Learning to fly as a civilian

[jwilliamsee]

If you are already in the military look for a military flying club near you. I have been instructing for the recently disbanded kansas city marine flying club and we were getting 50 bucks an hour for airplane and instructor or 47$ block time . We also had two t-34s at 80 dollars per hour or 74 block (thats with instructor). If you do fly civilian do some reaserch you can probably find a c-152 or c-150 for cheaper than 100 and hour. In the end everyone gets the same piece of paper from the FAA. Be extremely weary of anyplace that wants all or most of the money up front. There is a lot of shady flying places out there and people have been taken for a few bucks here and there from a fancy web site or a guy wearing a captins outfit hanging around the airport "tring to start a school".

 

[Boss_BlueAngels]

I never had a groundschool... did all my studying on my own during any breaks I had during high school... soloed in 9 hours, got my license at 65, and (unfortunately, I guess) have yet to break the 70 hour mark after taking all of my family up! It's also been streached over about 2.5 years.

But I would definately suggest sitting in on some ground school sessions at maybe a part 61 school where it may be cheaper/free... my CFI did that a few times... but only after I got my ticket... and also, if you buy the AsA "Private Pilot Oral Exam Guide" and know all of those answers (And I mean all) like I did... it'll make the oral, as mentioned, much, much easier. Just... don't cut any corners.

And also... it helps a ton to have a friend to study with as well... I did that the last two weeks prior to getting my license... it helped us tremendously!

Have fun... it's the best experience in the world!

Philippians 4:13
Proverbs 16:9
Romans 10:9

 

[farkle84]

i am currently doing the cilivian private pilot's license and i was wondering what comes first, the written, oral, or practical test. just wondering, i am at 48 hours and i have two x-country's left and then my instructor says i ll be ready. and yeah, it is freaking expensive even for a cherokee 161.

 

[AndysGirl]

I can agree to the ladies being impressed! My boyfriend is a pilot and it definately got my attention, well that and his good looks!

Go Navy

 

[webmaster]

In response to ghosts and ironnads comments earlier about the FAA... sure they are going to conduct ramp checks, those are important checks to make sure that people with shoddy planes or expired liscenses are not flying, but you are NOT at their mercy, especially if you have all your info up to date. What do you have at the ramp check? Ok, of course your FAA card stating your current licenses and the paperwork on the plane. Maintenance records and of course your log book are back at the hangar and at home respectively. You show your card and go about your day. If the FAA pushes, then he can make a copy, but he cannot unduly delay you, and it is up to THEM to find a place to make a copy of anything. There have been some great articles in a few of the flying magazines about your responsibilities and where and when not to be pushed around.

As for checking out a plane, so far at three different fields, I have shown up with my log book, medical, and my liscense, and have not had any problems on getting a check ride knocked out in short order. Most of the time I have spent talking with the instructor about the planes I have been flying for the military. The ~$100 or so I spent on the military competency exam to get my "Commercial/Multi/Instrument/Land" ratings was the best $$ I ever spent. So, I guess I am saying for those that aren't already CFIs or Instrument rated, why spend the $$ if the Navy/military is going to teach it to you for free? Your entire goal will be studying and flying, and you will be getting paid to do it...

 

[jumppilot01]

Originally posted by psrogers
I'm working on learning to fly right now. I have a few quick questions.

What is the value of having a private pilot's license? What does such a license entitle you to do?

Also, my buddy just told me that you can get 'certified' in only about five hours? What does this mean, and what are the benefits.

I'm looking to go intel right now, and haven't flown- but still want to learn. Constructive feedback would be appreciated.

As a CFI, CFII and MEI with about 1000 hours of teaching students, I can honestly say that the Jeppesen book along with the associated VIDEOS are a great combination.

Now, some schools out there offer their own training program, such as a Cessna Computer Based Training, and those are great (that is what my company uses). But if you are doing it on your own (ie: no set training program), go with Jeppesen. As someone else said, they are of such good quality that you will use them for the rest of your life as a reference

BTW> You want the videos cause they are a good addition to the book. It is one thing to read the material and kinda understand it, but you want a solid understanding, plus the videos mix it up a bit, keep it fun. That is why you're doing this, right?

