So, what's next?

[Oldguy]

If you haven't taken one recently, go to the MAPA Safety Foundation's PPP for some good, in-depth Mooney training. Only takes a long weekend and helps polish up all of your Mooney-specific techniques.

[Andy95W]

5 hours ago, Oldguy said:

If you haven't taken one recently, go to the MAPA Safety Foundation's PPP for some good, in-depth Mooney training. Only takes a long weekend and helps polish up all of your Mooney-specific techniques.

^^^^^^^^^^^^

This, plus caravan formation training.

[kris_adams]

On July 13, 2016 at 10:18 PM, Jeff_S said:

You forgot about your sea plane rating. That would also be very cool and teach lots of new stuff...that you might never use again, but who cares!

Yep, did that last December and it was so much fun.  Would have been even better if I could have convinced someone else to go through the program at the same time with me.  I did it at Jack Brown Seaplane base in Lakeland FL.  

I want to do my tail wheel endorsement next.

 

[chrisk]

6 hours ago, Jeff_S said:

Oh, here's another idea nobody has mentioned yet...get your glider (sorry, sailplane) license.  That will really teach you about energy management and, like a tailwheel, will also hone your rudder skills. And it will help you keep from freaking out entirely in the unlikely event that your Mooney ever becomes one. Admittedly the profiles will be very different, and the sight pictures, but at least you will have some experience with a whole lot of quiet in front of you.

I did some glider training, just for the experience, and it was quite enjoyable. Never took it all the way to a certificate but definitely helped me understand more aspects of flight.

I took one lesson in a glider.  Well, actually I paid for one lesson and got two flights.  The first flight had a rope break around 1000 agl.  And if I lived in the right part of the country, I would love to do more.  Unfortunately where I live, the day time high temperature is now running 100+.  It took 1:20  hour to drive to the the glider club.  The same back home.  3 hours at the club.  I just cant afford that kind of time to get in one or two lessons, and its too hot for flying at low altitude to be enjoyable.  --But I hear there is some great flying (with moderate summer temperatures) outside of Denver Co.

And your 100% right on the use of the rudder.  The plane (Schweizer 2-33) didn't want to turn without using the ruder.  It also didn't want to stall, which is a good quality in a trainer.

 

[Guest Mike261]

On July 13, 2016 at 9:49 AM, Brian Scranton said:

Ok, now that I am a bad ass, card carrying instrument rated pilot...what's next? Mind you, I'll only be flying for fun and occasionally for work...

1) Stop wasting your money on instruction. You're handsome and a fine pilot--just keep filing and flying. 

2) Get my tail wheel endorsement--some guys never use their rudders.  

3) Go for Commercial--though it won't effect your insurance, it will make you a better pilot. That, combined with your good looks, just sounds cooler. 

4) Get a Multi--though I will never be able to afford two engines, why not spend $600 on a check ride to know that I can if I wanted to? 

Thoughts? Ready...GO!

 

 

Love it...

What is your objective?

If you want a multi engine aircraft...then go that route. If not ignore it unless professional pilot is the objective.

Commercial will definitely make you a better pilot...but in my opinion the instrument rating is harder to achieve and has more upside than the commercial.

That being said...I learned more about flying being an instructor than any other segment of my flying career, and you will need your commercial before you can become an instructor.

if you are not shooting for the airline or corporate path, become a CFI. It is not an unreachable goal, and it is quite rewarding to be able to pass along your love of aviation. 

I have experienced nothing more satisfying than teaching and signing off an adult student who has dreamed of flying his/her whole life...think about your first solo...i get to share that with a student. I also bite my nails during the solo...Murphy is watching after all.

If you are an active instructor you have to stay informed of the latest regs, technology etc., and you will get to fly a lot of different aircraft. the money is irrelevant, but you do get a little scratch when you go up.

So i guess my vote is commercial.

mike