I want to fly

[112th_Rossi]

My life long passion has been to obtain a pilots license.

 

I am 36 years old and I would like to do this before it's too late (if it isn't already).

 

Does anyone have any advice on how I could get started and what to expect? I've had an interest in aviation since my early teens and have an appreciation of whats involved, but not what it's like.

[Robert1983NL]

Well, what do you want to do? Fly fixed wing? Fly helicopter? RPL? PPL? Maybe CPL? You're gonna need a LOT of money, and just visit a couple of flying schools and go for the one which gives you the best feeling.

 

I also have a question for you :) How's that HD7970 handling three monitors? Or DCS in general? I've got an old HD5770 which I'm looking to replace. I got my eye on the HD7970, but it's so damn expensive still.

[112th_Rossi]

Just a PPL fixed wing. Then maybe I can progress from that.

 

I'm only using one monitor at the moment since my desk space is limited. But the 7970 basically eats anything I throw at it. Although the DCS performance is not much different to the 6970 I replaced. I think thats because it's an ancient engine.

[Robert1983NL]

What's keeping you from going to a flying school and just getting started?

[112th_Rossi]

Well nothing really, but just seeking advice from anyone here that has done the same thing.

[outlawal2]

36 years old? Definitely NOT too old. I did not start until after 40. I will tell you this... If you intend to fly helicopters be advised that the costs are about 3 times as high as it is for fixed wing.. The spiraling costs is why I finally walked away and am now a perpetual simmer. Even if I decided to spend several Grand for Komodo controls (I have not YET, but intend to soon) and all the gadgets to spice up my home simpit it is still MUCH cheaper than flying a real helicopter. When I started, it was $320 per HOUR to fly the R22 and it has continued to rise in cost since. The final straw was when I was told a 30% increase in rates.. (Doesn't sound like much until you figure out that is more than $100 per HOUR increase!)

 

I could not justify that and had to walk away. My initial plan was to get my license and then an instructor rating and instruct when I retired from I/T... Not going to happen now...

 

A few recommendations no matter what you decide to fly...

Find a school nearby to where you live... while training you will be amazed at how dificult it is to find time to fly when you have to work... When learning you want very calm days with good weather and you will be surprised how difficult it is to find good days that fit all parameters when you factor in work, daylight etc.. Not having to drive very far helps a LOT.

[Robert1983NL]

I haven't done it, but I do know it's really expensive. But if you've got the money, just go with what I said: Visit a couple of schools, pick the one you like best and get going right now so you'll enjoy the spring and summer weather :)

[Druid_]

Been flying for 27 years and I still remember my first solo like it was yesterday. Learning to fly was the best fun I ever had.

 

My advice is to get all the funds in place first. Find an accredited flying school. Get the books from them and get into groundschool. The temptation is to get into the aircraft as soon as possible but getting as much of the preparation done first saves time, heartache, frustration and ... money!

 

When you start the ppl course plan on doing at least a couple of hours flying each weekend. Continuity is the key here. Watch the weather forecasts and fly in the ealry evenings if need be.

 

Lastly .... enjoy the whole experience.

[WarthogSmurf]

Well you sound just like me so I got myself this book to start with

 

http://www.rodmachado.com/

 

it comes in ebook and explain the basic very nice and understandable. He also tell how too look for flight schools etc etc

[outlawal2]

My only advice to add is make sure you have enough money to make it all the way through your training in one go. A lot of people run out of funds and then take a break from the training and when they come back its like starting over. But the other advice your getting is sound. Have fun with it, general aviation is a blast!

 

REALLY good advice here.. And I will add to this.. When you do your calculations be sure to add about 30% as a cushion because what you are paying now will probably NOT be what you will be paying at the end of training and you don't want to run out before completion... This will also help cover any "unforeseen" expenses and there are always "unforeseen" expenses in anything that is worthwhile!

 

And if you end up not needing that extra 30%, then you have some cash to use for FLYING!

[NewSchool]

I'd say pick the

[Pyroflash]

The single biggest thing that I could recommend is to treat it like a regular class. Before and after every flight, make sure to thoroughly debrief yourself. Also take the time when you are not flying to study the crud out of every resource available. If unsure of what to study, my go to is weather. There is ALWAYS something new to learn about weather.

