Decided to Fly again, but stumped..!!

[REDDAIR]

Flight Sim has enlightened me to go back into flying! So, recently I acquired the necessary medical and FAA Plastic License (Now required instead of paper) to begin this process. I was really looking forward to the response I would get from local operators. I learned to fly in 1978 but gave up flying 3 years later due to circumstances which go along with young life. Now I am retired with a PT job.

 

I am stunned!!! I have lived in a smaller metro region for 25+ years and there is certainly a different mentality about the sport here, it seems. I have contacted the only 2 flying clubs and 3 FBOs. None have made any concerted efforts to recruit my membership. 2 CFIs did not call back and one even told me he did not remember my calling the week before. One flying club president gave me so much run around, I gave up on them this week. It has left me with the thought I am fighting a local "Country Club" mentality, which many forum members here might understand. And yes, I came from a big city where they can't wait to separate you from your money.

 

The example of what I am saying is: If you walked into a car dealership showroom and shouted loudly "I want to buy a new vehicle!!" --what response would one expect? I am now having doubts as to my plans because if there is so much apathy here, why would I even want to rent their planes at a later date?? I am left with the option of driving 160 miles from whence I came to fulfill my dream. Please help!!!

 

Redd

[mrzippy]

Just like buying a house....the 3 things that matter the most..Location, Location, and LOCATION. Are you using your best y'all accent? Here's a little secret....get yourself a John Deer tractor hat to fit in. Sounds like a "good ol' boys" club.

 

I guess I've earned my smack upside my noggin for today!;)

[PhantomTweak]

I guess I've earned my smack upside my noggin for today!

Yup, one Gibbs-Slap for you! :rolleyes:

 

Sounds like Redd's trouble lies in the local FBO's and Flying clubs being either full or broke.

Either way, they won't want newbies. Either that, or maybe they have some wealthy clients that don't want newbies, especially those of more limited means, so to speak. Those of a lower social scale, I guess they'd say.

Snobs, IOW :mad:

 

You can keep bugging them until one lets you in, maybe resentfully, or give it up as a bad job. Or drive 3 hours each way to go flying.

Your choice, Redd.

 

Good luck, whatever you choose!

Pat☺

[mrzippy]

Yup, one Gibbs-Slap for you! :rolleyes:

 

Pat☺

 

Just don't call me Deenoseoh!;)

[lnuss]

Unfortunately, Redd, that's been a fact of life at many FBOs for many, many years. It's one (of several) reason(s) that we have as few pilots as we do. There is, many places, a certain snobbery, though they'd certainly deny any such statement. I've always had trouble understanding this, and it doesn't usually (with exceptions) extend to the pilots around the airports, who generally are friendly if you take the initiative to start a conversation -- hangar flying can be a good way to start learning your way around.

 

All that being said, while I wish I had a better way for you, it will be up to you to be sufficiently persistent to sort of nudge your way in. But it may have to be done in person rather than on the phone.

[REDDAIR]

Thanks for the comments. I feel silly for posting such a rant in this forum, but the results I got in the last months leave me STUNNED, and without any immediate alternative. Maybe I just have to chill out and punt for the moment. I am not comfortable at crawling back to people who have seemingly brushed me off. There has always been subtle chat which alludes to a "Good Ole Boys" club here.

 

Redd

[PhantomTweak]

By the way, I know it's no real help, but back in the early '90's the FBO and flying club at MCAS Yuma (civilian side) were really very good people. I got several lessons in their Tomahawk before I lost my eye and had to give it up. They were very friendly and quite helpful.

They had to shut down the FBO for a while when a Harrier hovered into their hangar, after the pilot ejected. It had started in on the "death wobble" the A-models were known for, but after the pilot ejected, it settled out. Took about 30 minutes to hover over slowly. They tried all kinds of things, but couldn't get it shut down. Needless to say, they did get a little upset by THAT, but really, very good folks.

 

I know, that was long ago and pretty far from you, so not super helpful, but that's my experience with them. Not all of them were like the ones you seem saddled with. Things may have changed now. Pilots can turn clannish and a little snobby, just like any group of people that posses a specific skill most others don't. Doctors, lawyers, etc etc.

I make an exception of the pilots on this forum, however, who tend to be very good people.

 

I wish you all the best of luck, though, Redd!

Pat☺