340 people want to...

become a pilot


 

How to become a pilot by joeonetime

"Learning to fly challenges you on so many levels. You have to master book learning, rules and regs, the science of aviation, mechanics, procedures, and HOW TO FLY THE AIRPLANE!"

How I did it: I enrolled at a flight school with the intent of taking two lessons a week.  This didn't cut it - and it took me a long time before I could solo.  I ultimately switched schools, and was able to take lessons 3 days a week, which got me through the process in no time.

I wound up getting my private pilot license in 10 months, in about 70 hours - which is about average in the US.

Lessons & tips:

  1. Have the money lined up.  Expect to pay around $10,000 - $15,000 all in.  If you don't have the money, don't get started - because if you have to quit later - it's a big waste of time (and money)
  2. Make sure you have the right amount of time to devote to this.  If you can't make time to get trained 2 - 3 times a week minimum, you'll be wasting your time (and money).
  3. If you don't like your instructor (or your school) - FIND ANOTHER ONE.  Remember, you are the customer here - you should be feeling like you are getting your $'s worth.
  4. Do your research - meet other pilots, either online - or at the airports.  Go out and check out a number of flight schools - don't always go with the cheapest, or the closest school - go with the best.
  5. Study hard, get through the process, and HAVE FUN! 

Resources: AOPA - http://www.aopa.org

Sporty's - http://www.sportys.com

King Schools - http://www.kingschools.com


 

Oct 12, 2008, 04:55PM PDT | 0 comments


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    People doing this are also doing these things:

    Entries

    jan12299

    pilot 3 months ago

    i want to be a pilot when i grow up. i like to be the one to be in control of an airplane. my mom wants to be a stewardess but she didn’t fulfill it so i will be a pilot. this not just what i want to be but what my mom wants to be at the same time. once i have fulfill this i will make her prouder than ever. once i completed this its like Ive completed a part of my life.

    Aug 05, 06:01AM PDT | 0 comments


    leecalvin05 is writing an essay on communism in Russia.

    kids dream 3 months ago

    As a little dude, I’d look up at planes in wonder and think about the freedom of flying through clouds. I’m a little afraid of heights and get vertigo, but at the same time it makes it more exciting to be up high. I would like to overcome the fear.

    Jul 30, 08:18PM PDT | 0 comments


    laurelelizabeth has conquered the internet!

    I don't have an excuse to 4 months ago

    I want to do this, but I don’t have any good reason to want to. If money grew on trees, I’d definitely do it.

    Jun 27, 12:51AM PDT | 0 comments


    arykk

    A life's dream 4 months ago

    Ever since I was little I wanted to be a pilot and now I want to make a career out of it. I am taking lessons. Even though it makes me a little nervous I am confronting my fear and flying

    Jun 15, 07:14PM PDT | 0 comments


    futurenp

    IF... 5 months ago

    if i get this full-time weekend only job, i will attend Vaughn this Fall. because that’s the only way i can balance my schedule, with the 4 nights/week EMT training and a F/T job. IF i get this job!!!!! let’s pray, cuz i really want to attend Vaughn College!!!!!!!

    Jun 10, 08:25PM PDT | 1 cheer | 0 comments


    futurenp

    may 24 5 months ago

    i think i’m seriously gonna apply for Vaughn for Fall semester. i was planning of moving out of NY, maybe i’m staying after all. hope i can get a job in NY so i don’t need to move.

    • emailed the admission counselor, waiting for reply

    May 24, 08:12PM PDT | 0 comments


    futurenp

    to become a pilot before I'm 30 6 months ago

    Anyone knows Vaughn College in NY? I want to apply to the AAS degree for Aircraft Operations.

    Apr 29, 07:23PM PDT | 1 cheer | 5 comments


    jules4akat is listening to music

    Untitled 8 months ago

    Ever since i was little ive been fascinated with planes. Everytime i fly i get this awesome feeling, and now that i actually have the opportunity to get my private pilot license through my AFJROTC instructor who was a pilot in the air force i feel like i can actually do it, i have actually flown once but in a few months i will take the FAA test to get my private pilot license but i feel like im gonna fail…

    Feb 21, 08:18PM PST | 0 comments


    elizabeth95

    Untitled 10 months ago

    I have always wanted to do this since childhood. This is a lifetime goal that i hope to accomplish before my 50th birthday. Since i don’t know any pilots, Angelina Jolie is my role model.

    Dec 17, 2008, 10:28PM PST | 0 comments


    Dean_698

    To be .... 14 months ago

    I want to be a pilot … i am fascinated with the way these machines work …

    Sep 13, 2008, 09:35AM PDT | 0 comments


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