It's no joke

So, the bright idea of doing my PPL popped into my head sometime near the end of 2008. Why I suddenly decided to do this is beyond me, but I'm glad that I made that decision. My dad is a pilot, so I've been exposed to aviation since I was born, and I often got to fly in the jumpseat of a 737. However I think I only ever really became fascinated with flying in 2007 when I fell in love with the Buccaneer.

That jet got me thinking, and before I knew it I was researching all sorts of jets and helicopters, and finding out about the air force and all sorts of other aviation-related things. My dad had also purchased a MicroWings Cubby, which I'm truly in love with.

Clever me attended flying lectures at the end of 2008, and I started writing the exams in 2009, which was also my grade 11 year. What possessed me to do this is beyond me (a lot of things are beyond me), but somehow I managed to juggle school, A-levels, flying, and all the ups-and-downs that come with being 17. The practical aspect of flying came naturally; I had been flying with my dad for several months, and I did all the flying on my first flight with my instructor. I did however struggle with the theory side as I had absolutely no idea what to expect!

7 subjects plus a radio license...
Principles of Flight (failed 3 times)
Aircraft Technical and General
Met
Navigation (failed once)
Air Law (failed twice)
Human Performance
Flight Planning
Restricted Radio license

Don't let the fact that the exams are multiple choice fool you into thinking that they're easy! You need at least 75% to pass, and as most exams consist of 25 questions, you can only get 6 wrong. It's all done online, and with every exam the worst moment was hitting the 'submit' button, then sitting there waiting to see if I had passed or not. My met exam was paticularly bad as I was sure I had failed and it took close to a minute for the exam to be processed. I was so happy when I saw that it said "Congratulations, you passed" that I actually jumped for joy and shouted happily then proceeded to run around the room, a huge grin on my face (Met was the last exam I had to write).

At times I wondered why I was putting myself through the pressure and the hours and hours of studying. Most of the time I'd go to school, go home for 30min, then go to A-levels, then go straight to flying lectures, and I would often get home after 10pm where I'd have a quick dinner then study. There were a few times I felt like giving up. But now that I've got that little brown book, I'm glad that I stuck it out.

I often wonder if I would've gone through it all if I'd known what is was I would have to get through. It takes loads of hard work and dedication, and at times I was lacking in one of those departments. I don't know how people can put themselves through all of that for fun. It's a lot of work for a bit of fun if you ask me. But if you do decide to part with your money and get the license, make sure you know what you're letting yourself in for!

That being said, having acheived something so great at such a young age, and receiving so much praise and support throughout the last year has definately made all the blood, sweat and tears worth it!