You may recall this article, where we discussed the best methods for scoring a perfect 100 on the SAT. At the end of that article, I said that next time around we would discuss the best way to get a pilot’s license. I hardly expected to be taken seriously on that, but you asked for it (citation needed), so here it is: Getting Your Pilot’s License with Karl Bickerstaff, 1st Edition.
- Work on your poker face for when you don’t know what you’re doing. The aforementioned unfortunate reality will happen at some point, but if you admit it, your instructor will take points off, so just don’t tell them. Don’t look at the manual either, because that has the same effect.
- Befriend the birds. This is essential for when you don’t know what you’re doing (see tip 1) and/or are flying an old airplane that you do the repairs on yourself (see tip 4). If you make friends with the birds, they will all come toward you if they think that you are in trouble, and they will carry the plane to the nearest airport if you are about to crash.
- If you have to cut financial corners, save on the gas. Aviation gas (Avgas) is very expensive, and using less of it means that you both save money on buying it and are flying a lighter airplane, which means you can go farther on less gas.
- Do the repairs yourself. Avgas is not the only expensive part of flying. Aviation mechanics (Avmechs) are expensive, charge by the hour, and are almost all from South Nod. Just do it yourself. It saves money and (sometimes) time (though you will want to have enough money left to bribe the Aviation Inspector (AvSpec)).
- Most importantly of all: Never do your check flight with Tobias Hrothgar as your check pilot. Just don’t.