Hey guys, feels like ages since I last posted here.

I'm looking at starting my CPL IR fairly soon, but am currently in the process of hour building (and taking the time to enjoy flying and pushing myself further). Now, I've looked at the schedules of several training providers, which go through how their students go from 0 hours to FATPL. This includes 'structured hour building' after their PPL. I have also seen structured hour building advertised in several places.

I now have a share in a Cessna 150 (yes, I went and did it, so far its turning out alright *touches wood*) so dont want to pay another school for hour building. I was just wondering whats normally included in this 'structure' i.e. what I should aim to do whilst carrying out my hour building. I'm currently trying to stop doing local nav flights, instead concentrating on land aways, flying through controlled airspaces, MATZs etc, and occasionally circuit practice. I will also attempt to re-validate my night rating this winter, and get some land aways done at night. Is there anything else I need to/should do?

Thankyou

My sincere recommendation is to pursue your Instrument Rating. Personally, I believe that there should be no certificate issued without the pilot being proficient at instrument flying. I know … I know. That means a lot more training … but when you look at the accident statistics, pilots getting into situations that they can’t handle is almost always at the top of the list … and just like the JFK, Jr. accident, often the circumstances that could not be handled would have been EASILY handled if the pilot were instrument rated! Look at it this way – 1) you’ll be logging additional flight time, and 2) once you have the IR, you can get flight time in almost any weather condition.

Thanks for the reply AirRabbit!

CPL IR = Commercial Pilots License + Instrument Rating. I want to do a full time modular course to get that qualification... heck, its even part of an ATPL, so it has to be done. However, before I can start this course, I need to have 150 hours total time, which leaves me just over 50 to get. I'm determined to enjoy flying, whilst pushing myself too (i.e. not 50 hours in the local area) but just wondered what would be the most beneficial way of hour building?

Well good luck with the part-share, I am sure there are loads of good luck stories about sharing the aeroplane, I kniow a girl who flew a Cub like that - she had a whale of a time.

Y`know, if you are seriously Hours Building, this may be a good time to inform all your attractive female friends between the ages of 18 and 25 to see if they would like to enhance their love of flying by riding shotgun and being your pax, as you will be doing loads of solo flying and there is a spare seat and it won`t cost them a penny and you can take them anywhere they like.

That sounds like a perfect plan! Though you forgot to mention they should be single.

But where shall I go? I get bored of doing nav triangles in the local area for 60 mins each time. I'm trying to do a few cross country flights to new airports to challenge myself... what else can I do?

Or, rather, if they are rich, they can contribute to the fuel, and stuff, and also, you want to try clubs that drop parachutists, or Glider Towing or you could work for someone as a Eat/West Coast trans continental Marketing and Commercial consultancy, and while you are getting paid for this - in the odd moment the boss(es) need the aircraft, you fly it (but you are still being employed as an East/West coast etc., etc. Geddit? Hmmmmm?) Good luck.

Hi C150, as you know, how long will I need to build 300 hours on c150/152? Where can i find a lower rental A/C?

thx