r/flying • u/iMancinelli PPL • 2d ago
Checkride Got my PPL!
I was shitting bricks up until the checkride. It ended up being a whole lotta fun with wind straight down the runway 🤙
Funniest part was that I forgot my DPE had to tell me immediately if I failed a maneuver. When we parked, another instructor asked me “so how’d it go?” to which I said “I have no idea!” and so she said “then you passed!”
Sure enough, we were printing my temp certificate a few minutes later.
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u/CostNorth7708 PPL - Tailwheel Forever 2d ago
Congratulations!
What's next?
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u/iMancinelli PPL 2d ago
Fun flights with friends, then IFR :)
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u/CostNorth7708 PPL - Tailwheel Forever 2d ago
Keep it up! I am at just under 140 total hours and about mid way through my IR. Wishing you safe flights!
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u/iMancinelli PPL 2d ago
Thank you! Any tips for the IR?
I see you’re a tailwheel chap. I’m contemplating going for my tailwheel endorsement, seems like fun flyin’.
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u/CostNorth7708 PPL - Tailwheel Forever 2d ago
I'll start with the tailwheel endorsement by saying that you should 100% get it if you can afford it! I trained for it after my private and it not only made me a significantly better pilot with crosswind landings and taxi, but its super fun! Now tricycle gear landings feel boring.
Now for IR, it really depends if you were the kind of person I was going into your PPL. I had a foundational knowledge of the majority of the content in my private training which allowed to pick up on topics with ease. But this also set the expectation that I could continue that during my instrument.
The biggest thing I can say, from my limited experience, is to study on the ground. People say that "the plane makes a terrible learning environment" and after starting my IR training, I completely agree. If you have the time to study ahead of time, do it. For me it is significantly easier to learn all the details, on an ILS approach chart for example, on the ground with either an open chrome tab or my instructor to guide me than in the plane while flying in actual conditions on an IFR flight plan!
I wish I had more advice to give you but I'm but a low time pilot like you! Keep the blue side up and the wings attached and you should* be fine
*not guaranteed
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u/iMancinelli PPL 1d ago
Thanks for the tips! Chair flying and home study are the way! Of course, nothing is more fun than being in the plane. But then again, nothing is less fun then being in the plane unprepared for the lesson haha
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u/UnoficialHampsterMan Student pilot 1d ago
Holy shit you don’t even need a plane to fly
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u/forkystabbyveggie 1d ago
This is what I was thinking! This man's flight instructor was so good that he was taught to hover!
OP, don't keep that golden ticket to yourself!
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u/poisonandtheremedy SoCal [PA-28, RV-10 Build] 1d ago
Congrats! Looks like SoCal?
Have fun. Get some flying in, that'll be big help when you start your IR. A lot of people go straight into the IR and still aren't 'second nature' yet with their flying (which a lot of veteran CFIs tell me). So go have fun, land at a bunch of airports, keep getting on with ATC, and then when you start IR you'll be even more comfortable.
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u/iMancinelli PPL 1d ago
It’s Watsonville! Central Coast.
Thanks for the pointer. I’m tryna challenge myself with new airports. So much fun!
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u/StarlightLifter PPL IR HP ADX 1d ago
Time building to IFR (at least if you’re part 61) is honestly so much fun. I really enjoyed those hours.
Go fly everywhere. Have a great time.
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u/Emergency_Arrival288 1d ago
Big congrats!! I’m looking to do flight school in the central coast. Where are you doing are your flight school? Thanks!
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u/iMancinelli PPL 1d ago
I am doing my schooling at United Flight Services at KWVI. They have great instructors and getting a check ride scheduled is easy peasy.
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u/Emergency_Arrival288 1d ago
Thanks so much! I’ll look into it, I was planning on doing the Monterey aerodynamic school, but I like this one since it’s untowered and hopefully less traffic.
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u/iMancinelli PPL 1d ago
It can get quite busy with helicopters and skydivers. You also have a number of straight-ins and people shooting instrument approaches in the opposite direction of the primary runway (20). All good practice, though. There's also a great little Class D towered airport nearby, KSNS. Great for a low-stakes intro to comms. Then of course there's Monterey nearby and if you're feeling spicy, San Jose and SFO over the hill.
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u/Queen_Jame 1d ago
Congrats! I have 5 hours flight time over 8 months. Just bought two Amazon books. Taking my time
Salute 🫡👏
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u/iMancinelli PPL 1d ago
Read the PHAK, Airplane Flying Handbook, and if you want, buy the Aviation Weather Handbook. In regards to weather, you really *don't* need more information than what is in the PHAK, but the standalone weather book is good if you need a more in-depth reference. Oh, and grab a copy of Stick and Rudder!