 

The only other thing I can hope to recommend is to use other assets wisely. I've seen pilots come from sims, and they think that they duplicate reality. Well, they do, but it is important to understand the limitations here. Sims are really great at simulating PROCEDURES associated with flying. This ultimately makes you a better pilot, as most of it is, indeed, procedures. A sim, however, doesn't do a very good job of actually simulating the experience of flight (go figure).

 

But whatever you do, DO NOT take breaks of more than a week or two maximum. Not flying for an extended period can erode the skills of a student pilot in less time than it takes a fish to decide that land is not a good place.

 

Perhaps not an old adage, but my instructor once told me that once you stop enjoying the sights and sounds, it is time to quit flying (the exact words used here were a little more vulgar). So enjoy it, have fun, and give yourself a treat (I've been a pilot for a number of years now, and I still get that giddy six year old at an amusement park feeling whenever I am around airplanes).

 

Cheers,

Pyro

Edited May 9, 2013 by Pyroflash

[cichlidfan]

I'd say pick the

 

Profound! ;)

[NoJoe]

I'm a flight instructor by profession, and I agree completely with Pyroflash. Study study study! That way you'll be prepared for each lesson, and able to get the most out of it.

 

Also the more often you can fly, the better (up to a point). My students seem to do the best if they can fly 3 times a week, with a day or two in between. That way you get a day to decompress and prepare for the next lesson. Obviously this sort of schedule doesn't work for many people, but if you can at least fly on a Friday and Sunday (for example), you'll help yourself progress faster.

 

And enjoy it, the view up there is incredible! :D Good luck to you!

 

--NoJoe

[112th_Rossi]

Thanks for the advice. I'll go and find out what kind of costs are involved

[Nealius]

If the cost looks to be too much, check out gliding. It is much cheaper.

 

I can't speak for the UK, but here for a fixed-wing license it's about $129 per hour for the plane/instructor, $94 per hour for solo. It takes roughly 55-60 hours to get a PPL, or so I've been told.

 

For gliders it's only like $15 per hour glider rental, $20-100 (depending on altitude) aerotow, and it takes much fewer hours to get a license. My local glider club does all the training for free as a member ($40 a month).

[Chris1012]

Half way through a ppl.

Go for a trial lesson, not less than an hour. By the time you land, you'll know :smilewink:

It is expensive and you will need to dedicate yourself to it but get the right school and you'll have the most fun in your life. Don't mean to be soppy and poetic, but you'll see sights that change your view on life.

36 definitely isn't too old, but if you think the time might be right, get started. One day you might not get the chance! I regret not starting ten years ago when i hadn't thought of it and I definitely regret not starting when I did three years ago. Get your medical out of the way early. It is very through (you may be asked to cough.) and it may turn up things you don't know. it's about 120£. Until 40 it's once every 5 years if you have no trouble. If do have minor issues, get documentation and testing done before you go for the medical, if you look like you are on the ball and mindful of minor issues it goes a long way.

Watch out for some schools, times are hard for GA and If you are learning for fun you are a cash cow that they need to milk to keep operating. Be very clear in what you are paying for and what you are not. Landing fees are a common hidden cost. If you think you're instructor is just punching the clock until an airline job, move. Dont be afraid to ask if they still enjoy flying, you'd

be shocked at how many say no! You will have a lot more fun and learn a lot more from someone who enjoys teaching. Training generally covers a set syllabus so if you don't like what's going on, you can move without too much trouble.

45 hours is the legal minimum to get a license in the uk. Its achieveable but planning on being amazing isnt good planning :) You can get an LAPL in 32 hours which with a medical will be allegedly europe wide but is uk only with a doctors note. (you will not be asked to cough.) Ground school is the same as the ppl, so you can pick and choose on that one. Expect 100 hours or more with nose in boring book, but it isn't unreasonably difficult. I have no problems saying the average educated person could pass easily if thy dedicate the time to it.

Since the Eu got involved both are for life, but your class ratings expire.

Anything I can answer, feel free to pm me.

Edited May 16, 2013 by Chris1012

[Vault]

You should try taking some hang glider lessons. Hang gliding is awesome and it's cheap. PPL and CPL are extortionate. After you get PPL you can hire single engines by the hour. If you want to feel the real experience of flying you can't beat a hang glider.

 

I notice your from Hereford! Beautiful part of the country! And perfect for hang gliding.

Edited May 16, 2013 by Vault