New pilots really struggle with this (but here’s the cure)

[@AirplaneAcademy]

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[@aaronbrown6266]

Another thing to remember that you need to accept, is the fact that if you pursue aviation, either as a hobby or professionally, you're signing up for a lifetime of learning. And this is such a great thing.

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

Totally Agree With You 👍👌😇

[@edcoronado]

I’m 50 hours into my training and really needed to hear this. Thanks.

[@davidrohwer4284]

Decided to learn to fly in 2023 at age of 71. Its going slow but I try to remember I am doing it because I enjoy being in the air. Your description of ups and downs in accurate. Thanks for the reminder of "yet."

[@COLeppo]

I'm 72 and I am thrilled that I have an opportunity to continue to learn something new.🛩

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

You are leading by example Sir 😇👌👍

[@timhoke2]

David, I got my ppl at age 72 and am now working on the IFR rating at age 76 (soon 77). This has kept my mind very active. Plus, it is just plain fun to fly an airplane. Stick with it brother. You can do it!!!

[@ElevatorBiker]

Here’s my comment: I’m 50 and just started Ground School. To say it’s overwhelming is an understatement. Thank you for this video, I saw it at the right time. Thanks 🙏🏻

[@RobertMauck_lovelife]

I’m 55 and having my ppl check ride in a month. Keep at it!

[@flyingcountryboy]

56 I just got checked a year ago. Never give up.

[@oliversibbs]

I am 52 with 95hours towards my PPL and I identify with this. I am looking at my check ride in a few weeks.

[@michaelharper2339]

I just hit 49 and just this year I don't know why but the desire to fly has taken hold of me! I play around on the Microsoft flight sim and got a chance to go on a discovery flight and now I hooked bad lol! just trying to figure out how to get started and getting the money!

[@DavidFahrney]

I started 3 years ago at 56. Difficulty getting my medical and 200 flight hours later, I am at the doorstep of my check ride. I've been in several valleys of despair, took forever to get short field and steep turns down. I recently felt overwhelmed about my oral part of checkride. Just kept trudging forward. Charlie is right. Move the goal posts closer. I'm not giving up! I'll have it by the time I'm 59.

[@nicoleb9554]

I was stuck in the “learning to land” valley of despair for a year - focusing on the tiny improvements and moments where I started to understand more helped get me through. Sometimes we win an inch at a time.

[@michaelgarrow3239]

Me too! I went through that. Shutting down the inner voice gave me an epiphany.

[@nickloprinzo3786]

For me it was looking at the end of the runway and seeing where that ground effect is. I looked right in front. But since i look at the end of the rw its been butter every time

[@michaelgarrow3239]

@@nickloprinzo3786 - try looking out the side a bit when everything is lined up.

[@caribbaviator7058]

I have around 70 hrs and was on the verge of quitting. Didn't do my checkride and my written expired. I have completed all my solo and night requirements. Now I am dreading to take that written all over again. Yay to density altitude charts and VOR questions.

[@curtcoltharp3719]

I’m 63 and been out of flying 20 years after owning 2 planes in my early years. My first was a 235 Cherokee and my last was a Bellanca Super Viking. I was looking at my log book tonight and funny how I recall details of every flight. I passed my pvt check ride in 1981 after 44 hours. I think my plane rental back then was $26 an hour plus $10 instructor. I was a working college student at the time and it was hard to come up with the money to fly weekly but somehow I did it. Flying is an amazing education and when my FAA examiner signed me off, he said, now you can go learn to fly. I have never forgotten that.

[@julianjohnson9850]

I am a student pilot and got "stuck" trying to perform a turn around a point maneuver. I was so frustrated with myself for a while. One day, I asked my instructor if we could just fly and have fun. He said sure and we had a great flight. I wanted to do that because I needed to remind myself that I could FLY A PLANE!!! I've loved flying and planes since I was young but could afford to pursue my dream of being a pilot. Now, after establishing myself in a career, I decided to revisit that love. When I have difficulty with a maneuver or ground material, I remind myself of that love and the joy of flying.

[@gcorriveau6864]

That's a great point. One day, an 'old salt' around the flying club noticed my discouragement. He said, "Hey, let's go flying!' He flew us over to a nearby airport for a coffee and a chat. Just having that short, enjoyable, UNSTRESSED time in a plane, was a great boost and reminder of why I was doing this!

[@something7239]

The number one rule of every flight is to have fun.

[@bullsz2313]

Telling someone how much you love airplanes and the joy of flying is truly difficult. I’m 23 and finally decided I wanted to pursue this part of my life. The biggest reminder that keeps me going is, “to get something you’ve never had you have to do something you never did.”

[@tomcarr4630]

One of your best videos! My dad was a pilot, so I was as excited when I became one. However, I was a slow learner. It got extremely frustrating…and expensive. Failed my first check ride on a lousy landing. Passed on my second attempt and passed other ratings on the first attempt.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Awesome. Way to go staying consistent and pushing through. Good for us all to see that!

