This is a great video! It's nice to hear your perspective. I've been flying for 34 years, and have about 15,000 hours. I was a CFI with a 100% pass rate. I've flown professionally, full time, since 1991. I still pinch myself that I get to fly airplanes as my primary employment. It beats working for a living. I agree with *almost* everything you said, and have a few ideas to add as well. *** I'll start with a useful trick question... *** What are the two most important things in aviation? (Ruminate on that while you read the rest, the answer is at the end) *** Flying is 100% from the neck up *** There's nothing that physically differentiates me from any non-pilot passenger I fly. They have the same ability to hit a button, talk on the radio, extend the gear, etc. I guarantee that any person without training could be set up in the jet I fly, in the final landing configuration with the autopilot engaged, on a ten mile final, stabilized. Without further assistance, the outcome is a foregone conclusion once they disconnect the autopilot. The same person would survive with the proper training. This is why I say the following... *** You don't learn to fly in an airplane *** You learn to fly at a desk reading a book. Attempt to apply this knowledge in the plane. Go back and review what you just flew, and it will be much clearer. I had tons of students show up unprepared for lessons, and they wasted a lot of money. I told them so, but many persisted. They eventually got their licenses, but they could have saved a lot of money. *** Choose you instructor carefully *** Just reinforcing what you already said. Consider that you're paying roughly $300 per hour to sit with this person in a small plane. When you go to a doctor, you expect professionalism. You don't expect your doctor to string you along and recommend procedures and medicine you don't need just to improve his bottom line. Your instructor should be just as professional. Ask them how much "dual given" they have. If they say something like "coming up on a thousand", move on. 1 hour of dual given is "coming up on a thousand". You're looking for someone with at least 100 hours given. After 1,000 hours given, more isn't always better. If they're enthusiastic it's great. If they're waiting to get on with an airline, forget it. After they tell you the number of hours given they have, ask to see their logbook. If they can't produce it, move on. You will spend a lot of money with this person. If they won't show you their credentials there's something wrong. *** Don't fly more than twice a week *** You can if you want to, and maybe it's different for the younger crowd. I worked mostly with adults. The more time you spend flying, the less time you spend studying. Nobody likes to hear that, so that's why people resist. I had one student want to fly every day. I advised him against it. He insisted. He showed up for about ten lessons and quit out of frustration. It's the same kind of result when a criminal defendant ignores the advice of his attorney. *** I LOVVVEE your comment on chair flying *** Engine failure training in a single engine airplane is the best example I can think of. By the time you get to this, you already bring a number of skills to the table. Basically dealing with an engine failure is a four step process. 1) Configure the plane for best glide. 2) Find a field to land in. 3) Try to get the engine started while you make your way to the field. 4) Land. Steps 1, 2, and 4 you'll already know how to do. Step 3 is a simple procedure that must be committed to memory. I'd send students home with paper explaining Step 3, and have them read it and chair fly it. When it was committed to memory, I'd ask them to go over it while driving their car when it's safe to do so. I'd instruct them to do this at least twice a day, every day, before the next lesson. "Don't wait until the day before and cram. If you have any questions, call me." Of all the students I trained, two... TWO... took that advice. We spent a half a lesson on engine failures and moved on. We'd review it prior to their check ride, but there's really nothing to teach. Most took about 2.5 lessons to "get it", because they didn't study. One guy took more than four lessons. Two lessons is about 3 hours or $900. Chair flying is a critical learning aid as you progress in your career. Most new pilots with our company show up prepared for ground school. They have their memory items memorized and are ready to acquire new information. Some show up unprepared. So they're trying to ingrain memory items while the other students are learning new regulations. They're catching up on new regulations while the other students are learning aircraft systems. They're starting to understand aircraft systems while the others are learning procedures. Ground school for an airline is like drinking from a fire hose. Spend tons of money on your Private, Instrument, Commercial, CFI, CFII, ME, MEI. Go flight instruct for a few years. Show up UNprepared, wash out, try to find a job elsewhere with a training failure on your permanent pilot record. It boggles the mind why anyone would subject themselves to that. Training is as forgiving as the laws of physics and the bottom line of the company. By the time you show up for training in a full motion simulator, the company is planning to invest significant resources into you. No airline can stay in business if they coddle their applicants. A level D simulator costs about $10m USD. It sits in a secure building. They operate from 6am to 2am. They are down for maintenance from 2am to 6am. Sim techs (mechanics) are available on-site 24 hours a day. The instructor is paid at least $200/hr to teach you. A typical sim session is 4.2 hours. We have an emergency exit simulator. This is the actual aircraft door and emergency slide set up on a metal stand. You walk up to the top, open the door, and jump out on the slide. That device alone is $4m USD. You can't just make one yourself. You have to train in the actual equipment. The manufacturers know this, and there's no competition. Want to play? Pony up! *** What are the two most important things in aviation? *** The next two things! The next two things you need to do are the two most important things in aviation. If you keep this in mind during your training, you'll do much better. Aviation is dynamic, so the "next two things" always changes. "I need to get a landing clearance, and start getting my flaps out". Got that clearance? Okay "I need to get my flaps out, and turn base". The plane will not wait for you. If you don't have the next two things in mind, the plane starts flying you. As you progress to faster, more complex airplanes, and operate in more complex environments, the "next two things" starts happening very fast. It's super easy to get behind in a jet.
I read all that o.o...I'm very new, looking into a path to become a pilot. I am 42, so my first step would be the PPL, and I get that. Looks like I don't need to pay a flight school for ground training, and can do it on my own, then pass the exam. There is a ton I need to learn and everyone's perspective has added to my knowledge gathering a bit more. I don't want to waste my time or money, so thank you for this.
I took a ground school course at the local community college. It cost $30 for the whole course. The most expensive part was needing to buy a $60 Jeppesen book. The teacher was a former astronaut. It was a high quality and intensive course.
For me it was West Valley college here in San Jose, CA. A quick search didn't show that course, it was more than 20 years ago. Do a search of your local community college. I also notice that (sign of the times) there are a lot of online ground schools. I think the basic point here is that if you go to the local flight operator, rental plus ground school, you are going to get the most expensive option. Its how they make their money.
Picking a CFI. student long ago. My advice is to pick a woman. I have had both male and female CFIs and the woman was way better. after digging, I found that studies show that as a rule, men are more focused and suffer from a bit of tunnel vision when it comes to getting the job done and women are much more aware of their surroundings (SO important in flying) and she can help you learn that. Also women are more sensitive to emotions and have a much better sense of what you are worrying over in the cockpit. She can sense what you need to get over your hurdle and move to the next level. As a student, I progressed much better under the tutelage of a woman. Reluctant to admit it but women are actually better pilots.
Hmmm...I actually had the opposite experience at with the CFIs at my school. Maybe it's because the women were all full time trying to go to the airlines and the males I fly with are part timers, but the females feel like they have something to prove and it just clashes with the way I learn. Don't get me wrong, they're all competent. I just have a better rapport
Massively disagree. My worst CFI was a woman, I've heard the gender argument before and think it's complete nonsense. Women are definitely not better instructors or pilots, it just depends are the individual person.
You, sir, are quite articulate! If you plan to further your training, consider becoming a CFI, because you get the point across logically and succinctly.
Just started taking PPL lessons this past week. I especially like the tip of practicing right after lessons and imagining yourself in the cockpit going through the motions…that’s key!
Learning to fly has become more expensive than when I started. I got my PPL back in 1985. I remember my ground school was $75 for the whole course. Training in a Cessna 150 with an instructor only cost $47 an hour dual.I believe my check ride was only about $100. After I got my private license, I would go out and rent complex airplanes for $60 an hour. Today, with about 600 hours total time I still find it very challenging just to go out and get a Cessna 172 or a Warrior PA 28 for less than $195 an hour. It makes trying to go cross country nearly impossible because a five hour flight round-trip can cost over $1100. Not as fun anymore. If you’re young and going to progress through the ranks to fly professionally, I highly recommend it. For old timers like me that have a commercial single and multi engine instrument airplane but cannot obtain a professional flying career because of age, other than a CFI/CFII, then it just becomes a one and done hour a month just to stay current. But I can tell you I learned by myself through RUclips and PC flight simulators, how to understand and fly with all the new glass cockpit configurations. It usually would require a checkout of 5 to 10 hours of dual to be cleared to rent a glass cockpit airplane if you’ve never flown one before. I remember NDB approaches flown manually to get my instrument rating. Most GA airplanes back then didn’t have any autopilot because of cost. If lucky you can find one with just a wing leveler.
The only thing I'll add is that you should save what amounts to 75% of your final cost before you start. Start a weekly or monthly sinking fund. When you reach approximately 75% of your goal start flight training. Continue to pay into your sinking fund as you train. You should arrive at the end with a little left over in that account. Missing lessons because of lack of funds means that you will regress and need to repeat lessons. This is doubly impactful because it affects your psyche and your progress. As a CFI I not only recommend chair flying (and do it yourself ground school), but we also practice the flight on ramp / grass area with markers / chalk marks to simulate the flight before it happens by just walking thru the whole flight. Of course, you could just do that as a tabletop exercise .. both are more cost effective and beneficial to students early on. When you chair fly add a full-size poster on the wall in front of you if you can. Flying the paper tiger vs just chair flying is a huge upgrade in muscle memory / transferable skills.
this video is so simple and straight to the point it feels like youtube 10 years ago or something but i like how straight forward it is! thank you for the tips :)
Dude you are SPOT ON! Just started (3 flights in) and everything you are saying has been what I have experienced so far. Just discovered Gold Seal online Ground school. Also have had three lesson canceled due to weather (wind gusts).
I did the King’s PPL ground school, and it was amazing. Lucky for me, that was the standard ground program at my flight school. My school also occasionally offered ground lesson topics taught by a CFI to a classroom, which were free to attend.
Number 6.Go fly gliders. The skills of understanding the air, judgement and confidence with the inevitable engine failure this will give are invaluable. Plus it is cheaper than power flight.
Which is why I set myself up with the Cessna 172 near study level mod on FS2020, subscribed to Navigraph, use VATSIM and practice IFR and VOR procedures all the time to cement my learning. Great video. Thanks.
All excellent tips. Especially regarding finding the right instructor. During pursuit of my own Private (back in the 80's... I went on to Commercial and CFI), I didn't have a good CFI, and didn't fix it soon enough. The CFI is very much a stepping stone for most, and so finding a good one may take some exploration. I would add to explore using a simulator (MSFS, for ex) just to help reinforce/practice process/procedures in an environment that is costing you only your time.
