Username Protected wrote:
My names Robert, I am 14 y.o. I live in Miami fl. I will graduate high school in 2022. I want to become a psychologist and I want to attend Duke University in North Carolina. I also plan to get my pilot license when I turn 17. My guardians Todd and Genie have are supportive of my plans even though they are scared of flying LOL and Todd has told me he will help me any way he can and Genie encourages me to learn as much about aviation as I can. I want to fly a Beech 18. That's my dream airplane
I on here mainly to observe and learn about Beeches as much as I can but I hope when I do post anything it won't be to dumb because I don't know much yet.
Hi Robert-
It is great to hear from you, and to hear of your plans for the future. I would encourage you to seek out a club or other opportunity for flying gliders in your area. You can solo gliders at 14, and glider training will provide a solid foundation for your future plans. Since operating gliders is somewhat labor intensive, hanging around the glider field will also provide the opportunity to develop friends and contacts that will be very helpful in your future endeavors. In particular, if your ultimate goal is to fly a Beech 18, you should try very hard to begin your training on powered aircraft in a tailwheel plane. I would try to do this even though it is likely to be less convenient. Tow pilots at a glider operation that uses tailwheel towplanes may be able to point you in the right direction in this regard.
Keep an open mind, and listen to everything you hear, but remember that adults sometimes like to tell "war stories" so don't worry if you hear different things from different people. Over time you will develop a sense of whose advice is most valuable.
If you are interested in following up on the glider option, the "Where to Fly" link at
www.ssa.org might be useful.
Best,
Bob