[@jeffreyhughes7107]

Charlie, you're a master of pedagogy and you deliver with humility and a great sense of humor (cut to dog pooping)! I think you have found your true calling (not that you need me to tell you). I believe what helped me through those dark periods was being a straight shooter with my instructor and communicating my needs. No one knows better how we need to digest information and learn than ourselves and it's out job to tell the instructor the best way to teach us. We can't expect our CFI to be a mind reader and not every student learns the same way. My instructor would say let's move on to this or that and I would say - no, I think we need to keep doing TURNS AROUND A POINT until I can smoke, text, and maybe pick a scab while doing it (...and I do none of those things of course but you get the picture.). I don't know if that is an option for Part 141 but if you're Part 61, you need to be insistent on your needs. Moving on to something without mastering the thing that I was struggling with was in the end a waste of money and time because ultimately those crappy TURNS AROUND A POINT were still turning in my head while the CFI was on something else. It is good to do an overview of everything to get a foretaste but particularly when you're new sometimes that can make it feel even more daunting.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Very kind of you, thank you. Good point about telling your CFI how you learn best. Not everyone is introspective enough to know how they learn best but you're right... if you do know how you learn best, definitely share that with your CFI.

[@aaronacree3941]

I've been in and out of the valley of despair the last few weeks so I'm working to get out of my head, simplify things and take it one step at a time. I think you nailed it about not putting so much pressure on yourself to be good right away. One of my professors used to say, "Embrace the Suck!" Thank you for creating and posting this video!

[@gcorriveau6864]

I can recall such 'valleys of despair' in my own career. Some days, we just need to re-experience the Joy of Flying - maybe on a ride with another pilot. Or, whatever got us interested in the first place. One reason I wrote my books was to encourage others who wish to get into aviation as I (eventually) did... I wish you success. One small step at a time... 'the journey continues.'

[@ilokana1810]

I've always dreamed of becoming an airline pilot since I was a child. My mother has always been encouraging me to accomplish that dream. Sadly, she passed away in February this year from cancer right before my university graduation ceremony. I promised on her deathbed that I'd accomplish that dream in her honor. I just got my first job out of university and plan to finish online ground school and jump straight into training once I pass my written. This video has really encouraged me to keep on going!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

I'm sorry for your loss. What an awesome way to honor her memory, you've got this!

[@johnreed8844]

Your video about treating landing like a maneuver got me through a hard patch getting my private. There were an absolute ton of people who got me where I am, but you were one of them. SO thanks, and I hope I can pay that forward as well.

[@ericalmeter3215]

I have always had a passion for aviation,. Finally last year I decided to pursue my private pilots certificate, it started out a little bit rough because I didn't click with my instructor real well. Switched instructors and it was the best thing I could have done. I was learning and improving at 2x the rate I was. Just got to the point of doing some mock check rides with her and she crashed an airplane she was flying for another company and died on impact. She was an excellent pilot and even better instructor, ill probably never know what really happened. But That really threw me off and I stopped flying for a little while. I had to refocus on what my original goal was and why I wanted to fly in the first place. Now I'm on my 3rd instructor which is like starting all over again but I'm determined to get it done. To anyone struggling with their training out there don't give up, it will all be worth it! Thank you Charlie for making videos like this, it is always really encouraging!

[@oneninerniner3427]

Wow! That's gotta be a blow to ones psyche! Glad you are working through it! 👍

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you for sharing!

[@MrWilfredoSantiago]

This video was needed for so many of us. I have already pushed through that valley, actually I hit that valley a few times during private and once during instrument training. You are correct as an adult I wanted to know this skill or knowledge immediately. After 32 years of active military service I was use to going though a material a few times, perform a rehearsal and I had it. Well what I didn't realize was, that I was just adding to what I already knew for so many years. When I went into aviation, I understood what was expected, but I didn't have the skill to finesse the controls and perform the action that was requested to the standards that were requested. I was frustrating to be able to perform good landings one day and the next day not be able to land well at all. I am about to start CFI training and I will keep this video in my back pocked as one of the first things I will show my students. I believe that realistic expectations and a CFI with the correct attitude does provide for a good result. Thanks again for this awesome video.

[@grobergclark]

I hit the valley after having to repeat my long cross country with my instructor. It's real. The cost was a jolt that made me question everything. In addition to the knowledge, make sure you plan for finances to finish your training and include the cost to join a club and stay proficient. Learning to fly has been a dream for a long time. That helped me push through, that and really focusing on being prepared for flights before getting in the plane. Got my ppl in July. The other side is so worth it. Good luck and stay strong!

