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submitted 17 hours ago by Pogogunner@sopuli.xyz to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

There's often a skill that seem interesting, but I can't see doing anything for me in my day-to-day life. What have you learned that was a lot more effort than the payoff was worth?

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[-] fubarx@lemmy.world 15 points 13 hours ago

Getting a private pilot certificate. Was fun, but after going to every airport within range, not sure it was worth it.

[-] dingus@lemmy.world 3 points 7 hours ago

I've been trying to figure out what to do in my life and this is tentatively on my bucket list. Problem is it's crazy expensive and I don't have use for it afterwards!

How did the process of getting the cert go for you?

[-] fubarx@lemmy.world 6 points 6 hours ago

If I had to do it again, I'd start with the end goal and work backwards. It was a long time ago, I was single with no extra expenses, had a decent job, and thought it might be fun to learn. If I had wanted to become a professional pilot, the calculation would have been very different.

Getting the cert mainly involved putting in the hours. Having a good instructor helps a lot. Also, not making any stupid mistakes. I almost stalled the plane hard on my first solo touch and go. The hardest part was getting used to the ATC lingo and not stuttering too much. I got an aircraft band radio with a headphone and joined all the weirdos who liked to sit at the end of airport runways.

[-] CouncilOfFriends@slrpnk.net 3 points 8 hours ago

At least you didn't go all the way through Instrument rating and Commercial license, only to realize ADHD was a thing and also not treatable while maintaining a medical.

I was already working in tech so the backup plan is chugging along fine; but goddamn the student loans....

[-] thenewred@lemmy.world 2 points 5 hours ago

What are the rules around flying a small plane with ADHD? I'm unclear if one needs to be off meds for an extended period to get a private license

[-] CouncilOfFriends@slrpnk.net 4 points 5 hours ago

I believe for even a third-class medical a pilot needs to be off ADHD medication for over 4 years, with additional screening/testing involved if they have been prescribed. My knowledge is limited since I have never been prescribed such meds and only realized I have some level of ADHD due to my son getting a diagnosis. He only took the meds for a year or two in elementary school before he opted to stop due to side effects and his brain overcoming that developmental hurdle.

It sounds terrible, but my advice would be that unless your ADHD is severe enough to demand medication you should never ever tell an Aviation Medical Examiner or standard doctor about ADHD suspicions if flying is something you want to do. I could technically still go fly if I found the time, and have never felt I was distracted given the degree that flying a plane engages all parts of your brain.

There is a dark side to this way of thinking though, as any sort of deviation from the norm with mental health or cognitive performance is often pushed under the rug instead of being treated due to fear of losing livelihood. A tragic example was Germanwings Flight 9525.

[-] Someonelol@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 10 hours ago

The cost of leaded gas alone is financially painful.

this post was submitted on 14 Aug 2026
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