Page 3 - Dear aviator...

I’d like to think that if I could send this booklet into the past to myself, I would find
it useful. Everyone will tell you that before you enrol in a flight training course you
should "do your research". But as a novice you don't even know what questions to
ask and to whom! I’m not saying that this booklet solves that but it might just give
you a couple of road signs to guide you in the right direction to the appropriate
information booth.

I collected my thoughts in several paragraphs and laid them out in what I hope is a
logical sequence. However, you should be able to read each single paragraph in a
stand alone fashion, based on what topic you may be more interested in.

Disclaimer

At the expense of seeming pedantic, this is NOT a guide on how to become a pilot
nor on how to choose a flight school. I AM NOT a flight instructor (yet) and the
thoughts herein contained are borne out of MY OWN limited experience and reflect
MY journey. There are many very different pathways you can follow to become a
pilot, some quicker than others, some cheaper than others. I believe there is no
“perfect” pathway. It is up to each of us to select, or better yet, construct the best
one based on the information we have. Among other things, this booklet is meant to
give you some added information that you might not otherwise have at the onset of
your journey.

The sources I used in writing these paragraphs are of three basic types: rummaging
through my own memories, feelings and sensations; going back to the notes and
considerations I jotted down after each theory session, after each training and solo
flight; chatting with my former course mates who, through the wringer of training,
have now become great friends and colleagues.

Lastly, I live and am writing in Australia. Whereas aviation is, almost by definition,
an international venture, General Aviation (GA) relies on local rules and
regulations. It is generally accepted that these rules are very similar around the
world but this should not be taken for granted. I am referencing MY local rules and
regulations and they are valid here and as of this date. Things may work more or
less differently elsewhere.

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