Study hard, never stop learning and this will be one of the most enjoyable things you can do with money!

Good luck!
-Adam

 

[psrogers]

I was just looking on Amazon.com and all I could find were old, used copies of a book by "Jeppesen" called, "Advanced Pilot Manual." It comes for the low price of only $3.95! Is this what I want? How new does the edition need to be? It looks like Amazon doesn't carry new copies, or I'm mistaken.

 

[ghost_ttu]

http://www.jeppesen.com

I tried to be a nice guy and give you the link directly to the area you needed to be in within the site. But that didn't workout all that well.

Eliminate distractions, focus on your goals and visualize what you hope to accomplish.

 

[jumppilot01]

You want the Private Pilot Manual, or something along that name. I'll look it up and if I find it I'll pass the link along.

Nevermind, I just found it. The name and ID of the book from Amazon.com:

Private Pilot Manual (JS314500)

It costs $90, but is well worth it.

 

[devilduck]

you should've done the written before you even soloed. the oral & practical (the checkride) happens on the same day with an DE (designated examiner). you'll sit with the examiner for about 30 minutes (or longer depending if you know your sh*t) before you guys even look at the plane. hint: the night before, know the tail# of your checkride a/c and make sure the ARROW is there. Also, definitely go through the maintenance log and be sure the annual and 100-hour inspections are complied with. after the oral, you'll do a walk-around and he'll ask questions about what you are looking for. then you'll fly (the practical) which will be about 1.5 hours. you'll either get a white slip or a pink slip when done - preferably a white slip AKA passed the checkride. if you get a pink slip, you'll just get back with the guy for the items that weren't within limits. your instructor is required by FARs to do a practice checkride - so it'll be no sweat. don't worry about getting a pink slip either - it happens to the best of us - heck, my chickie got one for X-wind landings on hers. she just had to practice them and passed with flying colors.

 

[farkle84]

ladies love pilots, from my experience.

 

[D_mac05]

Okay guys,

I have a couple of questions also about getting the ole' PPL. For background purposes, I am in the BDCP program with an OCS date of Aug 2, '03.

I would like to get my PPL before I go to OCS if possible. I have read your comments on getting the books and studying them on my own, rather than going to a flight school. Sounds good. I have a question though. Abouthow long does it take to get your PPL?? If I can take the PPL written test after about 7-8 weeks of studying, is it after this that I start flying with an instructor and getting lessons? How does that work? I am lucky enough, that being in the BDCP program, with 2 yrs. active duty that I can use my MGI Bill for flight lessons. Does anyone know if this covers instructor lessons inside the airplane? I am not set on getting my PPL before OCS, but it would be nice.

I live in good ole' Indiana, so no flight clubs are around me. But there are small airports in my area that offer lessons. I thought I might poll this "experienced" audience before I go off and ask for information.

Sorry to bombard everyone with questions

Thanks for the information though.

 

[D_mac05]

I forgot to ask these questions in my previous reply:

Is there a difference between the Jeppesen editions (i.e. publication years)? There are many 1995, 1997 and other editions out there. The Jeppesen website lists a 1999 edition with CD. I seem to like their Deluxe Kit that includes a lot of material for $175. What do you think about buying an edition of 1997 or lower?? Should I just stick with the most recent edition (1999 I believe), or is it okay to learn from a previous edition??

Thanks guys,

Dustin

 

[ghost_ttu]

Some places will do an introductory flight, and that time is logged. Usually just under an hour or so. If they don't no big deal. You can start flying right away with most places, I would suggest you find an instructor that is going to teach in the air and not waste your time doing groundschool. If you are studying enough, you shouldn't have to spend too much time on the ground prior to getting in the air. You have to build that 40 hours flight time. You can be studying the whole time and get your written accomplished, I suggest when you get around 35 hours you need to be getting ready (within a couple weeks of) for your written, so that you can checkride shortly thereafter.

Eliminate distractions, focus on your goals and visualize what you hope to accomplish.

 

[ghost_ttu]

if you are going for your PPL, a lot of FBO's will sell a starter kit that will have a pilot bag and plotter and manual and all that good stuff in it. Look into that.

Eliminate distractions, focus on your goals and visualize what you hope to accomplish.