Yes indeed….even today, most GA planes have antiquated engines that still require manual adjustment of fuel/air mixture controls….ie, fuel air ratio. If you train in something modern like a Sport Cruiser, or any Rotax powered aircraft with automatic mixture controls, you are going to need some additional training when flying old manually contolled mixture systems common amongst Lycoming and Continental legacy engines of the 50’s. Countless engine shutdowns have been caused by pilots inadvertently pulling the mixture control to full lean position….perhaps many thousands worldwide. Additional training is definitely a necessity when flying behind these antiquated power plants.
I took an introductory flight lesson with a CFI in 1971 after getting out of the navy. Afterwards he almost accused me of lying about never having flown before. The only thing I regret about the whole thing was not pursuing going for a license. I had already committed to a computer school under the GI bill. I have done a little flying while in college but I just never thought to actually go for it because I didn't see it as a possible career. Good luck to you and persist in going as far as you want.
If you took your first lesson in 1971, you are too old for a pilot's job now. Once you hit age 65 and certainly age 70, you are finished. You can't even get aircraft insurance unless you were insured all along. 🥸
It is good to have lessons with a variety of CFIs even if you and your CFI get along. Seek out some old timer military instructors as well as an instructor for tailwheel endorsement. Even after you have your license, always take a couple of lessons a year. Always be on the lookout for opportunities to fly something different. Great video.
Good points, I had a CFI (certified flight instructor for the acronym challenged) who smelled bad from chain smoking, dumped that guy. Another who was just out of school herself and like to act like she knew it all, dumped her too. The third was the charm. It's got to be fun.
Thanks for all of the advice and tips. For the ground school, many flight schools have full courses for under $500 with an instructor and several people in the class. I loved this option as you can interact with instructors, and they provide the tests.
I got my license at age 20. Took me two years paying as I went and going to college and working early 80’s. I think plane with instructor cost $26. I studied the books on my own and skipped ground school. I think I made a 98 on the written and passed check ride first try. It was a great learning experience and lots about flying has applications in daily living. One of the best commitments and investments I ever made.
I suggest installing a basic flight simulator. Doesn’t need to have the most realistic graphics, just something realistic like Xplane 11 for example. It has good enough flight characteristics to be able to recreate your PPL lessons. This saves you a lot of training on basic skills.
Good video. So many things I could add to this but not trying to hijack your subject. One thing that I learned that was a huge surprise to me was the difference between stable and unstable air. I just assumed when I looked at clear afternoon skies that it would be more comfortable flying. I was shocked to learn that it was so much more comfortable flying in overcast gloomy looking skies. It was uncanny that all flight instruction seemed to take place in the afternoon when the air was actually horrible. This led me to believe that a lot of my future flying would always be in uncomfortable bumpy air. If you are just starting out by all means learn to fly in these conditions but keep in mind in the future when you are flying solo you will always have the option of flying early morning or late evening in smooth comfortable air. This shouldn't be an issue for any pilot but for me I absolutely prefer to fly in smooth air. In fact, my favorite flying was always at night. Some pilots are not comfortable with this but I find it the best time to fly, if I'm actually trying to get somewhere and not just sightseeing.
My biggest tip is go to a school that has a FAA examiner on staff or contract. I had to wait 2 months for an examiner only to get cancelled 3 times over the course of 3 months. One of those was a text message at midnight before our 8am appointment because was out at a party and drinking. In the 5 month period of trying to get different examiners, I ended up losing my job and moving away for work. I was never able to finish my PPL and it’s now been almost 7 years since then. I want to finish but part of me doesn’t want to waste my time and money anymore.
Yup that happens. In our neck of the woods people schedule 6 months out and fly hundreds of miles to pay $700 for a checkride, pass or fail. The examiner always starts the test by taking the envelope with the money. Smart.
@@alk672 I never paid the examiner yet because I never got to meet them. But I did pay for another 10-15 hours of practice flying and ultimately no checkride.
@@mrjack8849 at the end of the day you would have realized that unless you were aspiring to fly professionally - it didn't matter, you would still fly the same 10-15 hours as a private pilot afterwards. Or you would quit right after the checkride, that's what most people do. So don't regret what happened, it really just mostly saved you money.
@@alk672 Yes it is a costly hobby although I wish I had been able to fly with some friends and family. None of them actually got to see me fly. I was also considering pursuing a commercial license. But the whole situation just turned me off. I had lost my income source and the much of my motivation after getting a runaround from examiners. I am thankful for the time I was able to fly though. Not many people have actually flown planes. I would be curious to see what the percentage is of people stay current with just a PPL after completing their first checkride.
@@mrjack8849 another thing you would have discovered had you continued is that friends and family don't like flying. You fly alone or with people you met through aviation. Comes as a shock to most people.
Great video. Keep a journal of your individual lessons. Never put yourself down in writing about your experience, write what you did well and why you did well. Your progress towards your certification will never be a straight line. Everyone learns at a different speed. Your visualization technique is one we taught in the airlines. For every hour of actual flight tine you should spend at a minimum, two hours visualizing your next flight. I’m not suggesting you spend a solid block of two hours visualizing but instead break that time into 10 to 15 minute chunks. In picking a flight instructor spend time at the FBO before your training begins to watch how the instructors interact with their students and everyone else at the FBO. Linemen are a good resource for all information about the FBO, think maintenance on aircraft. Take them to lunch. Have all your financing for training in place before you begin to avoid breaks in your training. I started flying in high school working as a lineman. Taught in a college flight program in Missouri. Did 6 years in the Navy as an aviator and 35 years working as a Captain and simulator instructor. Once again a well produced video, wish you all the best in your aviation career.
Talk to a lineman? If they let you on the field! Today it seems like you need to be escorted everywhere. In my day years ago you could walk around, look inside airplanes. I don’t think this is possible anymore. I’ve got a license but have not flown in years. It appears to be a tough go to be part of flying again.
Agree with everything except #3. I don’t feel it matters what plane you train in as long as it fits the mission of training. At some point you will want to get checked out in a different aircraft, if you train in a 172 it doesn’t mean you’re going to fly only 172 for the rest of your pilot life. I think the end goal for the majority of pilots is aircraft ownership. My opinion is get your certificate the best and easiest way you can then grow and learn from there. Remember as much as 70% of student pilots never complete their training and receive their certificate.
You're right about ground school. I took ground school, and paid for it. But I learned most of what I needed to pass the tests from the FAA test manual. It has all the questions used on the test, and the answers in the back of the book. The test uses 10 of them. I just took the questions one at a time, studied the textbook on the topic, answered the question, and checked if it was right. Since many questions cover the same material it reinforced the study by repetition. I got a 90 on the test. Problem reading the flight service station weather code. Right about instructors too. I had a flight with another instructor when my regular got sick. He hogged the plane. My regular let me do most of the flying. Personality conflicts are unlikely, and a thin beef in the first place. But how much you are flying is a practical concern. My trainer was a piper tomahawk, and the flight club I joined didn't require any lessons to fly their cessna. It depends on the club. I wouldn't spend more on a flight school rental of a non trainer to get GA flight time. Seemed to me most flying clubs are happy to get a member paying dues. Just a bunch of guys sharing the expense of a plane. The most wasted flight time I thought were the first 10 hours of lessons. I didn't have the feel for it, and learned all the basic maneuvers on top of that. When I got the intuitive feel for it I feel my learning improved greatly. I would recommend a simple simulator to work on the basic maneuvers, and instruments so you have familiarity with as much as you can before expensive flight time. It doesn't have to be a sim with extra computer equipment like stick, and rudder. Just a simple keyboard controlled sim. Fighter Ace is a free sim with a realistic feel. Used to be multi player internet but went offline a few years ago now you can use a full version offline free. Has a lot of planes with various flight characteristics so you learn to adapt quickly to new characteristics when you fly differing real planes. Some interesting wind, and visibility settings. You can simulate some pretty sporty conditions. Try maximum wind, oscillating so you don't know which way it's blowing so you learn to judge it by the drift. Use the German Me 109 it has a narrow wheel base, and is awful in a cross wind. Land that consistently in a 60 mph crosswind, and I'd trust you to land anything. Learn to navigate from NW of London to Paris or somewhere over the Mediterranean to Cairo. Collide with another plane, lose part of a wing, and figure out how to keep it aloft until rescue gets there before you bail out into the North Atlantic.
@@joepsb9898 The Piper school carried them, and the flight service station where we got weather, fuel, and took the FAA test. The Piper course was much better equipped than the Cessna course. It was cheaper too. I asked the piper instructors why they thought that was. They said, I saw their point, that students know the name Cessna. I visited Cessna first, but was so impressed with Piper from the start I chose Piper.
@@dpsamu2000 I can't find what you're talking about. Is this some sort of FAA publication? I looked on the FAA website and there are hundreds of downloads.
Good stuff. Let me add join AOPA! They have a lot of very high quality training materials and it’s just a great organization. Definitely switch CFIs. Even if you’re getting along with yours. You will find that different CFIs teach things differently, and you’ll be better off. Also train in both high and low wing planes.
Great Video! As a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), I definitely can relate and say that this is spot on. RUclips can be a great source to finding information regarding ground school information. However, there are plenty of self-paced online courses such as King Schools that prepare students for check-rides and the written exam. Regarding choosing the correct instructor depends on their personality and professional goals as a pilot. For instance, do they want to go the airlines? If so, be aware that they want flight hours and may not spend as much time teaching ground school topics. A good/honest CFI would always give a debrief on what to work on and would give you honest feedback towards your progress. Also, they would go over ground information prior to your check-ride and give you an honest assessment if you are ready or not. Choosing the right airplane to fly in is super important. Sometimes, a CFI may fly with you in several different airplanes based on aircraft availability, personal preference, or maybe because they see the student is making progress and want to reward them with a different airplane. However, consistency is important. A CFI upfront should tell you what airplane is best to fly in, especially for the license/rating you are seeking. Meteorological conditions/weather is a huge factor in flight training depending on the region and airport you are flying out of. During bad weather days, a student can benefit from ground training or by simply utilizing a simulator. This can be a home-built simulator or even a flight school simulator. However, practicing flows and procedures is a big part of flying safe and standardization requirements. Great Video!
One thing I wish is that good judgment and decision making was a teachable thing, it's not just handling the aircraft skills we need but I think the ability to evaluate the risks of a given flight, and evaluate our own abilities so we can avoid being in the headlines. As for aircraft types it may be less costly for the student to always fly the same aircraft but I found switching types helped my overall skills develop.
Hi Peter, you could have saved a lot with going into a EAA local chapter flight school. It cost me $50 plus another $50 for my kid. We were provided with 9 sessions 2h 30 min each and the last one was a cross country planning using Chicago sectional chart. The end session was a prep exam, similar to what FAA will look like. Was very happy to take this opportunity and thanks for my local EAA chapter 838 for arranging this every year!