[@RaceMentally]

Great video man. I for one set the bar high as I come from mechanics and the auto racing industry as a professional driver. Patience and YET is exactly what EVERYONE needs to be reminded. It’ll click. It just hasn’t YET. It never will click if you give up. Great video even I need constant reminder of for ANYTHING we do. Fly safe everyone 🤙🏼

[@steelecrafting]

OMG this is so true. I started my journey at 59 I am 35 hours into my training I’m learning in a Piper Warrior. Of course being a woman in aviation is daunting enough, but I started out wanting to enjoy the journey and many times have thought what are you doing😂. The theory is hard work and staying motivated is my big thing. But I fly every Friday two lessons at a time and have the best instructor, the man has the patience of a saint. Over the last few weeks I’ve realised that I’m going to take a long time to get confident in handling the aircraft but I’ve also realised that baby steps are the way to go and I am looking forward to finally being able to say after my solo whenever that maybe I DID IT!!!!! Thank you so much for this video greetings from Australia.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

You've got this, thank you for sharing!

[@dougbankhead1566]

Man, I really needed to hear this today of all days! I've been doing online ground school for PPL and the amount of information that you have to retain really is overwhelming and seems almost insurmountable at times. I had been getting through it okay though, but then I got to the lessons on airspace and hit a brick wall! I much rather prefer to learn concepts and systems b/c if I can understand the rules that govern a dynamic than I can derive the proper outcome on my own without having to just memorize arbitrary information. Airspace is a lot of rote memorization though, which I hate! I literally spent two weeks watching the lessons and then taking the section quiz and failing miserably ( like 55% ). And then rewatching and failing, and rewatching and failing, and rewatching and failing. This went on for almost two weeks and was to the point I wanted to smash my computer monitor but even more than that, I started doubting if I was even smart enough to do this pilot thing?! Finally I decided I needed to shut it off for a couple of days over the weekend and maybe let my brain process what I had been trying to learn by force. So last night ( Sunday ) I took another stab at it after watching football all weekend and not thinking about piloting. I reviewed the lesson again and took the quiz and scored a 97%!!! Realistically now I just get to move on to the next lesson, but like you say here, it's the small *first down* wins that keep you moving forward ultimately.

[@edroman2042]

Love this man! I wish I would have seen a video like this a year ago, would have helped me in my PPL journey. I’m now on my fulfillment stage, checkride coming soon. I know I will remember this video on my way to becoming an airline pilot. Honestly I don’t think I will ever forget it, including the 😢. I get choked up pretty easily when talking about kids. Thanks my friend.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Awesome! Rooting for you!! Thanks for the comment.

[@GaryFiser-gt4og]

At almost 76 years of age, I have decided to go for my IFR ticket. I've been in the books and watching videos and taking notes for a few months now. As I was searching for another video to help me through a difficult aspect of instrument flying, I stumbled across this video. After watching it, I realize that I was about to allow myself to be swallowed up by the "valley of despair". Now I understand why I have found it very difficult to even study for the past two weeks. So now I am saying that I have not learned the art of instrument flying, YET! Thanks for the encouragement to keep working.

[@LittleMrHolmes]

Thank you for this video! It really struck true for me and currently climbing out of the valley of despair 😂 working on my commercial. The new pilot struggles are definitely at every level as I felt each of the emotional stages during the training for private, instrument, and now commercial. Thank you for your positivity not only here but in all of your videos.

[@itsumia]

currently doing me PPL and guess what , i am in the valley and this video was exactly what i needed . thank you and keep up the good content !!!

[@alanhampton7]

First lesson was great. Second lesson, we went up in too much wind and it was scary as heck (understatement) for both me and the cfi currently trying to overcome and push through. Thanks for this video.

[@samjossie3815]

I'm 37, learning to fly for fun. My dad was a CFI but hasn't flown in the last 3 decades. He doesn't know I'm training. I'm almost 70 hours in to my private and almost ready to schedule my check ride. I understand the "learning to land" slump. There were a lot of hours there where I just thought "What am I doing wrong?" One thing that I did that helped was get a supplemental instructor. My regular instructor is great but having a different perspective is helpful. I normally train from a class E airport really close to my house but when I wanted extra help with ATC I scheduled some supplemental lessons at the school in Class C a little farther away. Even though it's taking longer than I had hoped it's still worth it.

[@JamesArmagost]

I've hit that valley a few times. But I had to keep telling myself, "Yet". Funny how I have been saying that for a long time and never really thought about that word until your video today. As for the valley: As I got past a few things, I started to see all of the little steps it takes to become proficient. I was getting ready for my first long X-country solo. One quick check with the instructor on a short X to another airport and after a quick T&G and the turn back "home", it HIT ME! "I CAN DO THIS!" I then wondered why I finally felt that way. Well, as mentioned, I had to realize that it is a ton of small steps to get to where I was. Everything I was learning was a stepping stone. Had I tried to do everything before I had those little steps...boom, despair and valley of death. So, breaking this down to even smaller steps than just, "I want to solo." or, "I want to do my x-country", or even the dreaded, "I want to grease every landing (which we all know is pie in the sky)", all of these basic steps leads to the "yet" becoming, "now". Good times! Thanks for all the vids, Charlie!

