First Private Pilot Lesson - Crop Duster

[Old Red]

Thanks to everyone's contribution to the other thread. I have started this thread to document my progress (or not) of getting my private pilot's license. I found an instructor who will fit my country boy profile to the "T". He grew up in a crop dusting family. Been flying since he was legal. He's a young'n in his 30s, but has flown thousands of hours and when he's not flying he works at Ft. Campbell Military base working as a civilian on the airplane line doing plane maintenance. Sounds like a good fit...a country boy teaching a country boy how to fly! Oh, and we both have young kids the same ages of around 5 years old.

I am going to most likely be training in the C150 or C172. Not sure yet. Wish me luck, it is very very possible I will go up my first time and never go back up again as I might be scared to death and hate it!

 

[Rustyiron]

Something I've always wanted to do. :thumbsup:
My first time in a plane was in a kids learn to fly class, that was before I had my drivers license! I got the controls for a short time (while in the air).
Have fun!

 

[plowhog]

Thanks for posting. If he's a former crop duster just make sure he is willing to climb to a safe altitude for training. Those crop dusters like to hug the ground!!

 

[Bird]

Ah, yes, my first time in an airplane was right after I graduated from high school and a couple of buddies and I took a 20 minute sight seeing tour over El Paso in a 172. I've taken the controls in a 152 and in a Bell 47 helicopter a few times, but never got a license. You should have a great time; lots of fun.

 

[ray66v]

A good instructor doesn't get excited, and take the airplane away from you, every two seconds.

If he is a crop duster, that should not be a problem.

Sadly, there are dusters around here, who have little regard for the rules. Or, basic safety. I would cringe at the thought of them teaching anyone.

 

[MossRoad]

Thanks to everyone's contribution to the other thread. I have started this thread to document my progress (or not) of getting my private pilot's license. I found an instructor who will fit my country boy profile to the "T". He grew up in a crop dusting family. Been flying since he was legal. He's a young'n in his 30s, but has flown thousands of hours and when he's not flying he works at Ft. Campbell Military base working as a civilian on the airplane line doing plane maintenance. Sounds like a good fit...a country boy teaching a country boy how to fly! Oh, and we both have young kids the same ages of around 5 years old.

I am going to most likely be training in the C150 or C172. Not sure yet. Wish me luck, it is very very possible I will go up my first time and never go back up again as I might be scared to death and hate it!

Savor that feeling just as the wheels lift off the ground and you realize you're a couple feet above it and going up! It's magical.

Be sure and look down from time-to-time and notice that, unlike large commercial aircraft, in a small plane, you are low enough at times that you can see people in their yards, dogs running around, deer in fields, etc... heck, you may see a kid waving at you! Or, if you're like me living near an airport, giving the too-low-flying planes the one finger salute as they pull up to avoid the trees in my back yard! Be sure and wave back! :laughing:

 

[fried1765]

Per.. ray66v ....."Sadly, there are dusters around here, who have little regard for the rules. Or, basic safety. I would cringe at the thought of them teaching anyone."

AGREED !!!!

 

[Old Red]

He does not do crop dusting now.... he grew up dusting for his dad. He works at a military base now. I don't think they would allow him to train if he was an outlaw, but what do I know? Absolutely nothing!

 

[npalen]

You don't have as far to fall when you're flying close to the deck.

 

[plowhog]

I landed at Willows, CA once. One of the most concerning and hair raising landings ever, although it was a calm day and a smooth touchdown for me.

Willows airport is a major base for many agricultural operators. Since time is money, many of the crop dusters don't bother to do things like climb to pattern altitude, or join the pattern and fly in sync with others. Many just go straight to the airport after dusting a field, and then approach and land in whatever direction they want, regardless of wind direction or establish pattern procedures. I had several of them cross in front of me, cutting me off, while I was flying the FAA designated established pattern. Just normal procedure for them, very uncomfortable for me.

After I got out of there I felt like I had disturbed a bee's nest and was running away ....