So it's September 2010 and I haven't been in the business part of an airplane since January 2010 (when I took a voluntary furlough from Mesa). In addition I haven't flown any aircraft except the CL-65 series (and it's simulators) since August 2005, all under Part 121 in which most of the decisions are made for you. But since I now have a real paying full-time job back in Information Technology it seems like it's time I figured out how to aviate again.
So this is a sort of journal of sorts on my journey back into General Aviation. It's not real time, it's not a blog, because I don't have the discipline for that kind of thing, but perhaps it will provide somewhat of a roadmap for others who may be "getting back to flying".
So I need to find somewhere to get checked out and rent aircraft.
I have an ATP certificate, those never expire, and I have a current first class medical that I renewed in August. I also have CFI-I-ME instructors certificate and a Ground instructors certificate. The CFI certificate has to be renewed every 2 years, and I have renewed mine using the on-line Gleim system twice and so it currently expires in summer 2011. The requirements to utilise the Ground certificate are a little obscure, perhaps we'll discuss that later, but probably not.
To act as PIC I also need a Flight Review. Now technically I don't really need a Flight Review, because my SIC proficiency check at Mesa in October 2009 would count for 2 years, but I think any checkout is going to cover most of the topics of a Flight Review, and any prudent flight instructor is going to want to spend some ground time to make sure I remember what the Part 91 rules cover, not to mention I'll be flying the Washington DC ADIZ. So it seems like I might as well get the requirements of a Flight Review knocked out as part of the process.
To act as PIC under IFR I'll also need an IPC. I really do need an IPC since my IFR currency long expired.
I also need some other stuff, like day and night takeoff and landings, but I'm sure that will all be part of a checkout.
So I'm going to need to review some regulatory and general information before I go aviating. The list of stuff I've reviewed includes.
Last Updated: 9/5/2010