[@anthonymadonia6699]

My obstacle, during IFR training, was holds. Visualizing “hold 10 miles north of the XYZ VOR on the 270 inbound heading” took me 10 hours of flight time to be comfortable with. My instructor wrote me a note on a post-it that said “Just do it”. This was long before that was Nike’s slogan. It worked! Just stick with it. My advice: work with an instructor that instills confidence, rather than making you feel like a jackass. I’ve had both, and learned a lot more from a good instructor. Thank you for making these videos. I have 800 hours now and own a 182RG that I absolutely love to fly. STICK WITH IT! It’s difficult. It’s supposed to be difficult.

[@FlightPlanAviation]

This is what I needed to hear along with many other here. For me, it's the instrument ground knowledge. I scored pretty well on my PAR and I want to do the same on my instrument if not ace it. When it comes to things that I enjoy or have a passion for, I get very frustrated and beat myself up to the point where its not healthy. I want to be the best that I can be when it comes to aviation and I get very frustrated and upset when I don't perform well. I need to remember that everyone working on their instrument, is in the same boat that I am, it's all brand new information to us private pilots, and it is difficult, but in the end, it is VERY rewarding. And it goes for any rating too. Keep your heads up fellas, there's light at the end of the tunnel! Keep pushing! Strive to be your best!

[@Swimmingpoolninja]

Man this is relatable. Issues with flight schools and CFIs have really slowed the process and now I feel like I’m not going anywhere. I said forget I’m just going to buy a plane and hire an independent CFI. Well, 4 months later and 2 failed prebuys and here I am still, 6 hours in my logbook in the last 6 months. 😢

[@PhyllisLudden]

Started flying when I was 17 but quit...Now, 40+ years later, I've come back to get my PPL. But, this time, I have my daughter getting her PPL with me. Can't quit this time. It has been a journey. A marathon of sorts. Humbling. Check ride is next, so finish line is in sight. Videos like this and simple words of encouragement really help. Keep up the good work!

[@michaelfox1088]

The wisdom in this video goes waaaayyy beyond just being a pilot. Nice job!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you!

[@justinmecklenburg9230]

My son (18) and I are both starting our venture towards private pilots license...a main reason we are doing so is because my brother is a pilot and LOVES IT!! We are truly excited about this new venture. Signed up for you newsletter too! Thanks.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

This is awesome!

[@albertovillanueva2849]

I’m in that struggle pre checkride stage where nothing goes right. I try to keep positive after frustrating lessons and what feels like it’s taking way too long. Thanks for making this video and yes I will be studying my stuff in a few minutes lol

[@Cotz95]

growth mindset baby. I've really struggled to keep a growth mindset, but it's a work in progress. My low point came on my first PIC flight after getting my PPL. I'll spare the details, but I make some serious mistakes. However, there was no bent metal and no hurt people, so a cheap learning experience in all. The biggest thing that was hurt was my pride and confidence as a pilot. It also didn't help that immediately after that I transitioned to a new air-frame. After a year or so, I'm FINALLY feeling like a pilot again. I don't think it was all bad because the awareness of how easily things can go wrong has helped me be a more cautious pilot which is almost never a bad thing. I'm glad I pushed through and continued to remind myself to have realistic expectations because flying is an amazing blessing

[@Durandalski]

I just recently passed my ppl checkride with 60 hours. I would say I have a bit of talent for flying, and I talk on the radio a lot at my job so I picked up ATC communications fast, but I think a big thing that helped is that I just enjoy flying so much that every flight was fun. Even when I had a little bit of difficulty with a particular maneuver, short field landings for me, I still was just having so much fun going up and flying the airplane that I never got discouraged. I made sure I was well funded, so I wasn’t worried about how many hours it was going to take me, and I just didn’t stress about it. Enjoy the journey, and it makes the journey easier.

[@unknown-l4j4i]

I am a PPL holder and "quit" my IFR training because I was too overwhelmed by the material, multiple instructors, and no rhythm to learning or even how to properly transition the material to the flight deck. After 7 years of not flying I am getting back in the saddle, lacing up my boots, and going to give it a go! This time I know my strengths and weaknesses of myself and learn that emotion isn't factual just temporary. Yesterday I added all my hours and found out that I meet all the requirements for my IFR rating. #itsthelittlethings I still have a very long way to go. Good luck to all those pilots and future pilots because we are always students of the air!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Awesome, thank you for sharing!!

[@something7239]

I think one of the most important things I learned during ground school was when to take a break from beating myself up and remind myself how fascinating this all actually is. As for flying, my instructor once told me that what makes a professional pilot is not your number of hours or experience, it's your willingness to learn and improve. If you feel that way about your training, you'd best believe you're a professional, because that belief will start having you making decisions like one.

[@jimmydulin928]

Good point about no worries about being bad. My primary helicopter instructor in the Army taught me this important lesson. He understood that we learn by doing and we need to be gross before being fine, as a child learning to walk. "Move the control," he said, "see what it does. If you don't like it, put it back."

