Newsgroups: rec.aviation.student
From: trisoft@realtime.net (James M. Knox)
Subject: Re: Really frustrated and maybe quitting
Organization: TriSoft/CyberSearch
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In article <V44O2.2210$6d6.3256@newsr2.maine.rr.com>, "RF" <rflanag1@maine.rr.com> wrote:
>Things aren't looking too good for me.  Got about 45 hrs. now and just
>starting solo cross countries.
> Not looking for responses (or
>sympathy) to this venting.  I'm a stay-at-home Dad and can't explain any of
>this frustation to my 2 and 4 yo boys.
>Flame away, I know I'm a quitter.  Maybe I'll check back in a few months.

No flames, but I am going to respond anyway (hopefully you'll read some of 
these).

First off, if you *really* decide you want to quit -- I don't see a problem.  
It's a hobby at this point, *not* a matter of manhood or even livelyhood.  
Heck, even if it's your job, aviation is supposed to be FUN!!!

But, having said that, I hope you don't quit.  You started presumably because 
you enjoyed it, and because you wanted to learn to fly.  There are some real 
good flight instructors out there, and some real jerks too.  More to the 
point, there are many perfectly good instructors and students who just don't 
*match* each other..  Nothing wrong with either - just don't match.  Same 
reason not every man and woman can be happy with each other - doesn't mean 
there isn't a Ms (or Mr.) "Right" around - just have to find them.

Flying should be relaxing.  It should be educational.  It should be FUN!!!

Learning to fly can be work, no doubt about it.  So is learning to ski or play 
basketball.  So what... most good things require effort.

Decide how *you* learn best.  By example?  By doing?  By slow accumulation or 
by total immersion.  Then go tell the instructor how *you* want to be taught!  
If he can't adapt, find another instructor - one that will teach you *your* 
way.  [Frankly, an instructor's main job is to keep you from killing yourself 
until you teach yourself enough to take over the job.]  And take a "fun" 
flight or two -- just you and an instructor (or better - pilot friend) -- fly 
over to an airport 30 minutes or so away, have a burger and Coke, fly back. 
Enjoy the trip

Look into the AOPA Project Pilot *mentor* program.

                                                        jmk