Like you said, find a good CFI that matches and works well with you. Then a week or two before you take your check ride. Switch CFI's to a check riding inspector/ instructor from your school (they can't give you a check ride, legally). Then let the inspector/instructor allow you to practice your flight maneuvers and flight information talk, just like a check ride. This worked very well for me, I passed everything with ease. (I've had my License for 40 years)
Great points overall. The main advantage of a classroom work vs self-study is the possibility to exchange experience and put the theory into practical context. You can always purchase self-study packs but letting the material to be explained by an actual pilot with reasonably good experience is invaluable that you just cannot get from the book. Sure you can pass the written exam on the books alone but being a pilot needs a bit more attitude and foresight that you should get from those ground lessons in the classroom. But again if all you did in the classroom was reading PowerPoint verbatim without any practical discussions, that was a bad teaching practice anyway.
I depends really, if you have a highly experienced pilot running the ground school it can be way better than self study because of the context provided. Otherwise maybe no advantage in a ground school. My first ground school was run by a highly experienced ex fighter pilot and it was great.
One thing I might advise for any student pilot would be to invest in a flight simulator program so that you can practice at home. Yes, there will be a cost for both hardware and software, but there is so much you can learn from a flight simulator that will reduce the amount of time you might spend in the air (at great cost). AND the flight simulator can be valuable for ongoing training and/or simulating flights you might want to take to get a sense of terrain and your aircraft’s performance along the way.
Most flight schools hire LOW time instructors who are only there to build time so they can move on to bigger and better jobs. They have no real experience, and have only one way of teaching. They don't have a "bag of tricks" they can dig into to pull out what works for different people, because they don't have a bag of tricks. They have more of a coin purse of tricks. BEWARE of the instructor who's very close to having enough hours to leave, because he's short and doesn't really give a crap about his students. I recommend finding a school that employs older, retired airline pilots or military pilots. They're doing it because they love it, not because the airline won't hire them until they get 1,500 hours. They also have a huge bag of tricks to reach into to find what works for you. I did my instrument ground school online (MzeroA), knocked it out in one month and did well on the test. I like the King's, but their stuff is getting dated and their attempts at humor are stale. I tried Sporty's but it wasn't logically put together.
Got my license many moons ago but didn't keep it up. Here's what I wish I knew before I started flying. Under 10,000 feet and 10 miles out from any controlled airport, you're basically on your own under visual flight rules. It's "see and be seen". And I discovered it's very difficult to see other aircraft in broad daylight. Had a few close calls. Even within the airport control zone, a big jet coming in for a landing while I was taking off. The big jet taking an unauthorized short cut to get to the ground faster. Zooms a few feet under my left wing. Yikes. Although I trusted myself, like anything else, you can't necessarily trust the other guy. Doing some circuits at night once in a Cessna 150, I was given clearance to land by the tower. On my tail was a guy in a Cessna 172 (which has a slightly higher landing speed). I glanced back and saw him steadily gaining ground on me and wondering when the guy was going to break it off. Finally, he got so close, the tower had to tell him to back off. After landing, I saw him on the ground and asked him what the heck was he thinking? His answer: "Well. The instructor told me what the landing speed of the plane is, so I was only following instructions". I thought...my gawd...just do things by rote and end up killing both of us?
Good video and all good points! I will add point #6: Don't forget to have fun - you don't have to make EVERY flight with your CFI a lesson, you can also just schedule flights for pure enjoyment (and somehow those also end up teaching you something) because whether you're aviating as a hobby or as a future profession, you should still enjoy it or why bother? Even though aviation is "serious business" it should still come with a sense of wonder and accomplishment because there are a lot of MUCH cheaper things to do if you're not really digging it. I enjoy flying Cessna 172s but I LOVE flying Citabrias and will never regret my decision to focus all of my training on flying tailwheel tandem seat airplanes. Visibility is awesome (no CFI's head to block your view to the right), the aircraft handles like a little sports car, and every take-off and landing is a perfect blend of hands and feet!
All very excellent advice! The "chair flying" (also known as "the Power of Visualization") is essential for saving time and money, and reducing stress. I just reenacted my first solo from 50 years prior, in the same airplane type, at the same airport. In that 50 years I have flown over 100 types and taken 25 FAA certificate and rating checkrides. "Chair Flying" was invaluable.
Learn about target fixation. It’s the cause of a lot of unnecessary accidents even among experienced pilots. I wasn’t briefed on it in training and I think it’s critical to really understand the phenomenon, never forget.. and avoid. Go around or adjust touchdown point. Assuming the T-Book is still in use to study for the written, I found it extremely helpful to cut out and make flash cards of the questions for exam prep. It made it much easier for me. I took the exam in 1986 when the 152 rental was $30 or $35 an hour wet and the 172 about $10/hr additional.
My ground school has a class every Saturday. It’s from 9-12pm. I found it to be well worth the $300. I can attend anytime and know the content ahead of time whether I need learning or a refresher at no additional cost. I prefer this over RUclips. I do however agree 100% with a second set of eyes and making sure your CFI is focused on you and not logging their hours. YOU also have access to the regs and can know what is expected. Take ownership of your training. Be prepared and spend time before and AFTER each flight to make sure you are comfortable with what the check ride Examiner will ask on the ground and in the air. “Chair flying” should be done with the checklist AND radio calls as an excellent option for muscle memory and cost savings. Great video!
Hey Scott! The Sport Cruiser is a great little aircraft, much more fun and actually harder to flight than a C-152. I personally learnt to fly on a Grumman American Cheetah, and that was a heck of a plane for a beginner. It took me exactly 1 hour flight time to then be checked out on a C-152! It was so bloody easy... and dull, to fly!
I understand the need for saving money and doing the ground school online. I just like the advantage of being around other likemind people, and pilots teaching the class. You can make connections with those people and join flight clubs, rent airplanes, etc.
Excellent, to the point advice. Thank you so much for not having a lot of fancy frills such as canned intro, background music, etc. You gave some helpful tips.
Great tips! Perhaps instead of pretending to grasp a yoke, I found it invaluable many, many years ago, to use Windows Flight software and at first, a cheap yoke and pedal set. The teaching software by Rod Machado was absolutely invaluable and includes ground school. Scanning instruments became second nature, patterns, controls, taxi protocol and even communications became second nature. Naturally one doesn’t get the feel of yoke and pedals to plane movements, but it sure beat pretending to use the yoke. The modern day software and yoke packages are far advanced from my days of learning and is as realistic as it can get now! You get so much more bang for your buck, except flying times.
I used a private flight instructor who was a school teacher and tough flying on the side.He operated out of. his Toyota Corolla.He owned a C-152.my ground school only costs $125.00 for the written test.I had an advantage,I also was training to fly a radio control model airplane AND I was in school getting my A&P mechanic.Flying in in my blood.I did all this from 1981 to 1985 when I graduated A&P mechanic school.I LOVE IT.....
There is an old instructor adage which says, “Tell them what you’re going to tell them. Tell them. Tell them what you told them.” You Intuitively did all 3. Great job.
I am a CFII retired. I used to tell mt new students to pass their written exam before actual flying. Back then a person would spend $2000. to obtain their license. I also used the old FAA written tests for my instrument written prep. It really helped me.
I had almost the exact same experience as Scott in the video and would like to take it one step farther. I also learned in a SportCruiser with a great glass panel, then learned that 90% of the airplanes available for purchase (particularly in my price range had "steam" analog instrument panels. I know that glass panels are the future, but the used airplane market is mostly 1960's and 1970's model aircraft with the analog instruments. A glass panel airplane usually costs considerably more. I ended up purchasing a SportCruiser because it was the path of least resistance and within my price range. Very happy with my airplane, but would have appreciated more options that learning on analog would have provided.
Interesting video. But barely any of this applies to me. 1. The course is online only. But I can always call the instructor if I have addition questions. 2. There are only two CFIs. So the one that is available will take you up. 3. The instructor has priority to the cheapest plane (PA28-161) but when it’s not for training you can book it. There’s one PA-181 as well, and they’re very similar. 4. The instructors have regular jobs Mondays to Fridays and that goes for most students as well. Most students are not from the area where the flying club is and the instructor has to drive about 50 minutes. So it’s usually only lessons on weekends. If the weather is close to the limits we usually stay around the airport for some landings. 6. I complete all 9 exams but I feel lots of it not relevant for the daily flights, light mountain waves or why a delta wing is less stable. But I studied about every day until I was finished. Good luck with your new license.
There are high quality computer based ground school options available for ground school as well. Sporty’s and King are the two best known. Complete your ground and pass the FAA written before you get to the cockpit with the cfi.
Good job Scott... it is much appreciated. I hope a lot of future flight school students like myself (I think I am considering it because a good friend of mine is just damn good at encouraging me and others to learn how to fly. He's a licensed private pilot working on his commercial pilot license, in the Philippines). Those are great tips and the part about the student/instructor chemistry made a lot of sense because not everyone has people skills.
A general suggestion is to start flying gliders (at least an engine failure will be less of a problem :) And if you can fly gliders of a wingspan between 15 and 26 meters - I don't think you will have problems flying anything flyable.
Your video is sincere man, I like it. I'm almost done with my private course. And one thing that has saved me a lot of money besides studying a lot is buying a simulator you might spend 300-500 dollars extra, but it's better to practice and fix your mistakes in the simulator rather than paying over and over until you pass your lessons.
Schedule and fly early in the morning for smoother air. You just don't get the feel for the airplane as well in bumpy weather. Sunrise I find is the best.
I am just about there to get my PPL, let me say there’s a lot of good tips in here. I totally agree with all of them. The only 1 I’m unclear of is the first one, but looking back, I realize I could’ve saved myself 600$, buy the books (800$) 😮, study, get my lessons from the CFI before flight. I wasted so much time and money doing everything you said not to do. Plus Peter Phelps comment was amazing. Pile all that together, makes a better informed decision on which school and who to fly with. Wish I knew all of this sooner too
I watched this video as I was contemplating starting flight school. I’m so glad I did, now that I started flight school I’m starting to notice so many things that are mentioned in this video. Unfortunately, I gotta suck up a few things here & there like ground school, but very helpful regardless! I’m recording my progress through a 141 if anyone is interested!
Good advice--especially about not paying for ground school. Take one of the many on-line courses, they are much less expensive and have an organized and (usually) polished presentation. Take one that provides the Ground School Endorsement so you can take the FAA exam once completing the course. Also, RUclips is a superb place to find unlimited additional information (flyMA, Finer Points, Jason Schappert). I'd add that it is good to fly in a few different aircraft. I did most of my training in a Cessna 172 but I also did a couple of lessons in a 150 and a couple in a PA-28-150. Being introduced to these other aircraft types, I think, enhanced my training and made me more confident.