[@TheBluewaterBull]

Currently in the valley , I’m 20 hours in the seat and am struggling through ground school. My instructor recently told me I would learn more in ground school than in the seat. This went against everything I have learned in the past , at 47 years old I have learned everything by simply just “doing” . Now I am concentrating more on ground school and it seems to help with my actual flight training. Definitely not an easy task studying and remembering, but it is a necessity to move forward. Planning on getting my PPL within the next two years as I can only fly 1-2 times a week.

[@grobergclark]

@@TheBluewaterBull something that helped me a lot for ground was watching specific ground topics on KZbin videos and repeating the electronic test until I could repeatedly get 100% on sportys practice test app. Doing a little bit each night.

[@realtalkwithreese9331]

You absolutely nailed it!! My problem was I am an overachiever. I believe in milestone/timelines to accomplish things. I kept totally disappointing myself with things like stalls, ATC communications and landings. What I realized is that if I just have fun, I'll eventually get it. Once stalls clicked, then the next thing and before you know confidence was built and I was flying doing the very things I once sucked at. Just enjoy the journey. Don't rush the process. Great video sir 👍🏾

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you for sharing!

[@m39fan]

You are so RIGHT ON with this. I kept putting off doing my written and now have to go back after my XC's and do my written. Don't do that! I need to be focusing on my horrible crosswind landings and polishing everything for a checkride but now I have to go back through the curriculum and restudy everything for my written!

[@codypound9974]

Awesome video! I'm super excited to starting flight training in a few weeks! I've got my private and instrument written exams completed and working on my commercial written. Its a lot of information! A great quote I like is from Alex Hormozie "This is what hard feels like" I knew going into becoming a pilot that it wasn't going to be easy. Thank goodness it requires high amount of competence. The last this you want is incompetent pilots. But bit by bit with dedication and continuously exposing yourself to information you become more competent. Complete submersion into aviation is the fastest and most effective way ive found in retaining information. If you can eat sleep and drink aviation for a solid year you will be leaps and bounds ahead of your competition and probably will never want to stop learning you'll have so much forward momentum built up.

[@seeker000]

OMG, this is so helpful. I’m early in the PPL journey and am already struggling with the flying. (Better results with the ground school) and have been questioning whether this is even for me or not. This video makes me think that I should keep going. Thank you 🙏

[@Another_Zephyr]

I'm about to start in October I admit I'm already scared, been reading through the handbooks almost every day even get ready for the classes. Somehow I think I'm gonna be coming back to the video. Thanks!!

[@Tuno85]

So recognisable during my PPL theory. After getting my PPL so rewarding that I can fly by my own. Now again struggling with ATPL theory. Looking to complete that one first as my initial goal and continue with practical lessons. If you feel down, just continue. The reward will be big.

[@3xD3r]

Awesome video! Signing up to your newsletter! Just starting my UK PPL

[@bensinger297]

56 yr old pilot here, and this video hit home. Sorry for the shameless plug, but I cohost a podcast called the Midlife Pilot Podcast and we just published an episode on this very topic. We called it "Short memories and embracing the suck". Thank you for this video Charlie, I'll be signing up for the newsletter! And by the way, I don't think this comment section will allow enough characters to describe all the areas I struggled with. PPL: steep turns, IR: PTAC (still fumble sometimes), just to name a few.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks Ben - I'll have to check out your podcast! Sounds fun. Thanks for making aviation content for the community. Also you aren't alone on PTAC... that ate my lunch for a while.

[@st6696]

Great job. Who you are, where you are and what you want to do is 99% correct on initial contact with any ATC. If you understand this you are on your way to getting your license.

[@gabijarackauskaite7850]

Hey! Currently doing my ppl and you’re videos help me so much 🥹 the encouragement through flight training is definitely needed because sometimes you do feel like am I capable of this?? BUT WE ARE the people that never fail is the people that NEVER GIVE UP 🎉✈️

[@Dr.DeHicks]

Great video. Thanks for the reminders; applies to lots of arenas in life.

[@jeffchapman8992]

PS fellow ginger and father of three (2-ginger) sons.🎉 I want us all to learn how to fly and love the life of the world of flying and community of pilots. You're inspiring many dreamers. 👏 Big fan over here.

[@dr.aviator]

I conducted my dissertation on the social context of aeronautical education and my research yielded that 75% of pilot aspirants quit or never even commence due to financial constraints.

[@pilotalex5677]

"Student solo " goes a long way indeed as well as writing down things even if you know them. It makes you remember much better !

[@kateowner7086]

Thank you! Such a positive video! Here I can share my struggle- I am very inspired student pilot who pursues a dream. I love what I am doing and how I learn. But every time when it goes about money.. it just kills me and all thoughts are around what if I don’t make it? where should I take money? That’s one my killer - money!

