Fulfilling a lifelong dream!

[HighEagle]

Hello Diamond pilots, greetings from the KLGB area. I'm a seasoned surgeon and a newbie student pilot - still pre-solo at 40 hours, all on the DA40-180 G1000 platform. I've lurked this forum for some time and figured it was time to say hello.

Dad (96) obtained his PPL in junior college. He joined the USAF as a noncom, working as an engine mechanic on the B-47 Stratojet. He bootstrapped into the officer corps. He ended up as a 10,000 hour pilot on everything from the EC-121 Super Constellation to T-39 Sabreliner, plus many other types. When Dad retired decades ago, I was in my teens. I had dreamed of flight since I was little and read enough to develop an encyclopedic knowledge of airplanes. Dad admonished me not to fly. He said he had taken enough risks for both of us. I understood his reasoning, especially given the era, and respected his wishes. Though he had earned his civilian ATP rating before retirement and loved to fly, he became a real estate broker and never flew again. (Other than the F-35 simulator when he was 84. But I digress.)

Recently I retired from my own career as a surgical educator and started a half-time job - one that allows me to serve Veterans and teach young surgeons, yet affords excess income and time. The kids are launched. Dad has given his blessing. My dear wife of 30 years is not so enthusiastic, but so far she is tolerating my new obsession. She did casually mention that if I buy an airplane, she'll divorce me. Knowing her, she might not be bluffing. Luckily there's Diamond Share.

Did some research on flight schools and settled on a good one that flies something more modern than high-wing trainers. Took my DA40 discovery flight, secured medical after much unnecessary delay, studied hard, and passed the PAR with a 97.

So here I am, excited and humbled at taking on something I've dreamed of since childhood. About 10 weeks in, flying about twice a week and studying like a med student. Really liking the well-mannered DA40, especially on SoCal cross-countries. What's my mission? We'll see. For now, flying is its own reward.

Thanks for all the wisdom that members have contributed to date. Hope I can add some learnings in the future.

Blue skies, everyone.

Craig

[dmloftus]

Welcome Craig! Better late than never. I also had a long path to flying. My father was always involved with aviation, working on NASA projects in the 60's, and GE Aircraft Engine Group for the next 30 years. I had a full ride at Georgia Tech on Air Force ROTC, but I wasn't 20/20 and grew too tall for my fighter pilot dream. Started on my PPL in my 20's but life got busy and my wife, whose father died on KAL007, never wanted me to fly. Finally after our kids were in college I fulfilled my lifelong dream and punched my PPL ticket. I was kicking myself for letting 30 years slip by without flying, but I've been an addict for the past dozen years and making up for lost time. Renting is fine to start with, and fine for many as a permanent solution. If you stay a renter, you should also get some hours of instruction in a 172 as that is the most common rental aircraft across the US. Not radically different than a DA40, but different enough in handling and sight picture that you want to get formal instruction before trying to rent on your own. Personally, I love owning. It's great to know that I have a well-maintained aircraft always at the ready for my next extended adventure or just a quick jaunt. While I've flown my DA40 all over the continental US, I still rent occasionally - flying aerobatics in Extras, Decathlons, and even a P-51, and I've been blessed to rent & fly many times in Ireland, and Iceland. Certainly sounds like you have the intelligence, motivation, and financial means to consider ownership. Certainly this forum is an unbelievable asset if you decide to go down that road. Good luck and be safe!

[Mjwatlanta]

Welcome, my path is a little different than yours in that I started flying at 19 when I was in college. I got licensed and then stopped for decades. I chose to fly a Diamond because I wanted to fly a modern airplane not like the 152 I learned on. Ultimately, I chose to buy an airplane, DA40NG, and I suspect that you will too; because if you are going to fly, you need to fly. And while renting is certainly the only alternative for many, at least in my head, I am not going to fly as much if I have to write a check every time, as I will owning the airplane. Believe it or not, insurance rate go down the more you fly. This is because skills go up. Happy flying.

[Boatguy]

Welcome Craig! I started at 66 - never too late.

As David points out, owning means knowing the plane you about to fly. Renting is rolling the dice every time you step into the cockpit. The bottom line is that if your wife is concerned about your safety, she'll want you to own.

[FlyingPenguin]

Welcome Craig! KLGB, super, that’s where I am based too. By any chance you are at Angel City Flyers?

[waynemcc999]

Craig, welcome to the skies and to the Diamonds!
I started flight training at age 65… just ten years later I’m at 3000 total hours, including separate trips from the US west coast to Cuba/Guatemala (2016), Colombia/Nicaragua (2018), the eastern Caribbean (2020), and Alaska (2021). Never too late for a mind-strengthening new passion.
Wayne (DA40 KSBA)

[HighEagle]

Welcome Craig! KLGB, super, that’s where I am based too. By any chance you are at Angel City Flyers?

Guilty as charged! They're a fine bunch of pilots, and it's a big plus to have maintenance on site.

...and thank you David, Michael, Russ, Peter, Wayne, and moderator Rick behind the scenes, for the warm welcome to the forum.

Envious of the owners (just a little ) and glad for the arguments in favor of owning. A guy can dream anyway.

[jbintheskywithc]

As a 59 year old GI, I found the process of obtaining my PPL last year more challenging than anything I had to do in medicine. Maybe its because I'm older! Good luck, I just purchased a NG, and I highly recommend!

[HighEagle]

Good luck, I just purchased a NG, and I highly recommend!

Did I mention that my wife says, if I buy an airplane she'll divorce me? She might be serious!

I've drooled over a late-model NG at my FBO. Very very nice. The FADEC, self-runup, and the A/C make it very attractive to me.

[manatee]

Welcome Craig!

Having flown both the regular DA40 and the NG, they have their pros and cons. I prefer the NG for reasons you stated amongst others, such as performance at altitude and the fuel burn/using jet fuel in general. The biggest difference is how they feel in handling as the NG is much more nose heavy. For example, best glide in a traditional DA40 is 73 kts vs 88 in the NG. The NG is also pretty quiet which I value on long flights.

If you do end up pursuing a DiamondShare or similar dry lease program, enjoy! I have had a great experience doing that.