Grounded

I have been stalled in my journey in learning to fly.  The time commitment and the cost have pushed me to the sidelines, but I still want to undertake this effort.  I have made some business goals with the prize for achieving them to be my pilots license.

In the meantime I am grounded.

There was a commercial plane crash this week, and as they reported the information of what happened to the plane, I fully understood the technical description of the crash.  This was interesting, as I never would have known about the mechanics of flight a year ago, but it also scared me a little... as if professional pilots can crash, then it reminds me of the danger that comes with flight.

I had not written on this blog in a while, as I have had little to say about my path toward flight.  But I have not given up, just need to figure out how to make the investment work with my running a business, raising a family, etc...

A Stall Does NOT Mean The Motor Has Stopped

One of the things I have learned in my study of aviation is that the term "Stall" does not mean the engine has quit.  For most of my life I have heard about small planes that get into a "stall" and it has made me wonder why the engines do this so regularly.  It sort of freaked me out.

(FYI, the term has to do with the reduction of lift and the airflow around the wing.  The angle of attack that the wing takes is the critical part, it is not referring to the engine).

In talking with pilots they often ask what I am learning, and when I share this nugget they always nod and chuckle.  Apparently this is a common misconception about general aviation (people thinking the engine cuts out, or that the instructor will make you turn off the engine as part of your lesson).

Since I tend to compare my flight training with entrepreneurship, this statement that "a stall does NOT mean the motor has stopped" is just as meaningful in business as it is in flying.

As someone who is growing a small solo-business I often see great successes followed by periods that seem to be setting me backwards.  But just because not everything is going correctly, it does not mean my engine has stopped.  It seems in business our angle of attack in regards to "lift" is just as important as it is when flying a plane.

When approaching a stall in flight there are warning signs.  The controls will feel slow and sloppy, and if you are not careful you can go into a spin.  The same thing is true when running a business.  You have to know how to avoid such situations, and if you do get into a stall, you have to be aware how to recover.

In business I feel good as long as my motor (motivation and enthusiasm) are still running.  I can pull up and keep flying even when I have a minor stall.  As for flight... I have not got that far yet!!!

Have A Great Day

thom singer

Learning to Fly - SO MUCH TO LEARN

Yesterday I watched more educational videos and read more of the information in the online "Ground School" class.  I am trying to get a basic understanding of flight long before I start taking lessons.  There is so much to learn, I now realize why many people do not ever complete their education to become a pilot.  It is overwhelming to me the parts that must come together to fly a plane.  I want to have this experience, and I desire to be behind the controls, but there are so many things that have to happen for this to happen:

• The learning curve is high.
• The cost of the training is significant.
• The time commitment is large.
• The support of my family is necessary.

But I am moving forward...step by step.

Next week I have an introductory flight and a tour of the flight school where I am considering taking my lessons.  I am really excited to again go up in the air.  This time I have a goal of really understanding what is involved with learning to fly, so my whole experience will be more interesting than my first flight in October.

I had lunch with a friend who is a commercial airline pilot.  I shared with him my interest in flying, but also my slow approach to getting my pilot's certificate.  He agreed that I should take my time to ensure I really want to do this, as one has to be committed in order to learn all the information and create a habit of safety.  He assured me that going fast is not the best way, and while he agreed that the amount of information can seem overwhelming, he is confident that it will all come together for me.

It was fun to be able to talk with my pilot friend, as all the science and technical terms I am learning are part of his daily life.  I could tell he enjoyed hearing my excitement and novice interest in aviation.  While he flies large commercial jets, he started out in college learning to fly a small plane, and he fully understood what I am feeling about this journey.  I especially appreciated his confidence that this is something I can accomplish.

But there is so much to learn!

thom singer

UPDATE - My "Discovery Flight" and tour had to be postponed.  I am working to get that rescheduled ASAP.

Up We Go

Setting up my "Discovery Flight" with the gift certificate that I received for Christmas to the RedBird Skyport Flight Training School for the first week of March.  I am fortunate to live close to this facility, as I am impressed with their mix of simulator training along with traditional flight education.

I am looking forward to touring the school, learning more about the program, and taking another flight.

Since my experience at the AOPA Aviation Summit in October of last year I have been slowly learning more about General Aviation.  While I am not ready to commit to the lessons (I do not want to do that until I can afford the financial and time commitment), I am enjoying moving myself along the path.