[@ElizabethWettstein]

This was exactly what I needed to hear, at exactly the right time Thank You SO much❤

[@bibbini5893]

It happens to us all, so many set backs and self doubt, the feeling of being overwhelmed with it all or having so much in your head that basics go out the window as you skid the airplane round the circuit. On top of that your studying for exams that you're convinced you will never know enough about yet your surrounded by confident skilled pilots who you didn't realise have all been in the exact same position. You'll stay awake at night trying to figure out how all what you are learning or need to learn becomes seemless. Then one day you'll go solo, pass the exams, pass the GST and become a pilot and all the worry and overwhelming sense of dread will be a distant memory. It's a wonderful journey, it may not seem like it at the time but its all worth it.

[@cjoutdoors2623]

I’m the same way. I’m super competitive and I hate doing things I’m not good at. But flying has been a different type of thing for me. I’m only a couple hours in but I absolutely love it and just kind of roll with the punches and do the best of my ability and it’s been an absolute blast

[@sisner0387]

@airplaneacademy I love your videos! I love the brutal honesty that you share. You really make it so everyone feels that they can achieve their license! I would love to see more flying videos in your content, but I love the dialogue and the motivation that you share to get in the sky!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you I appreciate that and am glad you have found it helpful!

[@kylejohnson5720]

The best general life advice wrapped up with neat little achieve your dreams bow

[@MichaelPhillips-s3z]

I am hanging in there and if it wasn't for my wife now being a pilot I would of quit..She will not let me give up.. I have almost one hundred flight hours with a CFI and it has been 11 months and still waiting for FAA to approve my medical..I knew I would have to go thru the process but had no idea it would take this long.

[@junetebarts1334]

Things always came easy to me. I started flight training as an older person, and it didn't come easy at all. I had no aviation background and it took flying almost every Saturday and Sunday for a year to get my PPL, but I persevered because I wanted it so badly. Back in my college days, I never took notes - if I heard or read it once, I knew it. Fast-forward 40 years and that's no longer the case! It was so haard to read, re-read, re-watch and take notes, but I persevered. I am now in the same boat with IFR training. I'm so close, but yet so far.

[@catherinekilgour2563]

I am still working towards my CPL. Where I live that involves 6 online exams (to be taken under supervision). Yes I am in the valley of despair that I will ever complete them or learn the additional manoeuvres that need to be mastered before going for my flight test. I have flown the least number of hours this year since I decided I was going to get my licence. Spring is on it's way (southern hemisphere) so here's to another restart on my journey.

[@dlwilliams76]

First hurdle was roundouts and flairs. Too high, dropping it on. A lot happens in a short time, and it's tough to get the sight picture from that. Get the instructor to fly the runway a few times while you just sit and watch. Then fly the runway a few times and have the instructor manage the throttle, all the while they're telling you not to touch down and hold it off. That helped me.

[@JesseHughes-y3c]

The struggle just keeps growing . I’ve had my private for over a year now. And just recently started an advanced Instrument program … and man does it hurt you’re feelings being told “ you should’ve learned all this during your private “ welp… sorry but… I didn’t .. And to top the cake off I was getting back into tailwheel flying after a few months since the last time I flew tailwheel… and it is NOT like ridding a bicycle!💔 Feels like I’m starting all over again. Just like private pilot training over again … so for those of you just getting started … just know proficiency is key … so please use it so you don’t loose it !

[@SukipKaur]

Was the same want be good at immediately..but some things do take work and time for sure👍

[@highendaudio]

Awesome video Charlie. Spot on. “YET!” When I started instrument, I was overwhelmed with the acronym hell. But I stuck with it and what worked for me was not just taking one ground school, but four! They all explained things slightly different and combined, it clicked! Question for you: what motivated you to get your commercial? I’m at the crossroads right now. Continue with commercial or not. I don’t have airline aspirations but I do feel commercial would make me just that much better (stock and rudder). Thoughts? Mike

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Haha "acronym hell" - I might have to borrow that sometime in a video :) My reason for commercial was because it's required for CFI and I also wanted to be in a position where one day I could be opportunistic if the right flying job came along. I also wanted my commercial multi, too. If you have no interest in CFI or any commercial activity, perhaps a better use of time and money to build stick & rudder skills would be getting your tailwheel endorsement. Just a thought.

[@gcorriveau6864]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. I recall my struggles to master ATC 'back in the day.' I bought an inexpensive VHF receiver and spent hours just listening to the local tower. Now, I don't want to discourage anyone - but - similar challenges and learning 'opportunities' exist all the way up the career ladder! d'oh ... 'Read All About it' in my books (click my ID tag at the left to see my home page video trailers. Thanks for sharing your experience. The industry needs more pilots. You can be one!

[@jeffchapman8992]

Your success is going to go parabolic! Bravo. New email subscriber. (Were you in IT/software previously? Your visuals/graphics are tremendous. (Ex-IBM/Oracle; suit&tie guy.))

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks for joining! My background is entrepreneurship and corporate M&A.

