Aviation
I was first introduced to the world of aviation in the summer of 2009 and now it’s a defining component of my life. My career in this world has taken me across the United States and to distant countries on the other side of the planet. Along the way I’ve learned many valuable lesson, some good and bad.
Aviation can be exciting as a career and has the possibilities of taking you places you never would have dreamed of going. As a mechanic you are always the one everyone seems forgets about but really, your the unsung hero that always saves the day. As a pilot, you learn to see the world from a different lenses and at times will wish you could stay in the clouds forever. Too bad fuel is your limiting factor.
What you will find here are helpful links and short tips for anyone looking to dive into aviation as a career, hobby, or both. And, perhaps it might intrigue some young boy or girl who stumbles across this and inspire the next generation of mechanics and aviators.
Aviator approved Gear
When buying any aviation gear, it’s important to know what you will be flying in. Not all aircraft take the same plugs! Most fixed-wing general aviation aircraft use dual-plug headsets BUT, helicopters generally use a single plug (U174 plug). And then to make things more confusing, there are also six-pin (LEMO/Redel) plugs. If you get the wrong one though, not to worry, there are adapters on the market but, why spend more money if you don’t have to?
- Rugged Air RA200 Aviation Headset Dual Plug [Amazon] (I started out with the ASA version but this is a suitable trade; if you don’t really fly all that often or are on a budget than this is definitely where its at. However, they are not very comfortable)
- ASA Single Headset Carrying Case [Amazon] (This was the first bag I started out with; its very affordable and great for what it is)
- Bose A20 Bluetooth Aviation Headset & Carrying Case [Amazon] (I upgraded to these when I got my PPL, they are life changing! However, they are VERY expensive. I bought mine used on eBay; you can get a great deal if your not opposed to buying your gear used)
- Helicopter Single to Dual Plug (You can find them a lot cheaper but, you might get interference over the comm. I would go with a reputable seller for these. Cheaper isn’t always better in this case)
- Dual GA Plug to Helicopter Single Adapter
- Dual GA Plug to LEMO (6-pin)
- Single Helicopter to LEMO (6-Pin)
- ASA VFR Kneeboard [Amazon] (Very basic but good if you need one on a budget; I got this in part of a package deal with a flight school. I’ve only ever used this one when I’m in a pinch)
- FlyBoys Classic Kneeboard [Amazon] (I use this when I’m flying a helicopter; it works great as a support for your arm)
- ASAs E6B Flight Computer [Amazon] (There are cheaper versions but I like this one; they get beat up at the bottom of your bag)
- Fixed Map Plotter [Amazon] (Very handy for flight planning)
Reading Material: An Aviators Gold Mine
Every aviator knows that the learning NEVER, EVER…EVER, stops. A lot can go wrong and will go wrong when flying an aircraft. On the morning I was supposed to solo, the turbo blew up on take off and my instructor and I had to perform an emergency landing! Luckily he decided to go with me one last time before setting me, and its a good thing or else I would have had to handle the emergency on my own, and on my very first solo. Granted, this won’t happen to everyone on their first solo but, the point is, study hard and be prepared for when it does happen!
Luckily, you don’t need to spend a whole lot of money on books unless you want them in paperback or, you want a particular book for your collection that the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) doesn’t physically publish. Most of the books that aviators will ever need can be found directly off of the FAA’s website.
- FAA Aeronautical Chart User Guide (Free on the FAA website)
- Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) (Free on the FAA website)
- Airplane Flying Handbook (Free on the FAA website)
- Glider Flying Handbook (Free on the FAA Website)
- Helicopter Flying Handbook (Free on the FAA website)
- Instrument Flying Handbook (Free on the FAA website)
- Instrument Procedures Handbook (IPH) (Free on the FAA website)
- Plane Sense – General Aviation Information (Free on the FAA website)
- Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (Free on the FAA website)
- Remote Pilot Study Guide (Free on the FAA website)
Disclaimer: Please note that the FAA does occasionally update this material. It is YOUR responsibility to make sure that you have the correct revision.
- 2022 FARs/AIM Paperback [Amazon] (You can also get this in an e-version)
- Aeronautical Chart User Guide [Amazon] (I have the electronic version of this)
- Pilots Handbook Of Aeronautical Knowledge, Paperback [Amazon] (You can get the electronic version off the FAA website for free if you prefer. Don’t ever BUY an electronic version of this)
- Dictionary of Aeronautical Terms [Amazon] (I have an older copy of this; It was great while going through AMT training)
Electronic FLight Planning
- ForeFlight (#1 flight planning software you can download directly to your electronic device via. your app store; even commercial pilots use this)
- iFly GPS (Second to ForeFlight; it lacks some integration features but, not a bad second option)
- SkyVector (Can only use this on your home computer; no app download)
Flight Training
If your feel like your being called to fly either as a hobby, or a career, you won’t be disappointed. It’s one thing to be a passenger but, being at the controls is an entirely different experience. When your in the air, you are given the opportunity to see the world around you from a different perspective. Its an incredibly freeing experience that more people should take part in.
I was fortunate enough to complete most of my flight training in Florida, however, I did fly a few times in California. I thoroughly enjoyed my flights on the west coast, there’s nothing more thrilling or awe inspiring to an aviator than being able to take to the air and watch the mountains shrink around you. However, as great as it is, my heart has never been in flying fixed-wing. For me, rotorcraft is where its at.
Thanks to some friends, I was able to find a flight school in Jacksonville, Florida specializing in rotorcraft. My time training with the owners at Helicopter Performance Solutions has been a life changing experience and I hope one day any aspiring aviator will be fortunate enough to train with instructors who are just as incredible.
- Helicopter Performance Solutions (Jacksonville, FL)
- Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach, FL)
- St. Pete Air – Fixed-Wing [Ask for Jack] (St. Petersburg, FL)
- King Schools (Great ground school option, it will save you $$. After you buy their course, you have lifetime access)