Have A Great Day

thom singer

Learning To Fly A Plane Is Like Starting A Business

As I continue to learn about flight I am amazed at how many thing one has to remember all at the same time.  Each lesson of my online "Ground School" class adds another dimension of something to remember.  Another ball to keep in the air (so to speak).  I have not yet gotten into a plane (other than as a passenger), but the amount of information that I realize I need to know keeps growing.

This is not really that different from starting a business.  Each day there is something more complex to add to the mix, and I am always reminded how delicate the whole infrastructure can be, and that I am the one in charge.  There is always something to be thinking about, and a mistake can be costly.  My business is more than just me, as everyone around me is linked to my successful navigation of my journey.

I may have mentioned it on this blog before, but I think that all wannabe entrepreneurs should also study to become a pilot.  Aviation is not something to be entered into lightly, and neither is starting a business.  Both can bring great rewards, but there are not any shortcuts that will get you there without sacrificing safety.

Slowly I am progressing as a someday pilot and as a current entrepreneur.  I am excited about both adventures, but seem to constantly be overwhelmed about what I am undertaking.  I have tied the two together, as I need the business to be more successful to be able to afford the flying lessons, and once I have my pilots certificate I can better travel to my Texas clients (and beyond).

At least I am having fun with all of it!!!

thom singer

Pilots Care About Those Who Want To Learn To Fly

I continue to be amazed by the pilot community.  I presented (keynotes / breakouts) or was the master of ceremonies at several events in 2012, and made many friends in a variety of industries.  With over 50 events I encountered more people in 2012 than ever before.  But with talks in the legal, engineering, medical, technology, government, and other industries.... I did not find myself wanting to become a lawyer, doctor, etc....  However, my exposure to the world of aviation at the AOPA Aviation Summit was unique.  I left wanting to learn to fly.

Additionally I keep hearing from people I met at the event. Both attendees and vendors took an interest in me.... and my early interest in flight.  I still get emails from those who want to check in and see if I still am seeking the path to flight.  I have had magazine articles mailed to me and suggestions on where in Texas to get my education / instruction.  The enthusiasm with which people seem to care is wonderful.

My exposure to aviation sparked an interest in flight, but it was the people and how excited they were about a newcomers child-like excitement that keeps me learning.  I cannot afford the time or money to jump in fully right now, but I am becoming more convinced that I want to get my certificate.  I teach people about connecting and community... but I have a lot to learn on this topic from pilots!!!

I heard from someone today who I met at AOPA.  I was so touched by their words that I had to come write something on this blog.  If you think you want to learn to fly, simply go meet pilots.  Express to them your interest, and you will discover people who want to help you along the way.  

While that is not 100% of the people in the aviation world (I have encountered many who are indifferent), the ones who are reminded of their own entry to flight by your excitement are all over the place!!!

Have a great day.

thom singer

Merry Christmas - Introduction to Redbird

For Christmas my wife and kids gave me a gift certificate for a two-hour introduction to Redbird Skyport (and their simulator based training center).  I have been doing a lot of research about my pending flight training, and the offering at the San Marcos Redbird facility is the most interesting.  Nationally it is getting a lot of attention, and the fact that I live 30 miles away makes it a geographic bonus.

The good news is I am excited to schedule my two hours visit. The more I learn and experience, the more interested I am in becoming a pilot.  The bad news is that the cost of getting my flight certificate is higher than I had imagined. With personal and business necessities, I might have to put this off a little longer than I had hoped.  I have to be realistic about our budgets (home and for the business), and I cannot add another expense until I overcome some previous commitments.

Yet this is not necessarily a bad thing.  Since my first exposure to general aviation in October, and my desire to explore the whole process, I have tried hard to be realistic and honest about my level of desire to fly.  I did not want to be seduced by the coolness and newness of the concept.  Being sure that this was something I was committed to has always been important (did not want a "shiny object syndrome").

The journey might be a long one... but I had coffee yesterday with a guy who has postponed his pilots certificate for over a decade because of the expense and time commitment.  I am fairly confident that I will not need to wait that long.

As I have said all along, I am going to go one step at a time.  My next step is to set up my visit to Redbird.

Have A Great Day.

thom singer