Opinions wanted on what kind of aircraft to start flying?

[browntrout]

15+ years ago I used to fly privately in C 152's and 150's. However, back then I did not buy a plane as I was still a college student and eventually stopped flying. I really want to start again and hope I can get various peoples opinions on what type of category to start with and what kinds of least expensive and simple (bare bones by FAA rules) planes to consider. It is my opinion that I would never have stopped flying if I would have just had my own plane, so I will buy my own trainer this time. Also, there is a new category for sport pilot planes that I just learned about that did not exist before when I flew. My thought is that I could start by getting a glider license, or the sport plane category, or just go for the private pilots license again. However, I want to take my time in order to become as proficient a pilot as possible. I would like to start with as basic a plane, including instruments, everything, as possible, to learn "by the seat of my pants" as much as the FAA will allow. It seems to me that then I will learn to actually fly the plane first, and then I can progress into nicer and nicer equipment, which I think will make me a better pilot in the long run.

Please any and all thoughts on these subjects will be gladly welcomed.

Thanks, Greg.

 

[KCFlyer]

15+ years ago I used to fly privately in C 152's and 150's. However, back then I did not buy a plane as I was still a college student and eventually stopped flying. I really want to start again and hope I can get various peoples opinions on what type of category to start with and what kinds of least expensive and simple (bare bones by FAA rules) planes to consider. It is my opinion that I would never have stopped flying if I would have just had my own plane, so I will buy my own trainer this time. Also, there is a new category for sport pilot planes that I just learned about that did not exist before when I flew. My thought is that I could start by getting a glider license, or the sport plane category, or just go for the private pilots license again. However, I want to take my time in order to become as proficient a pilot as possible. I would like to start with as basic a plane, including instruments, everything, as possible, to learn "by the seat of my pants" as much as the FAA will allow. It seems to me that then I will learn to actually fly the plane first, and then I can progress into nicer and nicer equipment, which I think will make me a better pilot in the long run.

Please any and all thoughts on these subjects will be gladly welcomed.

Thanks, Greg.

I'm not a pilot, but do (and have) read Flying magazine for the past 25 years. If I'm not mistaken, there are limitations on the planes that you can fly under the "sport pilot" category - and if that's the case, it would seem to me that going ahead with the private pilot license in a plane that you can "grow" with would be the better choice.

 

[UAL_TECH]

Better post your question Here

There are many pilots that will give you advice that you are looking for.

Trust me, the Water Cooler is not the place for your question.

Good Luck

B) UT