My ground school experience was a "touring instructional ground school' that was held at a hotel. I learned what they taught me and after the class - I TOOK THE TEST. I passed with an 82. This was in 1995, who knows what's around today. Good luck with the rest of your training.
I joined a flying club that allows me to use the C172 at $80 saved $$$ and I will use that same plane when I finish. These are all good points..plus have fun with it!!
I second the CFI thing. My first flight instructor was very quiet and so it was hard to know minor details of what I was doing right or wrong. My current CFI and I are very talkative and he lets me know about the little things.
I agree on ground school....DO NOT do ground school with a CFI. There are many options online where you can learn tons. For instance, sporty's and king school are really good options and like he pointed out, it is not that complicated. To me it was regular english (English is not my first language) and basic math. Thanks for sharing.
As a flight attendant doing their PPL in layovers with NO ground school, I HIGHLY recommend following his ground school only when necessary tip. I finished 7 modules by myself, and only took 4 hours of private ground school. There’s tons of information out there in the internet.
I agree about having a great CFI. I started my training while in the Navy at the base flying club and this guy after 10 hours never let me pilot the plane. So I quit flying. Then 10 years later I joined an FBO at John Wayne Airport and had a great CFI. This guy soloed me in 10 hours and at 41 hours was my check ride.
My teacher advised us to try and get an old CFI who is not interested in making their 1500 hours since they are not in it for the hours anymore. Usually retired pilots.
Ground school requirements depend on what the flight school operates under. A Part 141 flight school does require ground school training according to the F.A.R. Also, even under Part 61, student pilots will do ground school training with their CFI for XC and check ride prep. Granted, knowledge exams can, and should, be done online.
Great video and tips. I’m currently watching videos on ground school training. I also plan to buy the books for in-depth study. I want to pass it before I start my ppl lessons. I’ll take your tips to heart. Thanks for sharing.
😢 wow you sound almost like my double!! I paid for flight school 400.00 got nothing out of it. I was told go take my test after it I did and didn’t pass. Now I have to get my CFI to sign off on me and now he wants me to do 4 mock test and get 90s or better on all of them before he will sign off on me to taking the test again. I have bought 4 different flight school training kits from the internet and joined 1 that I have to pay 100 dollars a month to keep my access to. I look at all the money I have spent and it’s just adding up and up. Also when I have to schedule my flight lesson I have to do a 2 hour block 1 hour for flight and instructor and 1 hour for pre flight chat. I have been at it for 8 months and only have 19 hours. It’s very frustrating!!! I agree with chair flying for your radio coms and maneuvers don’t do a home simulator you will spend more time loading it up and getting it setup then you will to get your lesson done. But if you have a home simulator like me use the simulator on the weekend as a treat or when you have extra time because it seems like I spend double the time to setup and start up then if I just pull a chair out and get to my maneuvers and my radio calls. I think a simulator at home is very worthwhile if you have extra time!! I love mine and it has helped me a lot!! Good luck everyone!!
I got my certificate 33 years ago. I did formal ground school and liked it. It kept me on track. I had to fire one instructor about half way along. If you don’t like your instructor, move on right away. You pay too much for it to be a negative experience. Above all else persevere.
Never use a for-profit flight school. Thats exactly what it is. They are in it for the $$$$$. I joined a military flying club. All flying clubs operate on a break-even basis. It cost me $19 for a Cessna 150 and $22 for a Piper Warrior. Instructors were $10/hour. That was 1977, but the difference in costs is still the same today. But, you live and learn.
Joined a local flight club for training. Downside is limited flight instructor(s), upside is cheap plane and you’re learning on the plane you’ll fly as a ppl. You said it cost you around 140/hour. That’s about my cost after paying my instructor, and I co-own the plane.
Thank you very much! Very important info! I was going to do ground school. You've saved me money. By the way, your video is a little cloudy. I think you may need to clean the lens of your camera. I shared to Twitter. Hopefully it will help get you Sub numbers up.
Theory: Take a telecours, 250 $. In Germany you have to make an exam in radio communication as well. CFI: strongly agree!! Plane: I think, it's not important. Once you got the experience you need not much time to get used to another plane (for me: DR200, C152, C172, C182, PA28).
I'm not sure how to make this a short story, but I had at least 8 instructors for my private license. I got into and out of taking lessons over a bunch of years, but at about 45 hours I had put my mind to finishing off. The last instructor before my check ride was a nightmare. I once walked into the office when he had just failed his instrument check ride and was swearing up a storm about his examiner. I couldn't believe this guy had so little self control that he was totally losing his marbles in front of other instructors, staff, and other students. I didn't remember this incident until AFTER he really botched my first check ride. He was dangerous. In his mind, he could do no wrong. A hothead. On one of my night flights we were flying into Dansville NY and he couldn't find the airport - on a clear night. We were below the ridgeline of the 1000 foot bluff that runs next to the airport and he literally did not know it was right there. I found the airport before he did - a huge lit X on the ground. When we got back (safely) to the home airport, he went in the back and he had left his log book on the table. I quickly looked at his totals and as of that night, taking me on a night cross-country, he had exactly 7 hours total of night flying. Blind leading the blind. So, he was such a distracted guy that in the office when he was prepping me for my check ride, he kept double-speaking - thinking one thing and saying another. He was really derogatory, arrogant little weasel. I can take quite a bit but I totally unloaded on him in the office when he started snarling at me when my correct answer was jumbled with his mixed up thoughts. It was night and I thought we were alone. Hang onto that thought. So, the day of the checkride, the examiner who was also the one who owned the school(!) came over and said - "do your weight and balance including me at 240 lbs and for a passenger in the back at 225 lbs." I thought it was just an exercise, but NO, the examiner's examiner was flying with us. The examiner went away to let me do my thing. All of a sudden he comes back ashen-faced and says "don't say a thing. just pack up your things and I will give you a call in a couple of hours. He hands me my log book and, being the quick study I am, just did what he said - I had no idea what was up. When he calls he tells me that there were discrepancies in my logbook that the instructor was responsible for making sure were cleared up before my check ride. Examiner/school owner is HUGELY apologetic, I failed the check ride right then and there without leaving the table where I was doing the weight and balance. The school kinda made good and comped me a couple of hours with a new instructor. Also turns out the examiner's wife, who was the majority owner in the school, was there that night I unleashed on the instructor- but she never made her presence known, just took notes. She knew exactly who the instructor was through the open doors of the offices. They let me know that I put up with a lot with that instructor. That would be interesting if it just ended there. But the reason there was an uncorrected screw-up in my log book was that my easily distractable (great pilot characteristic, no?) instructor had been in a rush to get out to Las Vegas and was short-cutting my check-ride prep. He didn't do a logbook review to look for exactly these kind of discrepancies. So, I get a call from the FAA in a couple of days, they want to talk to me. They want this guy's ticket. Within minutes of that call, I suddenly get a call from this absolutely blubbering instructor from where he was out in Las Vegas, telling me that I have to maintain some mythical instructor-student relationship and not say anything bad about him.Turns out the FAA was hauling his derriere back from Las Vegas to face the heat. I was poker faced (well, voiced) with the instructor on the phone - I wasn't letting on one way or another as to what I thought or what I was going to do. That, because I had no idea what I had gotten dragged into. I go down to the school's office the next day and I get taken into a back room, almost like being under the lamp in the dark room in gangster meetings. Guess who was gunning to get the kid's ticket revoked? I am facing the very Instrument Examiner who had flunked him on his instrument check ride, back a couple of years. The circle closes. The FAA heavy wanted me to say things SO BAD he was trying to put words in my mouth. I have no idea where or whether I was going to get implicated in some mess. I don't know all the big wheels that turn behind the scene, so I played it really tight-lipped. I had no idea where this was going. In the end, I didn't give the guy the red meat he came for, and I think he left hating me more than the kid. I think what the kid did stood on its own, but they were trying to get me to state all the things the kid did wrong along the way, like the evening I was overheard reaming him out. It was just like Scott said - you want to bite your tongue, go along with things, and just get done. Well, in this instance I didn't escape the chicanery - I got put through the wringer. In a couple of weeks, I took my second check ride and passed on a day when the winds just 1000 feet up were 50 knots, throwing off my flight plan by quite a bit. I passed that one, though. And continued onto instrument training, although I suspended that a long time ago. Someday...
One tip I will add to save a bit of money is to fly on weekdays mid mornings, sometimes you will have the airport to yourself, no need to waste money waiting for others to land or TO.
I completed my ground school at our local junior college. Then, 9-11 happened and for quite a while no one knew what was going to happen to general aviation. Bottom line, is that now I'm 73 and will likely never get my license. Don't let time go by like I did!
I had always wanted to pilot an airplane. Fortunately, lessons were too expensive. As a RUclipsr I watch everything aviation and I learned that I would have been able to have acquired the license to fly, but I would have been incompetent from the outset. In a car I need only know the rules of the road, keep the car in lane and not drink alcohol. Adding the third dimension plus a ton of necessary information would make me dangerous.
To charge $100/hr for ground school is simply a rip off. When I did my Private in 1987, my school included ground school for approximately $500 and you could go through the whole schedule as many times as you want. You could even join in years later for a refresh at no cost as long as you were a member for a small price. Like $25 a year. They had the same deal for commercial. I think learning on the cheapest aircraft is your best bet. Most schools have Cessna 150 which is a 2 seater and cheaper than the 172. My school had the Piper Tomahawk (Also a 2 seater) I say this because to get checked out on another aircraft is cheap. Simply learn the Manual and speeds and 1 to 1.5 hours of training and a 30 min checkout and you are good to go. So the money you saved is more than the 2 hours required to get checked out. That's how it worked back then, maybe things have changed. As far as flying as often as possible, I agree. Make sure to have enough $$ to pay for it all and get it done. If you do a dozen lessons and run out of money, by the time you have saved enough, you will have to redo half your lessons. I instructed for a year and had a few students in that predicament. I told them to stop wasting their money until the had enough. Flying is the best. I made a career out of it and I miss it still. Keep the Blue Side Up.
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This is a great video! It's nice to hear your perspective.
I've been flying for 34 years, and have about 15,000 hours. I was a CFI with a 100% pass rate. I've flown professionally, full time, since 1991. I still pinch myself that I get to fly airplanes as my primary employment. It beats working for a living.
I agree with *almost* everything you said, and have a few ideas to add as well.
*** I'll start with a useful trick question... ***
What are the two most important things in aviation?