[@matthewallen3375]

I am at the end of a break...about to jump back in, and as I begin refreshing everything. I am trying to get ahead of the valley of despair. Thanks for the video and candor. "Crap"... Hehe. Nice momentary visual break.

[@lo87t21]

I'm getting choked up ,I'm a crier, and I don't like it 😅 love your passion! Your videos are awesome. You have helped me out alot. thanks!

[@cleblanc94]

Great video! For those of you who are struggling, or considering quitting, please don't! If you love flying, stick with it. You'll thank yourself later! I failed my PPL written the first time, then passed it on the second attempt... Then failed my checkride because of two maneuvers. After failing a written test and a checkride, I felt so defeated and was so close to quitting, especially because at this point I had around 120 hours. I did end up passing my PPL checkride a few months after that on my second attempt. Fast forward two years: I got my tailwheel endorsement, I'm almost done with my instrument rating, and I have close to 400 hours now due to a TON of tailwheel flying between training flights. I am so grateful that I chose to I stick with it! If you love it, stick with it! You're not there "yet"... But you absolutely can be.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you for sharing these solid words of advice and wisdom!

[@nathanfarmer5482]

I needed this thank you

[@jesse0376]

Thank you for the video I am in a slump with flying. Mine started with a deferred medical that could have been not an issue if I had the right AME. I also am like you where I want to be perfect at everything the first time and it’s hard to get over. If I could give any advice it would be to find someone to give you advice on how and where to start. I did it all on my own and now am $10k into a medical that I didn’t need to be.

[@christopherblack3102]

Unfortunately back in the early 1990’s I didn’t make it out of the “ Valley of despair “. I gave up on my dream of a career in aviation. The airport community I was located at the time in my opinion was very cold and not welcoming to newcomers. So it was difficult to form the right kind of relationships with people that could help steer me in the right direction. I did get my PPL, but it was all downhill after that. This is all great advice. Especially the part about willing to be bad at something until you gain the experience to be good at it.

[@davidcole333]

I think what a lot of students fail to plan for is that "what happens next" component of flying. It took me many years to reach my goal of obtaining the PPL, but then the reality of the cost of continuing to fly and staying proficient sets in and that's where it got me. If you can't fly often enough, you're not ever proficient. If you're not proficient, you should not be carrying passengers of any kind. Eventually, I called it a day, I feel blessed for the time in flying I did have, but it takes a small fortune to fly the amount of time necessary to stay sharp. Once I realized that, I self-grounded and hung it up.

[@thomasfreiesleben]

good info

[@LordofDestruction123]

I like the idea of setting smaller goals. So, to parallel with traditional martial arts, showing up to your first lesson would be white belt, learning weight and balance or basic maneuvers would be the next belt, then navigation, etc. higher colored belts, and then PPL would be like black belt, and then higher certifications would be like higher degrees of black belt or master level, right? I'm still in the process of saving up for lessons. I've done plenty of messing around in desktop sims to have some idea of what I might be in for, but I still have a lot of unknowns to figure out.

[@jimallen8186]

Smaller goals, just like when I go on a run. It isn’t x miles, it isn’t even a mile, it is next light post. Running up the hill, definitely willing to be bad and uncomfortable. Believe Simon Sinek makes a comparison that the symptoms of nervousness and agitation are the same symptoms of excitement.

[@OG-Productions]

I'm a virtual pilot and I never though that I'd be able to land a 737 smoothly, turns out don't use auto throttle on landing. That worked instantly now I can land a 737 smoother than I ever could have imagined

[@xdega]

Having just started pre-study for next year's effort to pursue my PPL, I feel weird emotionally. I have an understanding of this cycle as s skilled, experienced software engineer. I am still feeling overwhelmed with the ground theory that I need to study, but I am also thinking about how I "wish" I was as knowledgeable about aviation as I am about software engineering (able to comfortably code in at least 5 programming languages, etc). But at the same time, I cringe at the thought of how much time it took to get to where I am, while at the same time being very excited at the prospect that I could attain an equal level in a decade. I just want to find a supportive community that I can chat, and study with, because I know there's a rough ride ahead.

[@jimmydulin928]

We did it differently mid last century when I soloed in eight hours in the SuperCub and all my primary students, save one, soloed in less than ten hours (most in tailwheel airplanes.) I was a young instructor in 74 and was teaching an older high school principal. At around ten hours she was ready and I asked her to let me out of the CAP 172. She said no with a principal's voice. I relented, she got another instructor, and she did not solo until 40 hours. But I said we did it differently. We simply taught people to fly. When more requirements came with PTS/ACS, we older instructors modified somewhat. Some of us followed the new program to the letter and some of us continued to teach flying in ten hours before starting the new program. So while the requirements and instrumentation have changed, this CFII still teaches flying first and encourages young instructors to do the same. A computer can do ACS maneuvers perfectly, but it can never understand perfectly: the law of the roller coaster, what the airplane want to do, zoom reserve airspeed, or that landing requires that we blend the approach glide, the flare out, and the slowing up of the airplane all into one maneuver so that, when we arrive at ground level, we arrive in a three point attitude all slowed up and ready to squat as Wolfgang teaches/recommends.

