Builds By Baz

Oz Comic Con 15 -16 August 2026 Canberra EPIC https://www.buildsbybaz.com/oz-comic-con-2026/

It's been recommended by some in my path and shrugged off by others. As a trainee pilot with less than three hours of flying experience, Is it a good idea this early to have a flight sim at home for practice and familiarity? I used to have Microsoft flight simulator back in 2006, with a Saitek joystick and throttle control, but I had no idea what I was doing and didn't keep it long. If they are a good idea, what would I need? Stick or yoke, rudder and brake pedals, power and choke? How close are they to the real thing when it comes to learning and practice? Where would I get one of so? I am learning to fly, so obviously cash is important right now, so are there second-hand ones that would fit the bill? Baz.

Paper and pencil, or electronic device on the knee? Why? Pro's/cons? What do you use it for? How much does it really help? Also, like dashboard phone mounts in the car, I've bought several that are just crap and let go of my phone, or break. Is it the same with kneeboards for Ipads? Recommendations? Experiences? Baz.

Hey all. Baz here. Would it be ok if we close this out of control thread please? I had no idea it would turn into this.

Thanks guys. Baz.

I have hearing aids, but I get by without them day to day because they are a pain in the arse. However, it does make me struggle a bit in any conversation where people are not being clear, or there is other noise around. I'm a little concerned that learning the radio comms may be even harder because of this. so my question are 1, should I wear hearing aids under the headset or not and 2, what headsets are recommended for a student pilot looking forward to PPL? Baz. P.S. Please don't fight this time hey fellas?

Started ground school this morning. A little overwhelming at first, particularly the weather charts, but all very enthralling. Adult learning is a little different. It's been decades since I studied anything and the mind is not the sponge it once was. Looking forward to day 2 tomorrow. Flying starts next week. Baz.

Looks like my post has ended in conflict again. 😞

I really do like asking questions here. You folks have a wealth of experiences that should be shared with us who want to hear it. Thank you. Baz.

I find myself in a weird new position in life, but also in this new pursuit of flying. I've wanted to fly all my life and now that I've made the decision to go for it, I am suddenly hit with internal questions like, "What then?" How did it happen for you ladies and gents? Did you enter with a mission to work or just go for fun? Did your goals change along the way? How many got their qual and thought, "That will do?" I spent years working in the back of military aircraft, (Photo below 1999) always coveting that illustrious front seat. I thought it might be interesting to hear your stories. Baz.

Well that answers that question then.

Fair enough. If there's a clock on the dashboard, I don't need one.

I don't use it anyway, so size is totally irrelevant.

I have a policy that if I don't know - ask.

My current Traser tritium watch is getting hard to see. The hands and face are almost the same colour and I can't tell the time at a glance, with or without my glasses. What's reccomended for flying? Digital or analogue? White face? Smart watch? Baz.

Introductory flight today was bloody brilliant. Decision made. booked to start training next month. Thanks everyone here for the words of experience and encouragement. Baz.

I've always been a very calm person. I go with the flow. I accept what is. My heart rate sits under 60 even after a car accident. Flight training will be what it is. I've flown and worked in military and commercial, fixed and rotary, Cessna to C5 Galaxy. Behind the controls for a change will be an experience I've looked forward to my whole life. I will be fine. Location is pretty good, I can be there in less than an hour from where I work and live. Price is price. I've got it covered. As always, I appreciate hearing all the feedback and banter between you blokes. I'll keep you posted how I go next week. Baz.

Yep. learn2Fly

So I booked my introductory flight today. Looking forward to it. The journey begins.

Where do I go for a flight medical? Is there paperwork I need to download? What is the medical called? Can my GP do it? Is the paperwork flying-school specific or generic? Baz.

Thanks John and Nev. I'm clearing some obstacles to get a foot in the door. Hopefully next Monday or Tuesday I'll walk in to the flying school and get the ball rolling.

Thanks BurnieM. I had to look up VFR. I should then probably start with RPC, but I'd like to finish with PPL. Baz.

I have zero idea of what any of that means. Probably a good idea to go in cold, with no bad habits or assumptions? Or should I start studying? Downloading stuff? Watching tutorials? Baz.

Hey guys. I sure hope my thread hasn't started a flame war. To fill in the blanks: I wanted to be a pilot when I was a kid. At 15 I wanted to be a fighter pilot but quickly realised I didn't have the grades so I joined the army at 17. As an air dispatcher, crew commander, basic paratrooper, drop zone safety commander and finally a parachute jump master, I spent a lot of time in aircraft over 16 years in the military. I've jumped out of a lot of aircraft static line and freefall from 1,000 to 12,000 feet. About 18 years ago I bought a Saitek flight control joystick and throttle control and had some hours on microsoft flight simulator. I was interested again in flying but never followed through due to financial constraints and family commitments. I don't know if these false starts mean it's not happening for a reason, or if they mean that I should actually bite the bullet and just do it. I do like the idea suggested that I go for an introductory flight under instruction, then go through the study, exams and flight training to get at least my recreational licence. I don't think I'll ever go as far as commercial, but maybe somewhere in between so if I fly I can share it with a loved one. As far as building is concerned, I am very accomplished with my hands, having built buildings and infrastructure, movie props, a 12 metre trailer and am currently a bladesmithing instructor full-time and a swordsmith. I've inspected some kits and been up close with partially built aircraft from kits to restorations. I think if I wanted to do it, I would be fine at it. Getting some flying in first and getting my licence before even attempting to build is sound advice. When I get a day off during the week, I will check out the Canberra airport for the flying schools. Thanks everyone for your tremendous advice and banter. It's interesting and informative to see your wealth of experiences. Cheers, Baz.

Now that, is good information. Thank you. Makes sense. Thank you.