(Ruminate on that while you read the rest, the answer is at the end)
*** Flying is 100% from the neck up ***
There's nothing that physically differentiates me from any non-pilot passenger I fly. They have the same ability to hit a button, talk on the radio, extend the gear, etc. I guarantee that any person without training could be set up in the jet I fly, in the final landing configuration with the autopilot engaged, on a ten mile final, stabilized. Without further assistance, the outcome is a foregone conclusion once they disconnect the autopilot. The same person would survive with the proper training. This is why I say the following...
*** You don't learn to fly in an airplane ***
You learn to fly at a desk reading a book. Attempt to apply this knowledge in the plane. Go back and review what you just flew, and it will be much clearer. I had tons of students show up unprepared for lessons, and they wasted a lot of money. I told them so, but many persisted. They eventually got their licenses, but they could have saved a lot of money.
*** Choose you instructor carefully ***
Just reinforcing what you already said. Consider that you're paying roughly $300 per hour to sit with this person in a small plane. When you go to a doctor, you expect professionalism. You don't expect your doctor to string you along and recommend procedures and medicine you don't need just to improve his bottom line. Your instructor should be just as professional.
Ask them how much "dual given" they have. If they say something like "coming up on a thousand", move on. 1 hour of dual given is "coming up on a thousand". You're looking for someone with at least 100 hours given. After 1,000 hours given, more isn't always better. If they're enthusiastic it's great. If they're waiting to get on with an airline, forget it. After they tell you the number of hours given they have, ask to see their logbook. If they can't produce it, move on. You will spend a lot of money with this person. If they won't show you their credentials there's something wrong.
*** Don't fly more than twice a week ***
You can if you want to, and maybe it's different for the younger crowd. I worked mostly with adults. The more time you spend flying, the less time you spend studying. Nobody likes to hear that, so that's why people resist. I had one student want to fly every day. I advised him against it. He insisted. He showed up for about ten lessons and quit out of frustration. It's the same kind of result when a criminal defendant ignores the advice of his attorney.
*** I LOVVVEE your comment on chair flying ***
Engine failure training in a single engine airplane is the best example I can think of. By the time you get to this, you already bring a number of skills to the table. Basically dealing with an engine failure is a four step process. 1) Configure the plane for best glide. 2) Find a field to land in. 3) Try to get the engine started while you make your way to the field. 4) Land.
Steps 1, 2, and 4 you'll already know how to do. Step 3 is a simple procedure that must be committed to memory. I'd send students home with paper explaining Step 3, and have them read it and chair fly it. When it was committed to memory, I'd ask them to go over it while driving their car when it's safe to do so. I'd instruct them to do this at least twice a day, every day, before the next lesson. "Don't wait until the day before and cram. If you have any questions, call me." Of all the students I trained, two... TWO... took that advice. We spent a half a lesson on engine failures and moved on. We'd review it prior to their check ride, but there's really nothing to teach. Most took about 2.5 lessons to "get it", because they didn't study. One guy took more than four lessons. Two lessons is about 3 hours or $900.
Chair flying is a critical learning aid as you progress in your career. Most new pilots with our company show up prepared for ground school. They have their memory items memorized and are ready to acquire new information. Some show up unprepared. So they're trying to ingrain memory items while the other students are learning new regulations. They're catching up on new regulations while the other students are learning aircraft systems. They're starting to understand aircraft systems while the others are learning procedures. Ground school for an airline is like drinking from a fire hose. Spend tons of money on your Private, Instrument, Commercial, CFI, CFII, ME, MEI. Go flight instruct for a few years. Show up UNprepared, wash out, try to find a job elsewhere with a training failure on your permanent pilot record. It boggles the mind why anyone would subject themselves to that. Training is as forgiving as the laws of physics and the bottom line of the company. By the time you show up for training in a full motion simulator, the company is planning to invest significant resources into you. No airline can stay in business if they coddle their applicants. A level D simulator costs about $10m USD. It sits in a secure building. They operate from 6am to 2am. They are down for maintenance from 2am to 6am. Sim techs (mechanics) are available on-site 24 hours a day. The instructor is paid at least $200/hr to teach you. A typical sim session is 4.2 hours.
We have an emergency exit simulator. This is the actual aircraft door and emergency slide set up on a metal stand. You walk up to the top, open the door, and jump out on the slide. That device alone is $4m USD. You can't just make one yourself. You have to train in the actual equipment. The manufacturers know this, and there's no competition. Want to play? Pony up!
*** What are the two most important things in aviation? ***
The next two things!
The next two things you need to do are the two most important things in aviation. If you keep this in mind during your training, you'll do much better. Aviation is dynamic, so the "next two things" always changes. "I need to get a landing clearance, and start getting my flaps out". Got that clearance? Okay "I need to get my flaps out, and turn base". The plane will not wait for you. If you don't have the next two things in mind, the plane starts flying you.
As you progress to faster, more complex airplanes, and operate in more complex environments, the "next two things" starts happening very fast. It's super easy to get behind in a jet.
I read all that o.o...I'm very new, looking into a path to become a pilot. I am 42, so my first step would be the PPL, and I get that. Looks like I don't need to pay a flight school for ground training, and can do it on my own, then pass the exam. There is a ton I need to learn and everyone's perspective has added to my knowledge gathering a bit more. I don't want to waste my time or money, so thank you for this.
Great, great comments Peter. Are you still teaching? If so, where?
What state do you teach in please??
Thank you for your comments Peter, I read them all.
Very in depth comment . Thank you for giving your knowledge and advice. I’m applying for my pilots very soon
I took a ground school course at the local community college. It cost $30 for the whole course. The most expensive part was needing to buy a $60 Jeppesen book. The teacher was a former astronaut. It was a high quality and intensive course.
Where was this course? It sounds like the cheapest someone could find and I need that
Interesting.... Where is it?
Where???
For me it was West Valley college here in San Jose, CA. A quick search didn't show that course, it was more than 20 years ago. Do a search of your local community college.
I also notice that (sign of the times) there are a lot of online ground schools. I think the basic point here is that if you go to the local flight operator, rental plus ground school, you are going to get the most expensive option. Its how they make their money.
Waitttt a minute you telling me I dont have to pay for ground school? What about the required hours?
Picking a CFI. student long ago. My advice is to pick a woman. I have had both male and female CFIs and the woman was way better. after digging, I found that studies show that as a rule, men are more focused and suffer from a bit of tunnel vision when it comes to getting the job done and women are much more aware of their surroundings (SO important in flying) and she can help you learn that. Also women are more sensitive to emotions and have a much better sense of what you are worrying over in the cockpit. She can sense what you need to get over your hurdle and move to the next level. As a student, I progressed much better under the tutelage of a woman. Reluctant to admit it but women are actually better pilots.
better for motivation too.. at least subconsciously lol
Hmmm...I actually had the opposite experience at with the CFIs at my school. Maybe it's because the women were all full time trying to go to the airlines and the males I fly with are part timers, but the females feel like they have something to prove and it just clashes with the way I learn. Don't get me wrong, they're all competent. I just have a better rapport
Massively disagree. My worst CFI was a woman, I've heard the gender argument before and think it's complete nonsense. Women are definitely not better instructors or pilots, it just depends are the individual person.
You, sir, are quite articulate! If you plan to further your training, consider becoming a CFI, because you get the point across logically and succinctly.
Much appreciated, Roger! That would be a dream.
Agreed. I’ve been a top rated IT instructor for decades and you did a heart job of conveying this information. CFI here you come!!
@@tentwo6350 how much a CFI cost?
Just started taking PPL lessons this past week. I especially like the tip of practicing right after lessons and imagining yourself in the cockpit going through the motions…that’s key!
Enjoy the process! That first solo is unforgettable.
any recommendation on what material to buy to study before hand
Same here. I spent a lot of my free time flying in my mind. really helped. My CFI even commented on it.
Learning to fly has become more expensive than when I started. I got my PPL back in 1985. I remember my ground school was $75 for the whole course. Training in a Cessna 150 with an instructor only cost $47 an hour dual.I believe my check ride was only about $100. After I got my private license, I would go out and rent complex airplanes for $60 an hour. Today, with about 600 hours total time I still find it very challenging just to go out and get a Cessna 172 or a Warrior PA 28 for less than $195 an hour. It makes trying to go cross country nearly impossible because a five hour flight round-trip can cost over $1100. Not as fun anymore. If you’re young and going to progress through the ranks to fly professionally, I highly recommend it. For old timers like me that have a commercial single and multi engine instrument airplane but cannot obtain a professional flying career because of age, other than a CFI/CFII, then it just becomes a one and done hour a month just to stay current. But I can tell you I learned by myself through RUclips and PC flight simulators, how to understand and fly with all the new glass cockpit configurations. It usually would require a checkout of 5 to 10 hours of dual to be cleared to rent a glass cockpit airplane if you’ve never flown one before. I remember NDB approaches flown manually to get my instrument rating. Most GA airplanes back then didn’t have any autopilot because of cost. If lucky you can find one with just a wing leveler.
The only thing I'll add is that you should save what amounts to 75% of your final cost before you start. Start a weekly or monthly sinking fund. When you reach approximately 75% of your goal start flight training. Continue to pay into your sinking fund as you train.
You should arrive at the end with a little left over in that account.
Missing lessons because of lack of funds means that you will regress and need to repeat lessons.
This is doubly impactful because it affects your psyche and your progress.
As a CFI I not only recommend chair flying (and do it yourself ground school), but we also practice the flight on ramp / grass area with markers / chalk marks to simulate the flight before it happens by just walking thru the whole flight. Of course, you could just do that as a tabletop exercise .. both are more cost effective and beneficial to students early on. When you chair fly add a full-size poster on the wall in front of you if you can. Flying the paper tiger vs just chair flying is a huge upgrade in muscle memory / transferable skills.
this video is so simple and straight to the point it feels like youtube 10 years ago or something but i like how straight forward it is! thank you for the tips :)
LuxPlanes!
Dude you are SPOT ON! Just started (3 flights in) and everything you are saying has been what I have experienced so far. Just discovered Gold Seal online Ground school. Also have had three lesson canceled due to weather (wind gusts).
I did the King’s PPL ground school, and it was amazing. Lucky for me, that was the standard ground program at my flight school. My school also occasionally offered ground lesson topics taught by a CFI to a classroom, which were free to attend.
Number 6.Go fly gliders. The skills of understanding the air, judgement and confidence with the inevitable engine failure this will give are invaluable. Plus it is cheaper than power flight.
Which is why I set myself up with the Cessna 172 near study level mod on FS2020, subscribed to Navigraph, use VATSIM and practice IFR and VOR procedures all the time to cement my learning. Great video. Thanks.
