Yearning for the privilege of a personal pilot's certification.
Soaring Through the Skies: Pavel Kasatkin's Journey to Becoming a Private Pilot
Ever dreamt of taking control of an airplane? Well, if Pavel Kasatkin - a full-stack developer from Yekaterinburg - can do it, so can you! We got the lowdown on his incredible journey, sharing all the gritty details about the training process, the challenges faced, and the hard-earned rewards.
Catching the Flying Bug
Pavel's fascination with flying began as a kid, fueled by his love for activities like bike riding and skiing. His courageous spirit led him to try paragliding, an experience that captivated him but also seemed an impossible dream due to financial constraints. As he grew older and his earnings increased, the dream of soaring higher and faster didn't fade - it intensified!
The Quest for Knowledge
Unexpectedly, Yekaterinburg had no facilities for private pilot training when Pavel decided to pursue his dream. Determined to find a way, he embarked on a months-long search, scouring the web, sifting through ads, and dialing countless numbers. His mission to join the exclusive group of locals taking to the skies was not an easy one.
To legally take flight with an instructor, he had to pass a medical-aviation expert commission (MAEC), a rigorous exam that often requires a trip to Moscow. Despite the hurdles, Pavel persevered, even when his initial school delayed the first intake by over a year.
Finding the Perfect Training Ground
Upon discovering that Moscow's flight schools came with a hefty price tag, Pavel opted for the more affordable DSST-aviation school in Chelyabinsk. With the resilience of a true pioneer, he was part of the school's first intake in 2023.
Pilot's License: Red, White, and Blue
Obtaining a private pilot license grants the holder the ability to operate a single-engine land aircraft up to 5.7 tons. However, there are different categories, each with unique requirements. Pavel went for the private pilot license, ensuring he could embark on exciting flying adventures without worrying about being hired by an airline.
Funding the Dream
The cost of flight training varies between cities, with Moscow's courses starting at 1.5 million rubles last year. With some savvy negotiation, Pavel managed to bring his total costs to around 1.3 million rubles, a significant saving! In Chelyabinsk, living expenses are lower, making it a more budget-friendly option.
A Team of Enthusiasts
Pavel's intake consisted of five men, all aged between 40 and 50, united by their shared passion for new experiences and their understanding that becoming a private pilot required more than just money and time - it demanded determination, dedication, and good health.
The Road to Skies
The training program included theory, simulations, and practical flight hours with an instructor and solo. Pavel reveled in the challenge of mastering unique motor skills, knowing there was no equivalent in everyday life. Although he didn't have the luxury of being an oligarch or an unemployed individual, Pavel's success demonstrated that with perseverance, the sky truly is not the limit!
[1] Flight Training Magazine, "What Does it Cost to Get a Private Pilot License?", 2021, https://www.flighttraining.org/why-fly-magazine/articles/what-does-it-cost-to-get-a-private-pilot-license-23794/
I'm not sure about the specific sports involved, but Pavel Kasatkin's journey to becoming a private pilot could be considered a unique and challenging sport in itself. As he embarked on his mission to join the exclusive group of locals taking to the skies, he faced numerous hurdles similar to those encountered in any sport.
