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

Simulator Flight Training - My Next Step???

There is a great article in the January 2013 Flight Training Magazine about how Jerry Gregoire and Redbird's Skyport are a "Game Changer" in learning to fly.  Redbird manufactures full motion simulators, and the company is changing the way flight schools will operate in the future.

The military and airlines have long used simulators as a key in their training, but private pilots have been taught mostly by instructors in planes.  One off-duty commercial pilot I spoke with on a recent trip said that the simulator is the best way to train, as it allows you to try maneuvers that cannot be replicated in flight (that very day he had been at training and had an engine catch fire in his training.  Not something they can teach live when he is up in a 747).  He said the simulator allows one to safely experience how to handle a situation and if you make a mistake the end results can be less severe.

As I explore the idea of learning to fly this option is appealing.  Some pilots had scoffed at my interest in going this route, but others said that it is by far the better option.  The commercial pilot mentioned above said he used to be a CFI, and while he had not heard of Redbird or Skyport, he was thrilled to see the article because it was really the right direction to bring general aviation into the world of current technologies.

The best part of this for me is that Redbird is headquartered in San Marcos, Texas.... which is only 30 minutes away from my house.  I ended up on their mailing list after meeting some of the folks (I met Jerry Gregoire briefly, and he clearly a true entrepreneur!!!!) at the AOPA event that sparked this whole interest in flying.  I have enjoyed the information they have been sending me, and this article solidified my interest in what they are teaching and how they are teaching it.

While the time and cost of going to the Skyport training lab is not yet in my budget (yes, I have a budget for time and a budget for money... and both are limited), I did get a recent email with a holiday promotional offer to come experience their simulators.  I am going to sign up for this introductory offer to test my ongoing interest in learning to fly.

Have A Great Day

thom singer

People Are Interested In Aviation

With my newly found interest in aviation, I am surprised how often I find people who want to talk about flying.  I bring copies magazines (like AOPA's Flight Training) with me on commercial flights, and those sitting next to me will almost always comment on my reading materials.  Some are pilots, others want to be pilots, while others still just think it is cool to fly.

When I read BusinessWeek or FastCompany Magazine I never get a comment.  One issue of Flying, and wammo --- I am chatting with the person next to me about airplanes.

This brings up an a paradox.  The number of pilots is decreasing and those in the general aviation industry are clearly worried about attracting the next generation of pilots, and yet the average person is at least curious about flight.

I asked a non-pilot, who dreams of flying, why he does not take the actions to get his private pilot certification.  He was quick to answer that it is expensive, takes a lot of time, and is difficult.  I am finding that while all of that is true, it is not nearly as daunting as many believe.

If you have a desire to fly, do not just assume that the process is out of your reach.  While I am taking it very slow to make sure I know what I am doing (and to ensure the desire lasts before I commit the time or money)... it is becoming very clear to me that becoming a pilot is a real possibility for anyone who wishes to learn to soar in the sky.

Have A Great Day

thom singer

Flying Is No Longer The Same

As a professional speaker I fly commercially all the time (over 50 flights last year)... but since I began studying aviation everything is different in how I experience travel.

This is not a bad thing (in fact, it is pretty cool), but my attention to the airplane, airport, crew, and other aspects of the flight experience is definitely changing.

I find myself looking closely at the shapes of the planes, the wings, etc.....  I get into conversations with people about flight.  I look out the window as we takeoff and land.  I review the shapes of the clouds and study the weather (and wonder if I was in a private plane how the differing weather might impact my flight plan).

Flying is no longer the same.  It is not just an ends to the getting me from point A to point B.  It is now something that has my attention.  I am inspired by flight, and I think about how much cooler it would be to be in a Cirrus than in a big jet.  ;-)

Have A Great Day

thom singer

Building Community With Those In Aviation

I spent some time today talking with another would-be pilot.  He has had his love of flight since three years old, and began his flight training while in the Air Force.  While about 40-years-old he is still working his way to his dream of being a pilot.

The realities of life got in the way and with a career, family, and other distractions he has not yet earned his certificate.  He pointed out the time and money involved can be a lot when you have other responsibilities.

