Yearning for the Freedom of a Private Flight License
Taking Flight: A Full-Stack Developer's Journey to the Skies
Ever dreamt of soaring through the skies like a bird? Well, Pavel Kasatkin, a Yekaterinburg-based developer, made his dream a reality. He shared his remarkable journey of obtaining a private pilot license in an exclusive interview with us. Get ready to take off as we dive into the training process, the challenges faced, the expenses involved, and the time it takes to take your first solo flight.
How did you catch the aviation bug?
My love for flying started at an early age, my childhood passion for cycling and skiing quickly evolved into a fascination with airborne adventures. Paragliding was my introduction to the world above, and I was hooked. Although expensive, I managed to make it happen. As my bank account grew, so did my ambition to fulfill some childhood dreams, soaring higher and faster than ever before. And with that, my search for the keys to the sky began.
Finding my wings: The journey to a training center
Surprisingly, Yekaterinburg was not the launchpad for aspiring pilots. With no training facilities for private aviators last year, I faced a daunting task. To find my Perfect Flight Institute, I scanned the web, scoured ads, and dialed endless numbers. Unlike driving schools, finding a flying academy was a challenge, with fewer enthusiasts looking to take to the skies and fewer intakes scheduled. The price tag was steep, but I was determined to conquer the clouds.
In the midst of my research, I learned that getting medical clearance to fly with an instructor required a visit to Moscow. The medical commission was strict, although it had an easier pass for private pilots compared to commercial ones. For the latter, a pass meant career success, while failure meant game over. After three grueling days at the commission, I returned to Yekaterinburg with just a fraction of my documents missing. I had to return to Moscow, gather the remaining paperwork, then finally return with my coveted medical permit. Just like that, I was one small step closer.
And then, a major setback: The school I'd been anticipating had changed their plans, delaying the first intake by a year and a half. I wasn't ready to cool my engines, so I started my search anew.
Moscow or bust?
Between Moscow and Ufa, Moscow had no issues with training facilities, but the costs were sky-high. Accommodation in another city added significant expenses, and the course length varied. I chose DSST-aviation's school in Chelyabinsk, a branch of the Novosibirsk educational center, which opened in 2023 and welcomed its first intake.
The prize: A private pilot license
With three main categories—private, commercial, and airline pilot licensure—I came away with the former, allowing me to pilot a single-engine, land aircraft up to 5.7 tons. A significant leap from my car's measly 3.5 tons! With flight hours under my belt, I could operate on the ground and now, the air.
The tuition fees in Moscow started at 1.5 million rubles last year, and I managed to negotiate it down to 1.3 million, including all expenses. I learned to prioritize and manage my finances to make my dream a reality. The course took 11 months, but I was willing to invest the time, money, and effort to become the captain of my own destiny.
The medical permit's validity depends on your age: under 40, it's good for five years, over 40, only two years. Updates every year, along with routine inspections, are essential.
Five enthusiasts, all men in their 40s to 50s, made up our intake. I wouldn't classify myself as a wealthy man, but I had some successful financial ventures under my belt. I invested my earnings into my education, and I couldn't be happier with the results.
Strapping in: The training process
Our training consisted of theory classes, simulator exercises, and an indispensable number of flight hours with an instructor and on my own. While we studied, we negotiated a weekly schedule to maximize our learning and free time. One week for theory, one week for practice, and one week for work. Three months wouldn't cut it, a year-long course was the bare minimum.
Theory ranged from exciting subjects like aerodynamics to practical ones like aircraft structure and basic survival techniques if things took a turn for the worse. I enjoyed studying meteorology, understanding the complexities of weather patterns and deciphering the "elvish" symbols and abbreviations pilots use in their messages. Once I got the hang of it, I found that learning to interpret extreme weather conditions was second nature.
Simulators replicated the cockpit environment and were an excellent tool to learn the essentials, including instrument readings, operating levers, and mastering motor skills. After some practice, things got a bit easier, and the confusion slowly faded.
Do or die: Time in the cockpit
Finally, it was time to take the controls and soar into the unknown. We started in a plane for familiarization flights, where the instructor handled things while I observed. It wasn't until later that I got my chance to take the yoke and fly my aircraft.
Forty-two hours of flight time were required, and I completed 45. With each passing hour, I felt more confident, and my skills improved. To successfully complete the course, you needed to demonstrate a mastery of landing, takeoff, and navigation.
At an international airport in Chelyabinsk, I took my final exams, performing specific exercises and landing with an external examiner. After successfully completing my final exam, I was awarded my private pilot license from Rosaviatsiya.
And hey, if you fancy purchasing a plane, there's always Avito! Given the prices, having your own plane is a realistic goal for many aviators, and I have my sights set on seaplanes, the ultimate symbol of freedom and adventure.
So, dream big, and don't let anything hold you back! With dedication, determination, and a bit of luck, you too can take to the skies and explore the world from a new perspective. After all, as long as you have a dream, there's no limit to what you can achieve.
I'm not sure if I'm ready to tackle the world of sports-analysis, but my experience in piloting a paraglider and now a private aircraft has certainly taught me a thing or two about tracking progress, analyzing data, and making quick decisions based on technology. In my journey, I've learned to be aware of the various gadgets and advancements in technology that can aid pilots, just as sports analysts rely on tools to dissect games and performance.
The costs of obtaining a private pilot license were higher than I anticipated, much like the tuition fees for a top-tier full-stack development course. However, just like how I managed my finances to achieve my aviation dreams, I'm now prepared to invest time and resources to develop my skills in sports-analysis.
As I continue to soar through the skies, I often find myself marveling at the beauty and complexity of sports, seeing parallels in the dynamics, strategy, and human elements. I've always been fascinated by the thrill of sports, much like the adrenaline rush I get from flying a paraglider or piloting an aircraft.
While my focus has been on aviation until now, I'm eager to learn more about the intricacies of sports-analysis and contribute to the field with my newfound understanding of technology, data, and human performance. I believe that my unique perspective and passion for innovation can make me a valuable asset in this exciting world.
And finally, as I look towards the future, I'm not sure what lies ahead, but I know I'm ready to take on new challenges and continue striving for excellence, whether that means driving cutting-edge tech development or uncovering hidden insights in the world of sports-analysis.
