sbe
Well-Known Member
How I did it?
I just passed my CSEL checkride a week ago, I've got 251.9 hours. I did it all part 61. I finished my PPASEL at 45 hours, then started accruing PIC x/c time for my instrument. I also did my SES rating not even two months after passing my private checkride.
Flew an Archer all that winter building x/c time. In the spring, got checked out in a C150 at $48/hr and did a good deal of flying in it through the spring and summer to finish off my x/c time as I started my IR in the Archer.
I flew a ton that summer, not just instrument stuff but just flying on my own. I was lucky in that a friend of mine, who owns a C150, let me have flying privileges. I pay her $ towards her engine reserve then for whatever fuel I use. That's some REAL cheap flying time.
I got my IR in August 2003 and then shortly thereafter started my complex training. Got my signoff and checkout in an Arrow IV, and accumulated almost 40 hours of complex time between that aircraft and an Arrow II by the time I passed my commercial ride. I also got my tailwheel endorsement in New Mexico in October, and my high performance endorsement in a 182. To offset the higher cost of renting the Arrow(s), I continued to fly the 150s from time to time.
I have paid for all of this out of pocket. I work a 2nd job that pays for the flying. It is hard work and very frustrating, but it is worth it to me. Especially when I pull my temporary airman's certificate out of my wallet and see "commercial pilot" under my name.
After I finish my CFI/II (which is next), I am going to start instructing part time and give up the 2nd job.
Sarah
I just passed my CSEL checkride a week ago, I've got 251.9 hours. I did it all part 61. I finished my PPASEL at 45 hours, then started accruing PIC x/c time for my instrument. I also did my SES rating not even two months after passing my private checkride.
Flew an Archer all that winter building x/c time. In the spring, got checked out in a C150 at $48/hr and did a good deal of flying in it through the spring and summer to finish off my x/c time as I started my IR in the Archer.
I flew a ton that summer, not just instrument stuff but just flying on my own. I was lucky in that a friend of mine, who owns a C150, let me have flying privileges. I pay her $ towards her engine reserve then for whatever fuel I use. That's some REAL cheap flying time.
I got my IR in August 2003 and then shortly thereafter started my complex training. Got my signoff and checkout in an Arrow IV, and accumulated almost 40 hours of complex time between that aircraft and an Arrow II by the time I passed my commercial ride. I also got my tailwheel endorsement in New Mexico in October, and my high performance endorsement in a 182. To offset the higher cost of renting the Arrow(s), I continued to fly the 150s from time to time.
I have paid for all of this out of pocket. I work a 2nd job that pays for the flying. It is hard work and very frustrating, but it is worth it to me. Especially when I pull my temporary airman's certificate out of my wallet and see "commercial pilot" under my name.
After I finish my CFI/II (which is next), I am going to start instructing part time and give up the 2nd job.
Sarah