We talked a lot about the need for more people to become pilots.  He had strong thoughts on how the industry should work to attract people under 50 to learn to fly, as with few young people becoming pilots the whole system of General Aviation will be threatened in the long term.  It is not something only for the wealthy, but we agreed there should be more exposure to the opportunities for the whole population.

Our discussion also moved to the things I was learning in my online ground school class about the basics of aerodynamics.  It was fun to chat with somebody about the subject and the more we talked about flight the more I was excited about building community with others in and around aviation.

I am surprised each time I talk about flying with others who those who are pilots (or want to be pilots) come out of the woodwork to encourage my interest.

Reality is that I am talking little baby steps on what is clearly a long journey... but it is a lot of fun.  A wise man told me that keeping the enthusiasm is going to be paramount to my success in this endeavor.  I can tell that the community is going to be key.

Have A Great Day.

thom singer

Vocabulary, Vocabulary, Vocabulary - Do Not Skip The Small Stuff!!!

For several days I have been excitedly beginning my online ground-school class.  I am trying to dedicate an hour each day to explore the material with a keen eye to detail.  I am taking notes like crazy in the notebook that came with the course, and am convinced that I will run out of pages long before I finish all the sections.

I am engulfed by the amount of vocabulary and understanding of the construction of a plane that I am reading.  Also each chart and illustrations of planes, wings, propellers, etc that I am reviewing is making me think about they all the details involved with being a pilot.  It is not like getting a license to drive a car.  A month ago I never thought much about this stuff, and now I cannot wait to see what comes with each new paragraph.  It is interesting.

But the information is very detailed, and important, thus my progress is slow.  At this rate I may be in ground-school forever.

However, I am overwhelmed with the comparisons that pop into my mind about building my business.  Often entrepreneurs get tired of the details and forge ahead without digesting all the important details.  Wanna-be pilots cannot do this or they may be destined for disaster.... but many business owners meet a negative fate because they are not patient and do not learn the specifics that I feel one must when they are seeking to fly.

I am quickly discovering that the commitment to being a pilot goes farther than just learning to fly a plane.

Have A Great Day.

thom singer

I Might Want To Learn To Fly?

It has only been two of weeks since my flight in a Cirrus Aircraft.  It was a random series of events that put me in that plane, but everyday since then I have thought about the experience.  Driving my car I wonder about taking off and landing.  I look up at the sky each time I hear a plane. I wish the flight had lasted longer.

A conversation with a smart man with an eclectic career who now works in and around aviation got me thinking about all if I had what it took to be a private pilot.  He encouraged me to explore what it would take to earn a certificate.  He thought it would be good for me to understand general aviation at a deeper level.  He made me feel that being a pilot was something very special.  He also explained that there is a need for the next generation of pilots.

Over the past 14 days I have read magazine articles, scoured the web, talked to pilots, and keep coming back to an interest to discover more.  Yesterday I began taking on online ground school class (www.asa2fly.com).  From just the first few hours of the course I can tell that this is not something to approach lightly.  There is much to learn.  The vocabulary alone may turn some people off to the process. But I am excited to go back and push through the whole class.

I am not convinced that I will go all the way with this fascination for flight. I was advised to take it all slowly to ensure that my purpose for flying is clear.  It involves both time and money, and I am not sure if that is where my attention needs to be as an entrepreneur with a growing business.  But at the same time I see stunning similarities between growing a company and learning to fly.

No matter what happens, there is no failure.... so I have decided to record the journey on this blog.  Maybe my experiences can help someone else who wants to fly.

I feel like a kid in a toy store right now.  There are so many exciting things all around me, that I am giddy with delight.  Several pilots whom I have talked with these last weeks have said that my enthusiasm reminds them of their introduction to general aviation.  One even thanked me for flooding her with memories she had not thought of in years... but was grateful to remember her own excitement of learning to fly.

If you stumbled upon this blog, come back from time to time and see where it goes.  Maybe I go all the way, or perhaps I just learn about something that is clearly very exciting.  Either way I can tell I am already better for the community I have discovered in and around aviation.

Have A Great Day

thom singer