All excellent tips. Especially regarding finding the right instructor. During pursuit of my own Private (back in the 80's... I went on to Commercial and CFI), I didn't have a good CFI, and didn't fix it soon enough. The CFI is very much a stepping stone for most, and so finding a good one may take some exploration. I would add to explore using a simulator (MSFS, for ex) just to help reinforce/practice process/procedures in an environment that is costing you only your time.
Yes indeed….even today, most GA planes have antiquated engines that still require manual adjustment of fuel/air mixture controls….ie, fuel air ratio. If you train in something modern like a Sport Cruiser, or any Rotax powered aircraft with automatic mixture controls, you are going to need some additional training when flying old manually contolled mixture systems common amongst Lycoming and Continental legacy engines of the 50’s. Countless engine shutdowns have been caused by pilots inadvertently pulling the mixture control to full lean position….perhaps many thousands worldwide. Additional training is definitely a necessity when flying behind these antiquated power plants.
I took an introductory flight lesson with a CFI in 1971 after getting out of the navy.
Afterwards he almost accused me of lying about never having flown before.
The only thing I regret about the whole thing was not pursuing going for a license.
I had already committed to a computer school under the GI bill. I have done a little flying while in college but I just never thought to actually go for it because I didn't see it as a possible career.
Good luck to you and persist in going as far as you want.
If you took your first lesson in 1971, you are too old for a pilot's job now. Once you hit age 65 and certainly age 70, you are finished. You can't even get aircraft insurance unless you were insured all along. 🥸
@@jamesburns2232 Tell me something I don't know.
It is good to have lessons with a variety of CFIs even if you and your CFI get along. Seek out some old timer military instructors as well as an instructor for tailwheel endorsement. Even after you have your license, always take a couple of lessons a year. Always be on the lookout for opportunities to fly something different. Great video.
Good points, I had a CFI (certified flight instructor for the acronym challenged) who smelled bad from chain smoking, dumped that guy. Another who was just out of school herself and like to act like she knew it all, dumped her too. The third was the charm. It's got to be fun.
Thanks for all of the advice and tips. For the ground school, many flight schools have full courses for under $500 with an instructor and several people in the class. I loved this option as you can interact with instructors, and they provide the tests.
I got my license at age 20. Took me two years paying as I went and going to college and working early 80’s. I think plane with instructor cost $26. I studied the books on my own and skipped ground school. I think I made a 98 on the written and passed check ride first try. It was a great learning experience and lots about flying has applications in daily living. One of the best commitments and investments I ever made.
I suggest installing a basic flight simulator. Doesn’t need to have the most realistic graphics, just something realistic like Xplane 11 for example. It has good enough flight characteristics to be able to recreate your PPL lessons. This saves you a lot of training on basic skills.
Good video. So many things I could add to this but not trying to hijack your subject. One thing that I learned that was a huge surprise to me was the difference between stable and unstable air. I just assumed when I looked at clear afternoon skies that it would be more comfortable flying. I was shocked to learn that it was so much more comfortable flying in overcast gloomy looking skies. It was uncanny that all flight instruction seemed to take place in the afternoon when the air was actually horrible. This led me to believe that a lot of my future flying would always be in uncomfortable bumpy air. If you are just starting out by all means learn to fly in these conditions but keep in mind in the future when you are flying solo you will always have the option of flying early morning or late evening in smooth comfortable air. This shouldn't be an issue for any pilot but for me I absolutely prefer to fly in smooth air. In fact, my favorite flying was always at night. Some pilots are not comfortable with this but I find it the best time to fly, if I'm actually trying to get somewhere and not just sightseeing.
My biggest tip is go to a school that has a FAA examiner on staff or contract. I had to wait 2 months for an examiner only to get cancelled 3 times over the course of 3 months. One of those was a text message at midnight before our 8am appointment because was out at a party and drinking. In the 5 month period of trying to get different examiners, I ended up losing my job and moving away for work. I was never able to finish my PPL and it’s now been almost 7 years since then. I want to finish but part of me doesn’t want to waste my time and money anymore.
Yup that happens. In our neck of the woods people schedule 6 months out and fly hundreds of miles to pay $700 for a checkride, pass or fail. The examiner always starts the test by taking the envelope with the money. Smart.
@@alk672 I never paid the examiner yet because I never got to meet them. But I did pay for another 10-15 hours of practice flying and ultimately no checkride.
@@mrjack8849 at the end of the day you would have realized that unless you were aspiring to fly professionally - it didn't matter, you would still fly the same 10-15 hours as a private pilot afterwards. Or you would quit right after the checkride, that's what most people do. So don't regret what happened, it really just mostly saved you money.
@@alk672 Yes it is a costly hobby although I wish I had been able to fly with some friends and family. None of them actually got to see me fly. I was also considering pursuing a commercial license. But the whole situation just turned me off. I had lost my income source and the much of my motivation after getting a runaround from examiners. I am thankful for the time I was able to fly though. Not many people have actually flown planes. I would be curious to see what the percentage is of people stay current with just a PPL after completing their first checkride.
@@mrjack8849 another thing you would have discovered had you continued is that friends and family don't like flying. You fly alone or with people you met through aviation. Comes as a shock to most people.
Great video. Keep a journal of your individual lessons. Never put yourself down in writing about your experience, write what you did well and why you did well. Your progress towards your certification will never be a straight line. Everyone learns at a different speed. Your visualization technique is one we taught in the airlines. For every hour of actual flight tine you should spend at a minimum, two hours visualizing your next flight. I’m not suggesting you spend a solid block of two hours visualizing but instead break that time into 10 to 15 minute chunks. In picking a flight instructor spend time at the FBO before your training begins to watch how the instructors interact with their students and everyone else at the FBO. Linemen are a good resource for all information about the FBO, think maintenance on aircraft. Take them to lunch. Have all your financing for training in place before you begin to avoid breaks in your training. I started flying in high school working as a lineman. Taught in a college flight program in Missouri. Did 6 years in the Navy as an aviator and 35 years working as a Captain and simulator instructor. Once again a well produced video, wish you all the best in your aviation career.
Talk to a lineman? If they let you on the field! Today it seems like you need to be escorted everywhere. In my day years ago you could walk around, look inside airplanes. I don’t think this is possible anymore. I’ve got a license but have not flown in years. It appears to be a tough go to be part of flying again.
Agree with everything except #3. I don’t feel it matters what plane you train in as long as it fits the mission of training. At some point you will want to get checked out in a different aircraft, if you train in a 172 it doesn’t mean you’re going to fly only 172 for the rest of your pilot life. I think the end goal for the majority of pilots is aircraft ownership. My opinion is get your certificate the best and easiest way you can then grow and learn from there. Remember as much as 70% of student pilots never complete their training and receive their certificate.
You're right about ground school. I took ground school, and paid for it. But I learned most of what I needed to pass the tests from the FAA test manual. It has all the questions used on the test, and the answers in the back of the book. The test uses 10 of them. I just took the questions one at a time, studied the textbook on the topic, answered the question, and checked if it was right. Since many questions cover the same material it reinforced the study by repetition. I got a 90 on the test. Problem reading the flight service station weather code. Right about instructors too. I had a flight with another instructor when my regular got sick. He hogged the plane. My regular let me do most of the flying. Personality conflicts are unlikely, and a thin beef in the first place. But how much you are flying is a practical concern. My trainer was a piper tomahawk, and the flight club I joined didn't require any lessons to fly their cessna. It depends on the club. I wouldn't spend more on a flight school rental of a non trainer to get GA flight time. Seemed to me most flying clubs are happy to get a member paying dues. Just a bunch of guys sharing the expense of a plane. The most wasted flight time I thought were the first 10 hours of lessons. I didn't have the feel for it, and learned all the basic maneuvers on top of that. When I got the intuitive feel for it I feel my learning improved greatly. I would recommend a simple simulator to work on the basic maneuvers, and instruments so you have familiarity with as much as you can before expensive flight time. It doesn't have to be a sim with extra computer equipment like stick, and rudder. Just a simple keyboard controlled sim. Fighter Ace is a free sim with a realistic feel. Used to be multi player internet but went offline a few years ago now you can use a full version offline free. Has a lot of planes with various flight characteristics so you learn to adapt quickly to new characteristics when you fly differing real planes. Some interesting wind, and visibility settings. You can simulate some pretty sporty conditions. Try maximum wind, oscillating so you don't know which way it's blowing so you learn to judge it by the drift. Use the German Me 109 it has a narrow wheel base, and is awful in a cross wind. Land that consistently in a 60 mph crosswind, and I'd trust you to land anything. Learn to navigate from NW of London to Paris or somewhere over the Mediterranean to Cairo. Collide with another plane, lose part of a wing, and figure out how to keep it aloft until rescue gets there before you bail out into the North Atlantic.
Where did you get the FAA test manual? Do you have a link?
@@joepsb9898 The Piper school carried them, and the flight service station where we got weather, fuel, and took the FAA test. The Piper course was much better equipped than the Cessna course. It was cheaper too. I asked the piper instructors why they thought that was. They said, I saw their point, that students know the name Cessna. I visited Cessna first, but was so impressed with Piper from the start I chose Piper.
@@dpsamu2000 I can't find what you're talking about. Is this some sort of FAA publication? I looked on the FAA website and there are hundreds of downloads.
Good stuff. Let me add join AOPA! They have a lot of very high quality training materials and it’s just a great organization. Definitely switch CFIs. Even if you’re getting along with yours. You will find that different CFIs teach things differently, and you’ll be better off. Also train in both high and low wing planes.
Great Video!
As a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), I definitely can relate and say that this is spot on. RUclips can be a great source to finding information regarding ground school information.
However, there are plenty of self-paced online courses such as King Schools that prepare students for check-rides and the written exam.
Regarding choosing the correct instructor depends on their personality and professional goals as a pilot. For instance, do they want to go the airlines? If so, be aware that they want flight hours and may not spend as much time teaching ground school topics. A good/honest CFI would always give a debrief on what to work on and would give you honest feedback towards your progress. Also, they would go over ground information prior to your check-ride and give you an honest assessment if you are ready or not.
Choosing the right airplane to fly in is super important. Sometimes, a CFI may fly with you in several different airplanes based on aircraft availability, personal preference, or maybe because they see the student is making progress and want to reward them with a different airplane. However, consistency is important. A CFI upfront should tell you what airplane is best to fly in, especially for the license/rating you are seeking.
Meteorological conditions/weather is a huge factor in flight training depending on the region and airport you are flying out of. During bad weather days, a student can benefit from ground training or by simply utilizing a simulator. This can be a home-built simulator or even a flight school simulator. However, practicing flows and procedures is a big part of flying safe and standardization requirements.
Great Video!
