I got my PPL

I got my PPL

Took about 3 years. Started around COVID when everything was quiet and instructor time was easy to get. Then the pilot shortage hit and I started losing instructors one by one — ended up with 5 or 6 total. Had 3 or 4 month-long interruptions doing this on the side of a full-time job.

The steps add up. PSTAR, Radio license, Solo, cross-country, night flying, flight test, written exam. Each one feels like a milestone until you realize there’s another one behind it.

Flying out of Toronto Island (CYTZ) is something else. You’re in a Cessna doing circuits while Porter turboprops are on final next door. Best views of the city you’ll ever get. Also one of the more challenging airports — weather comes in fast off the lake, and the airspace coordination with the big airport keeps you sharp.

Now that it’s done I’m trying to find time to actually fly. Got involved with the Toronto Island Pilot Association — building a community there, helping people go through the same grind. We just got access to a new Stolport sim which should help a lot with practice time without having to book an aircraft.

The license is one thing, real world experience is another. I have the skills but not the hours that make you actually comfortable — cross countries, flying with people, going places. That’s what’s next. Less training, more just going.

If you fly, hit me up @malek__hakim . Always looking to connect with other pilots.