Whether, like me, it took you several years or just a few weeks
to obtain your own PPL, it is a great achievement!
However, the post PPL phase is an important time for the recently qualified pilot.
You have learned to fly up to an acceptable standard but this when a new phase of learning begins.
Assuming the funds are available and you can afford to fly on a regular basis
you might find yourself giving pleasure flights to friends and family
until the novelty wears off.
If you have not planned ahead you might find yourself flying less often.
If you don’t form the habit early in your flying career you might stop landing away at other airfields.
Without this practice your confidence will lessen
and eventually your flying might be confined to short trips in the local area.
There is a risk that the fall in your confidence level may lead you to stop flying altogether.
It would be a great shame to withdraw having come so far
but it’s all too common for PPL holders to abandon it at this early stage.
To maintain your interest and continuity of learning, and build your confidence, set new goals
Consider the variety in aviation and stretch yourself to reach each of these objectives
when you’ve built up enough confidence and ability:
Join a flying club and socialise with other aviators.
Join AOPA and enjoy hotel, fuel, and pilot supply discounts.
Join the LAA and build, maintain, or restore aircraft.
Visit other airfields. Land on grass, concrete, and tarmac.
Fly throughout the year and study the weather. Convert to different aircraft types.
Convert to a taildragger, or vice versa. Learn to fly vintage aircraft.
Learn to fly aerobatics and take part in amateur competitions.
Go to fly-ins and air rallies.
Take part in air races. Fly around the UK. Fly across water. Fly to the Channel Islands.
Fly to the continent and visit other countries.
Lachlan Smart, an 18 year old Australian pilot has just flown around the world. His advice,
“Don’t be afraid to dream big and when you have a goal – go for it.”
If the PPL was the first step on a professional career
then you’re probably already aware of the path to further training.
What is there to do if you have your Pilot's Licence but the cash runs out?
For any number of reasons you may find that the money just isn’t available for flying
The Pilot’s licence had to be put aside while you take care of other responsibilities.
like a home, family, schooling and time spent with your loved ones.
However, if it’s obvious that you’re hooked on aviation then you may find your Christmas and birthday wishes are fulfilled and you continue to add entries into your logbook.
They may not be entries in the Pilot in Command column
but you can still experience flight in all kinds of ways.
Since obtaining my PPL I have had to confine my logbook entries to training
but I’ve chosen flights that are memorable due to the aircraft type and the maneouvers flown.
Harvard T6G - General handling in this warbird
Extra300 – aerobatics (five times)
Cessna C172 – around Barbados Cessna, C172SP – glass panel, De Havilland DH82 Tiger Moth
Harvard IIB – aerobatics, Bulldog – aerobatics
AutoGyro MT-03, Piper Cub Thanks for watching