One thing I wish is that good judgment and decision making was a teachable thing, it's not just handling the aircraft skills we need but I think the ability to evaluate the risks of a given flight, and evaluate our own abilities so we can avoid being in the headlines. As for aircraft types it may be less costly for the student to always fly the same aircraft but I found switching types helped my overall skills develop.
Hi Peter, you could have saved a lot with going into a EAA local chapter flight school. It cost me $50 plus another $50 for my kid. We were provided with 9 sessions 2h 30 min each and the last one was a cross country planning using Chicago sectional chart. The end session was a prep exam, similar to what FAA will look like. Was very happy to take this opportunity and thanks for my local EAA chapter 838 for arranging this every year!
Like you said, find a good CFI that matches and works well with you. Then a week or two before you take your check ride. Switch CFI's to a check riding inspector/ instructor from your school (they can't give you a check ride, legally). Then let the inspector/instructor allow you to practice your flight maneuvers and flight information talk, just like a check ride. This worked very well for me, I passed everything with ease. (I've had my License for 40 years)
Great points overall. The main advantage of a classroom work vs self-study is the possibility to exchange experience and put the theory into practical context. You can always purchase self-study packs but letting the material to be explained by an actual pilot with reasonably good experience is invaluable that you just cannot get from the book. Sure you can pass the written exam on the books alone but being a pilot needs a bit more attitude and foresight that you should get from those ground lessons in the classroom. But again if all you did in the classroom was reading PowerPoint verbatim without any practical discussions, that was a bad teaching practice anyway.
I depends really, if you have a highly experienced pilot running the ground school it can be way better than self study because of the context provided. Otherwise maybe no advantage in a ground school. My first ground school was run by a highly experienced ex fighter pilot and it was great.
One thing I might advise for any student pilot would be to invest in a flight simulator program so that you can practice at home. Yes, there will be a cost for both hardware and software, but there is so much you can learn from a flight simulator that will reduce the amount of time you might spend in the air (at great cost). AND the flight simulator can be valuable for ongoing training and/or simulating flights you might want to take to get a sense of terrain and your aircraft’s performance along the way.
Most flight schools hire LOW time instructors who are only there to build time so they can move on to bigger and better jobs. They have no real experience, and have only one way of teaching. They don't have a "bag of tricks" they can dig into to pull out what works for different people, because they don't have a bag of tricks. They have more of a coin purse of tricks. BEWARE of the instructor who's very close to having enough hours to leave, because he's short and doesn't really give a crap about his students. I recommend finding a school that employs older, retired airline pilots or military pilots. They're doing it because they love it, not because the airline won't hire them until they get 1,500 hours. They also have a huge bag of tricks to reach into to find what works for you. I did my instrument ground school online (MzeroA), knocked it out in one month and did well on the test. I like the King's, but their stuff is getting dated and their attempts at humor are stale. I tried Sporty's but it wasn't logically put together.
Got my license many moons ago but didn't keep it up. Here's what I wish I knew before I started flying. Under 10,000 feet and 10 miles out from any controlled airport, you're basically on your own under visual flight rules. It's "see and be seen". And I discovered it's very difficult to see other aircraft in broad daylight. Had a few close calls. Even within the airport control zone, a big jet coming in for a landing while I was taking off. The big jet taking an unauthorized short cut to get to the ground faster. Zooms a few feet under my left wing. Yikes.
Although I trusted myself, like anything else, you can't necessarily trust the other guy. Doing some circuits at night once in a Cessna 150, I was given clearance to land by the tower. On my tail was a guy in a Cessna 172 (which has a slightly higher landing speed). I glanced back and saw him steadily gaining ground on me and wondering when the guy was going to break it off. Finally, he got so close, the tower had to tell him to back off.
After landing, I saw him on the ground and asked him what the heck was he thinking? His answer: "Well. The instructor told me what the landing speed of the plane is, so I was only following instructions". I thought...my gawd...just do things by rote and end up killing both of us?
This was really helpful.
Good video and all good points! I will add point #6: Don't forget to have fun - you don't have to make EVERY flight with your CFI a lesson, you can also just schedule flights for pure enjoyment (and somehow those also end up teaching you something) because whether you're aviating as a hobby or as a future profession, you should still enjoy it or why bother? Even though aviation is "serious business" it should still come with a sense of wonder and accomplishment because there are a lot of MUCH cheaper things to do if you're not really digging it.
I enjoy flying Cessna 172s but I LOVE flying Citabrias and will never regret my decision to focus all of my training on flying tailwheel tandem seat airplanes. Visibility is awesome (no CFI's head to block your view to the right), the aircraft handles like a little sports car, and every take-off and landing is a perfect blend of hands and feet!
All very excellent advice! The "chair flying" (also known as "the Power of Visualization") is essential for saving time and money, and reducing stress. I just reenacted my first solo from 50 years prior, in the same airplane type, at the same airport. In that 50 years I have flown over 100 types and taken 25 FAA certificate and rating checkrides. "Chair Flying" was invaluable.
I got my license 15 years ago. This is spot on. Well done.
Learn about target fixation. It’s the cause of a lot of unnecessary accidents even among experienced pilots. I wasn’t briefed on it in training and I think it’s critical to really understand the phenomenon, never forget.. and avoid. Go around or adjust touchdown point.
Assuming the T-Book is still in use to study for the written, I found it extremely helpful to cut out and make flash cards of the questions for exam prep. It made it much easier for me. I took the exam in 1986 when the 152 rental was $30 or $35 an hour wet and the 172 about $10/hr additional.
My ground school has a class every Saturday. It’s from 9-12pm. I found it to be well worth the $300. I can attend anytime and know the content ahead of time whether I need learning or a refresher at no additional cost. I prefer this over RUclips. I do however agree 100% with a second set of eyes and making sure your CFI is focused on you and not logging their hours. YOU also have access to the regs and can know what is expected. Take ownership of your training. Be prepared and spend time before and AFTER each flight to make sure you are comfortable with what the check ride Examiner will ask on the ground and in the air. “Chair flying” should be done with the checklist AND radio calls as an excellent option for muscle memory and cost savings. Great video!
Hey Scott! The Sport Cruiser is a great little aircraft, much more fun and actually harder to flight than a C-152. I personally learnt to fly on a Grumman American Cheetah, and that was a heck of a plane for a beginner. It took me exactly 1 hour flight time to then be checked out on a C-152! It was so bloody easy... and dull, to fly!
I understand the need for saving money and doing the ground school online. I just like the advantage of being around other likemind people, and pilots teaching the class. You can make connections with those people and join flight clubs, rent airplanes, etc.
Excellent, to the point advice. Thank you so much for not having a lot of fancy frills such as canned intro, background music, etc. You gave some helpful tips.
Great tips! Perhaps instead of pretending to grasp a yoke, I found it invaluable many, many years ago, to use Windows Flight software and at first, a cheap yoke and pedal set. The teaching software by Rod Machado was absolutely invaluable and includes ground school. Scanning instruments became second nature, patterns, controls, taxi protocol and even communications became second nature. Naturally one doesn’t get the feel of yoke and pedals to plane movements, but it sure beat pretending to use the yoke. The modern day software and yoke packages are far advanced from my days of learning and is as realistic as it can get now! You get so much more bang for your buck, except flying times.
Thanks for the video. I'm researching part 61's up here in Denton. These are great tips. Have my discover flight next week. Woohoo.
I used a private flight instructor who was a school teacher and tough flying on the side.He operated out of. his Toyota Corolla.He owned a C-152.my ground school only costs $125.00 for the written test.I had an advantage,I also was training to fly a radio control model airplane AND I was in school getting my A&P mechanic.Flying in in my blood.I did all this from 1981 to 1985 when I graduated A&P mechanic school.I LOVE IT.....
There is an old instructor adage which says, “Tell them what you’re going to tell them. Tell them. Tell them what you told them.” You Intuitively did all 3. Great job.
I am a CFII retired. I used to tell mt new students to pass their written exam before actual flying. Back then a person would spend $2000. to obtain their license. I also used the old FAA written tests for my instrument written prep. It really helped me.
I had almost the exact same experience as Scott in the video and would like to take it one step farther. I also learned in a SportCruiser with a great glass panel, then learned that 90% of the airplanes available for purchase (particularly in my price range had "steam" analog instrument panels. I know that glass panels are the future, but the used airplane market is mostly 1960's and 1970's model aircraft with the analog instruments. A glass panel airplane usually costs considerably more. I ended up purchasing a SportCruiser because it was the path of least resistance and within my price range. Very happy with my airplane, but would have appreciated more options that learning on analog would have provided.
Interesting video. But barely any of this applies to me.
1. The course is online only. But I can always call the instructor if I have addition questions.
2. There are only two CFIs. So the one that is available will take you up.
3. The instructor has priority to the cheapest plane (PA28-161) but when it’s not for training you can book it. There’s one PA-181 as well, and they’re very similar.
4. The instructors have regular jobs Mondays to Fridays and that goes for most students as well. Most students are not from the area where the flying club is and the instructor has to drive about 50 minutes. So it’s usually only lessons on weekends. If the weather is close to the limits we usually stay around the airport for some landings.
6. I complete all 9 exams but I feel lots of it not relevant for the daily flights, light mountain waves or why a delta wing is less stable. But I studied about every day until I was finished.
Good luck with your new license.
There are high quality computer based ground school options available for ground school as well. Sporty’s and King are the two best known. Complete your ground and pass the FAA written before you get to the cockpit with the cfi.
Great Information, Thankyou for taking the time to Post these Tips !
This a great Video! Train in the 150 or 172 first, then learn how to fly the others!
Good job Scott... it is much appreciated. I hope a lot of future flight school students like myself (I think I am considering it because a good friend of mine is just damn good at encouraging me and others to learn how to fly. He's a licensed private pilot working on his commercial pilot license, in the Philippines). Those are great tips and the part about the student/instructor chemistry made a lot of sense because not everyone has people skills.
Awesome video! Got a lot out of it. No frills no clickbait no bs! Thanks!
Very helpful! Thank you for posting this. Bonus points for the Nowitzki jersey!
A general suggestion is to start flying gliders (at least an engine failure will be less of a problem :) And if you can fly gliders of a wingspan between 15 and 26 meters - I don't think you will have problems flying anything flyable.
Your video is sincere man, I like it. I'm almost done with my private course. And one thing that has saved me a lot of money besides studying a lot is buying a simulator you might spend 300-500 dollars extra, but it's better to practice and fix your mistakes in the simulator rather than paying over and over until you pass your lessons.
Thank you man. Are you going beyond a PPL?
@@TheTexasBoy Yes, my goal is to get CPL this year.
