessons at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, CA (KSNA). I decided to go with Royal Aviation after interviewing 2 [...]
Also posted in Flight Instructors, Flight Schools, Private Pilot | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Private Pilot Lessons Kick-Off

By Rory | Published: August 23, 2010
After researching every single flight school at the airport I will be using for my lessons. I finally settled on Royal Aviation at John Wayne Airport in Orange County. I’m looking forward to jump starting my private pilot training. My instructor told me that I need these books from Amazon to get started on studying [...]
Also posted in 172, Cessna, Flight Instructors, Flight Schools, Learn to Fly, Private Pilot | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Terrafugia Transition Light Sport Carcraft Hits the Roads and Skies

By Rory | Published: July 7, 2010
What’s another name for hell on wheels? For experienced pilots, it could be the new sport pilot flying the Terrafugia flying car. The flying car drives as a car with it’s wings folded up, and transitions into a light sport aircraft when traffic gets backed up. – Just kidding. The Terrafugia Transition seems like a [...]
Also posted in Aircraft, Light Sport Aircraft, Sport Pilot | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Rod Machado’s Private Pilot Book Review

By Rory | Published: June 27, 2010
Rod Machado’s Private Pilot Handbook I actually downloaded the Audio MP3 format allows me to listen to it repeatedly on my iPhone. I need all of the repetition and help I can get to absorb the material. Thanks Rod! As usual, Rod’s wit and creative presentation style make learning the Private Pilot material fun and [...]
Also posted in Private Pilot, Rod Machado | Tagged , , | 5 Comments