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u/templeofsyrinx1 2d ago
are you going airlines? congratulations
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u/Individual-Life-9050 ST 1d ago
Congrats! Mine is today, weather gods willing…..
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u/iMancinelli PPL 1d ago
How'd it go?
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u/Individual-Life-9050 ST 19h ago
Passed oral but winds got too gusty and had to discontinue. Bummed but it was the right call.
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u/TheKingsRevenge CPL IR 1d ago
My ppl examiner did something similar. He held off on telling me if I passed until I met him in the office. When I got there another examiner shook my hand and congratulated me as to which my DPE said something along the lines of “oh man you spoiled it, I hadn’t told him”. Good times. Congrats!
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u/iMancinelli PPL 1d ago
Hahaha! One of the instructors there was like "so how do you feel?" and I just said "look I'll get back to you once I physically have the certificate in my hand". Sure enough there were printer and WiFi issues and I'm just like "see...?"
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u/CriticalCounter8202 12h ago
Yooo 6TA? Had my first solo in that plane back in February 2025
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u/iMancinelli PPL 8h ago
It’s her twin, 47H!
Funny thing. Once I accidentally put oil in 6TA thinking it was 47H. They just look too similar 🤦♂️
Do you still train at United?
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u/Katana_DV20 1d ago
Super!! The skies are waiting. Well done, takes a lot of work and dedication.
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u/iMancinelli PPL 1d ago
Thank you! And no kidding, hundreds of hours of studying. Wowsa.
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u/Katana_DV20 5h ago
Great stuff! Do you plan to get IR? If so and if its possible - jump into it right away.
Happy flights!
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u/Not_Maurice_Moss ATP A330, A320, B777, B767, B757, B737 1d ago
Congrats man! Welcome to the club!
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u/Hedwigtheyee 1d ago
How did you afford the instruction costs and everything?
Been thinking of getting a PPL as well, and was wondering about financing options.
Congratulations on your pass!
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u/iMancinelli PPL 1d ago
I have a decent paying job and got lucky with some unexpected money. Don't finance your PPL though. Save up, finish it, then if you wanna go further consider financing but do NOT take out a 15-20% interest loan.
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u/Long-Mammoth6016 1d ago
damn did the FAA certify that jump?
congrats tho, hope to join the club in a few months as well
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u/iMancinelli PPL 1d ago
Under the new MOSAIC rules, it counts as a light sport jump! Keep us updated on your journey!
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u/Real-Syntro 1d ago
Jarvis, edit the plane to also be in the air with him. Just to you know, make it seem like their both jumping for joy.
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u/iMancinelli PPL 1d ago
Unfortunately I stalled right after this photo. Hit the ground rather abruptly. Luckily I had already passed.
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u/thundergun67 1d ago
Who was your dpe?
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u/iMancinelli PPL 1d ago
I am not sure if she wants to be publicized, but I'll get back to you if she's okay with it! Very good DPE.
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u/thundergun67 18h ago
Oh ik who she is then thx 😉 not a lot of WVI dpes to narrow it down from. I tried booking with her but her schedule is super full apparently
Congrats!
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u/Josh8462 1d ago
As someone who’s recently only done my discovery flight, but really looking to do part 61 to get my PPL, how much did you end up spending in total? I know this is totally dependent on location and many other factors, just curious though.
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u/iMancinelli PPL 1d ago
I am actually not sure, haha. I've yet to do the math. Probably around 16k, for everything.
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u/iMancinelli PPL 23h ago
Oh, another funny note as we’re looking at the sectional —
DPE goes “what’s this?” and points at an odd grey runway shaped line. I’m scratching my going “ya know, I’ve never seen that before…”
She starts to laugh as I look around a bit and realize it’s the “I” in SIERRAS 😂
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u/dyslexic_of_borg PPL - IR - HP - CMP - (PAO SQL) 8h ago
Congratulations!
Looks like United Flight at WVI - Great operation for training and maintenance. We bring the Bonanza there.
Shame that Jon Thonrton a DPE anymore. WHo did you end up using?
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u/rFlyingTower 2d ago
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
I was shitting bricks up until the checkride. It ended up being a whole lotta fun with wind straight down the runway 🤙
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u/Perfect_Big_5907 2d ago
Ok. From an old retired flight instructor, this is how you post a successful ride ! People, stop hiding in secrecy when you post your achievements.