"MJC" wrote in message
...
Hi all,
I got my private VFR ticket back in the early 80's but haven't flown
since the late 80's. Well, I'm ready to jump back in with both feet and an
RV QB kit.
I'm wondering what other's of you in the same position (returning to
flying after laying off for many years) have pursued as far as resources
on
how to not only get flying again, but to catch up on all the changes in
the
last 15+ years.
I intend to take a dozen or so hours of instruction before my required
bi-annual to get legal again, but I don't want to waste the instructors
time
by making him go over lots of stuff I should already know.
Suggestions?

The same resources which you need to develop to have a successful building
experience can help you get back in the air with minimum strain. You will
need to meet local EAA'ers who are both builders and flyers to share
knowledge and resources. They can also ease you back into the air.

After your project is underway, participate in local events such as fly-ins.
It won't be long before you'll be riding back seat and redeveloping the "Air
Sense" you had when you were flying previously. The physical skills of
handling the airplane will come back first. Kinda like riding a bicycle,
there. Just listening to the radio chatter will bring back familiarity in
that area. Looking at a sectional or local area chart for a while will bring
old knowledge back on line and give you a whole bunch of new questions.

A couple of months of this sort of thing and you'll be able to select an
instructor whose area of familiarity includes homebuilts. Let him direct
your course of study - after all, he *is* an instructor. He'll figure out
pretty quickly what you need to concentrate on. Don't presuppose you need a
certain amount of dual to get back on the horse. It may be a lot easier than
you think. Mostly, make it fun.

Welcome back,
Rich S.