[@MatthewWithTwoTs]

I navigated Stage 5 like an obstacle avoidance maneuver. I made sure I was at least 5000 feet above the highest obstacle before I felt safe to cross. 160 hours as a student pilot, and I made it.

[@scottwaters2651]

Yep l have sufferd a lot of these set backs, but l never gave up, my medical is getting in the way a bit now due to being over 65, yet l still push on with it.

[@halhirsch3606]

I agree 100 per cent.

[@davidkolman5591]

Nice Video man!

[@ahetzel9054]

I just started my aviation journey and im definitely in the "uninformed optimism" but probably getting close to the pessimistic area just realizing how long and how much money this is really going to take and im already 31 almost 32. All i know is that i really want a career in aviation, i dont care if i dont become an ATP, I just want to fly planes. First goal is to just make it to my solo flight, then get my PPL. After that hopefully ill start working towards my instrument rating but my parents keep telling me to not look so far ahead, just focus on what im doing right now.

[@watergrunt3694]

YET. That is a great word when you struggle with something new.

[@music4ever1981]

Even though I haven’t been to flight school yet, I still completely understand and can relate to this. I’m a US Navy Submarine veteran, and when I was actively qualifying in submarines, many times I felt discouraged and felt that I took on too much. Even after I passed my submarine qualification board, and my Commanding Officer pinned my submarine dolphins on my chest, I was still in a state of “Did I really accomplish this feat, or is this all a dream?” I believe, aside from the financial aspect of obtaining a pilot’s certificate, it takes a certain mindset to push through those difficult times when doubt creeps in, just like it did for me and so many other submariners. Just my thoughts. When I do take flight training, I’m going to hit it with the same attitude and tenacity that I did when I was working on my submarine qualifications. ETV2(SS) Glenn Scroggins

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you for your service, Glenn!

[@music4ever1981]

@@AirplaneAcademy It was my pleasure and thank you for your kind words.

[@brucebolla4148]

Nicely done!

[@JazmineInjection]

I was hardcore at stage 3 during this last half of August. TBH, what helped me was switching CFIs.

[@suza_627]

I’m in DFW too!

[@rosstheboss8633]

Tried my first solo cx but diverted because of weather!

[@m39fan]

Been there. My first XC found me in an area of pop up TS. I had landed successfully at my destination just ahead of a storm but was told to immediately take off for my home field or be stuck there. I got 20 miles before being forced down by a ring of TS that ended up taking out my electrics. REMEMBER YOU ARE THE PIC. Especially doing solo work, YOU ARE THE PIC. If you don't feel comfortable, don't do it. By the Grace of God, I didn't crash but it was VERY close. Had I stayed on the ground like I wanted to, I would have avoided all the very real risks of a crash.

[@rosstheboss8633]

@@m39fan wow, thanks for sharing

[@rosstheboss8633]

@@m39fan Just did it yesterday, a success!

[@reyesben]

Take one or two lessons and then buckle down and do all your ground at once every tool and software trick out there too help you become fluent and then going the test. That for me was the hardest part.

[@mugsy1906]

I’m a private pilot at 230 hours. I feel I am in the valley of despair while trying for my commercial. I’ve finished my written but I have no motivation to fly anymore. I didn’t think I would feel like this again this far in but I’m struggling to get back to flying. My 2nd instructor left for the airlines and I am not sure if I want to go find another one.

[@nyontozel]

My testimony is loading. By 2026 I’ll get my PPL.

[@reubenstimie2109]

Thank you for this comment.

[@daverossi6476]

Uninformed (not uniformed) in Stage 1 and Informed (not infromed) in Stage 4

[@jerryczarski5991]

Sometimes you just need to get out there and buy the $100 hamburger for your CFI and you. Go to a strip that has a good restaurant or pilot shop. Make it a field trip. You and your CFI will get some time to review more than learn new things.

[@oneninerniner3427]

I believe most people realize flying is expensive up front when they first start out as a student. I grew up with aviation and still love it, but never made it past being a student. My Father was a commercial pilot & CFI who had airplanes for me and my siblings to fly. But I was too busy being a dumb kid and never applied myself to it, then I got married and started a family and we lost Dad. So we never had the resources to take it up again and that kinda was the end of it for us. I kick myself daily for my missed opportunity:( I think about selling all my toys and building a light sport kit plane, but im getting old. So I guess what I'm saying is, if you have the opportunity, resources and wherewithal, go do it! There's nothing like flying a small airplane!

[@AutoSia]

My problem is financial. I pay 90% of my paycheck to flight school. That's 8 sessions a month. I knew what I was getting into, but god damn I might have to cut those sessions to 5. I tried to get a loan, but those highway robbers are asking for 3 times as much by the end.