Frequenly asked questions (FAQ)
Everything you ever wanted to ask... and didn't dared to ask!1 Why can't I leave comments on the posts?
To reduce the technical complexity of developing this website and, at the same time, avoid certain issues related to data protection and other legal hassles, I prefer not to have comment boxes, forms, or anything where you'd need to input any kind of data, whether personal or not. The most interactive thing I can offer you are the hyperlinks you'll find on the different pages of this site :P
Don't get me wrong... I'd love to give you a space where interaction could be more personal, but the legal implications are more than I'm willing to take on right now. However, you can send me an e-mail, and I'll do my best to respond as quickly as possible2.
What's with the color changing from light to dark (or vice versa)?
It's a feature I implemented to avoid burning your retinas during the day or the night (depending on the time you pay my website a visit). The light interface works from 06:00 to 18:00, and the dark interface works from 18:00 to 06:00. The change isn't automatic per se... when you load a page, the system calculates the time and configures the theme accordingly. I would've liked to give you the option to save your preference across pages, but to do that, I'd need to store a cookie on your computer, and I'm not willing to do that.
Where do you get the images used on the site?
Most of the images you see are generated using, primarily, the Microsoft Designer tool (which uses DALL-E, version 3). In some cases (like the image of the Danish cookies used on the cookie policy page), I search for websites with images that are free of licenses or attribution requirements (like Pexels, which I've used relatively frequently lately). The rest of the images are my own creations.
Why do you host your website at home?
It seemed like a valid option, just like any other, but additionally, speaking of creating websites, the (generally) undisputed king in this category is the PHP programming language. And yes, I could have created my website in PHP, and now I'd have many more options to host it with any of the quality providers we have, such as Raiola Networks or Dinahosting but I like to approach my projects as a challenge, and this time, I wanted my website created with Python. It's much harder to find a provider offering the same kind of functionality for Python at the same price3. So, hosting it at home is the way to go and while it's not without its own set of challenges, it's well worth it (at least for now).
Why do you need help with your pilot training?
If I were 25 years old, I probably wouldn't have thought twice about it. The same goes for being 30 or even 35. But no... I'm 47 years old4, and that slightly limits (though doesn't make it impossible) my options to dedicate myself to this field professionally. I know I want to fly, but what I don't know for sure is when I'll be able to get the necessary licenses. The cost of the theoretical part for the first phase (the PPL5) isn't too high in itself (around 10000 euros, which isn't small but isn't astronomical for the field we're talking about, which is aviation). But then come the Ratings and other necessary certificates, and on top of that, you have the cost of flight hours and the rest of the licenses when the time comes.
Add to that the usual expenses of a parent with five mouths to feed (including mine), and there you have, roughly, the explanation: Could I reach the first phase on my own? With difficulty, but yes. In a reasonable time? Almost certainly, no. Could I reach the second or third license? No way (not without significant support, at least).
Could I look for a better-paying job to fund my training? You're right, and that's what I'm doing right now. That would allow me to cover the costs of the first phase, but it's not enough. Could I look for other funding sources? Sure, that's why I have my own space on Cults to sell my 3D designs and a YouTube channel to share (and try to monetize) some of the content I'd like to share with you, but that's not enough6. Could I launch other initiatives? I've considered that, too, and that's why I have a small section on PayPal, a couple of crowdfunding campaigns on GoFundMe (in english and spanish), a profile on Ko-Fi, and I've even provided a bank account number to try to raise funds, among other measures.
If, despite all this, I'm missing any ideas... I'm all ears! (Though I'll say upfront... ideas like stealing wallets, running a pyramid scheme, or robbing banks have crossed my mind, but here are two things to consider: 1) They're a bit overdone, and 2) While it might be tempting, I like to think (at least I believe) that I'm a good person, so... that's a no).
Now being serious... I think I got all fronts covered (or most of them) but if you think I can improve it, don't hesitate to drop me a line (or two) and I'll be more than willing to listen2 :)
1. Nah, I'm joking... I just thought it was convenient to answer a few possible questions :P
2. Promise :)
3. Though it might not be entirely accurate (maybe I haven't found the right provider yet)... not even close.
4. At the time of writing these lines. By the time you read this, some time may have passed.
5. PPL (Private Pilot Licence), CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence), and ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence). I need all three licenses (if done in a modular fashion) to fly for an airline.
6. Not initially. With greater reach and audience, I'll probably have better results. And on this... you can lend me a hand ;)