I am the very beginning stage of finding a flight school. Thank you for the advice!
Schedule and fly early in the morning for smoother air. You just don't get the feel for the airplane as well in bumpy weather. Sunrise I find is the best.
I got my licenses back in early 80's.
Used to pay $ 10/ hour for a Cessna 152, Opa Locka Airport (Miami) Florida. 🛩️
I am just about there to get my PPL, let me say there’s a lot of good tips in here. I totally agree with all of them. The only 1 I’m unclear of is the first one, but looking back, I realize I could’ve saved myself 600$, buy the books (800$) 😮, study, get my lessons from the CFI before flight.
I wasted so much time and money doing everything you said not to do. Plus Peter Phelps comment was amazing. Pile all that together, makes a better informed decision on which school and who to fly with.
Wish I knew all of this sooner too
I wish all PPL students would watch this. Spot on.
I watched this video as I was contemplating starting flight school. I’m so glad I did, now that I started flight school I’m starting to notice so many things that are mentioned in this video. Unfortunately, I gotta suck up a few things here & there like ground school, but very helpful regardless! I’m recording my progress through a 141 if anyone is interested!
Good advice--especially about not paying for ground school. Take one of the many on-line courses, they are much less expensive and have an organized and (usually) polished presentation. Take one that provides the Ground School Endorsement so you can take the FAA exam once completing the course. Also, RUclips is a superb place to find unlimited additional information (flyMA, Finer Points, Jason Schappert). I'd add that it is good to fly in a few different aircraft. I did most of my training in a Cessna 172 but I also did a couple of lessons in a 150 and a couple in a PA-28-150. Being introduced to these other aircraft types, I think, enhanced my training and made me more confident.
How is this possible most flight schools require you to pass there own ground?
My ground school experience was a "touring instructional ground school' that was held at a hotel. I learned what they taught me and after the class - I TOOK THE TEST. I passed with an 82. This was in 1995, who knows what's around today. Good luck with the rest of your training.
I joined a flying club that allows me to use the C172 at $80 saved $$$ and I will use that same plane when I finish. These are all good points..plus have fun with it!!
I second the CFI thing. My first flight instructor was very quiet and so it was hard to know minor details of what I was doing right or wrong. My current CFI and I are very talkative and he lets me know about the little things.
I agree on ground school....DO NOT do ground school with a CFI. There are many options online where you can learn tons. For instance, sporty's and king school are really good options and like he pointed out, it is not that complicated. To me it was regular english (English is not my first language) and basic math. Thanks for sharing.
Everything you said rings true. Congrats on your new career.
As a flight attendant doing their PPL in layovers with NO ground school, I HIGHLY recommend following his ground school only when necessary tip. I finished 7 modules by myself, and only took 4 hours of private ground school. There’s tons of information out there in the internet.
I agree about having a great CFI. I started my training while in the Navy at the base flying club and this guy after 10 hours never let me pilot the plane. So I quit flying. Then 10 years later I joined an FBO at John Wayne Airport and had a great CFI. This guy soloed me in 10 hours and at 41 hours was my check ride.
My teacher advised us to try and get an old CFI who is not interested in making their 1500 hours since they are not in it for the hours anymore. Usually retired pilots.
Ground school requirements depend on what the flight school operates under. A Part 141 flight school does require ground school training according to the F.A.R. Also, even under Part 61, student pilots will do ground school training with their CFI for XC and check ride prep. Granted, knowledge exams can, and should, be done online.
Chair fly, that is key to get the brain and motor skills working together, and getting ahead of the aircraft mentality
Good tips. I was lucky and managed to avoid these pitfalls during my flight training. I would’ve had these criticisms if I had followed your path.
Great video and tips. I’m currently watching videos on ground school training. I also plan to buy the books for in-depth study. I want to pass it before I start my ppl lessons. I’ll take your tips to heart. Thanks for sharing.
😢 wow you sound almost like my double!! I paid for flight school 400.00 got nothing out of it. I was told go take my test after it I did and didn’t pass. Now I have to get my CFI to sign off on me and now he wants me to do 4 mock test and get 90s or better on all of them before he will sign off on me to taking the test again. I have bought 4 different flight school training kits from the internet and joined 1 that I have to pay 100 dollars a month to keep my access to. I look at all the money I have spent and it’s just adding up and up. Also when I have to schedule my flight lesson I have to do a 2 hour block 1 hour for flight and instructor and 1 hour for pre flight chat. I have been at it for 8 months and only have 19 hours. It’s very frustrating!!! I agree with chair flying for your radio coms and maneuvers don’t do a home simulator you will spend more time loading it up and getting it setup then you will to get your lesson done. But if you have a home simulator like me use the simulator on the weekend as a treat or when you have extra time because it seems like I spend double the time to setup and start up then if I just pull a chair out and get to my maneuvers and my radio calls. I think a simulator at home is very worthwhile if you have extra time!! I love mine and it has helped me a lot!! Good luck everyone!!
Absolutey accurate, I wish I saw this before my lessons.
I got my certificate 33 years ago. I did formal ground school and liked it. It kept me on track. I had to fire one instructor about half way along. If you don’t like your instructor, move on right away. You pay too much for it to be a negative experience. Above all else persevere.
I recommend King Schools for ground school self studying. They cover all levels of flight training..
Never use a for-profit flight school. Thats exactly what it is. They are in it for the $$$$$. I joined a military flying club. All flying clubs operate on a break-even basis. It cost me $19 for a Cessna 150 and $22 for a Piper Warrior. Instructors were $10/hour. That was 1977, but the difference in costs is still the same today. But, you live and learn.
You would be an excellent CFI. Great video!
Joined a local flight club for training. Downside is limited flight instructor(s), upside is cheap plane and you’re learning on the plane you’ll fly as a ppl. You said it cost you around 140/hour. That’s about my cost after paying my instructor, and I co-own the plane.
I did sportys online ground school and passed my written before I talked to a cfi. Way better route.
Caution flight clubs. Read the fine print. Some of them make you share repair cost of multiple planes, or increases in monthly fee plus deposit.
Thank you very much! Very important info! I was going to do ground school. You've saved me money. By the way, your video is a little cloudy. I think you may need to clean the lens of your camera. I shared to Twitter. Hopefully it will help get you Sub numbers up.
Good insights. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Theory: Take a telecours, 250 $. In Germany you have to make an exam in radio communication as well. CFI: strongly agree!! Plane: I think, it's not important. Once you got the experience you need not much time to get used to another plane (for me: DR200, C152, C172, C182, PA28).
Excellent tips and very helpful insight, thanks Scott!
I did the same things this guy says 29 years ago.
He is 101% correct.
I'm not sure how to make this a short story, but I had at least 8 instructors for my private license. I got into and out of taking lessons over a bunch of years, but at about 45 hours I had put my mind to finishing off. The last instructor before my check ride was a nightmare. I once walked into the office when he had just failed his instrument check ride and was swearing up a storm about his examiner. I couldn't believe this guy had so little self control that he was totally losing his marbles in front of other instructors, staff, and other students. I didn't remember this incident until AFTER he really botched my first check ride. He was dangerous. In his mind, he could do no wrong. A hothead. On one of my night flights we were flying into Dansville NY and he couldn't find the airport - on a clear night. We were below the ridgeline of the 1000 foot bluff that runs next to the airport and he literally did not know it was right there. I found the airport before he did - a huge lit X on the ground. When we got back (safely) to the home airport, he went in the back and he had left his log book on the table. I quickly looked at his totals and as of that night, taking me on a night cross-country, he had exactly 7 hours total of night flying. Blind leading the blind. So, he was such a distracted guy that in the office when he was prepping me for my check ride, he kept double-speaking - thinking one thing and saying another. He was really derogatory, arrogant little weasel. I can take quite a bit but I totally unloaded on him in the office when he started snarling at me when my correct answer was jumbled with his mixed up thoughts. It was night and I thought we were alone. Hang onto that thought. So, the day of the checkride, the examiner who was also the one who owned the school(!) came over and said - "do your weight and balance including me at 240 lbs and for a passenger in the back at 225 lbs." I thought it was just an exercise, but NO, the examiner's examiner was flying with us. The examiner went away to let me do my thing. All of a sudden he comes back ashen-faced and says "don't say a thing. just pack up your things and I will give you a call in a couple of hours. He hands me my log book and, being the quick study I am, just did what he said - I had no idea what was up. When he calls he tells me that there were discrepancies in my logbook that the instructor was responsible for making sure were cleared up before my check ride. Examiner/school owner is HUGELY apologetic, I failed the check ride right then and there without leaving the table where I was doing the weight and balance. The school kinda made good and comped me a couple of hours with a new instructor. Also turns out the examiner's wife, who was the majority owner in the school, was there that night I unleashed on the instructor- but she never made her presence known, just took notes. She knew exactly who the instructor was through the open doors of the offices. They let me know that I put up with a lot with that instructor. That would be interesting if it just ended there. But the reason there was an uncorrected screw-up in my log book was that my easily distractable (great pilot characteristic, no?) instructor had been in a rush to get out to Las Vegas and was short-cutting my check-ride prep. He didn't do a logbook review to look for exactly these kind of discrepancies. So, I get a call from the FAA in a couple of days, they want to talk to me. They want this guy's ticket. Within minutes of that call, I suddenly get a call from this absolutely blubbering instructor from where he was out in Las Vegas, telling me that I have to maintain some mythical instructor-student relationship and not say anything bad about him.Turns out the FAA was hauling his derriere back from Las Vegas to face the heat. I was poker faced (well, voiced) with the instructor on the phone - I wasn't letting on one way or another as to what I thought or what I was going to do. That, because I had no idea what I had gotten dragged into. I go down to the school's office the next day and I get taken into a back room, almost like being under the lamp in the dark room in gangster meetings. Guess who was gunning to get the kid's ticket revoked? I am facing the very Instrument Examiner who had flunked him on his instrument check ride, back a couple of years. The circle closes. The FAA heavy wanted me to say things SO BAD he was trying to put words in my mouth. I have no idea where or whether I was going to get implicated in some mess. I don't know all the big wheels that turn behind the scene, so I played it really tight-lipped. I had no idea where this was going. In the end, I didn't give the guy the red meat he came for, and I think he left hating me more than the kid. I think what the kid did stood on its own, but they were trying to get me to state all the things the kid did wrong along the way, like the evening I was overheard reaming him out. It was just like Scott said - you want to bite your tongue, go along with things, and just get done. Well, in this instance I didn't escape the chicanery - I got put through the wringer. In a couple of weeks, I took my second check ride and passed on a day when the winds just 1000 feet up were 50 knots, throwing off my flight plan by quite a bit. I passed that one, though. And continued onto instrument training, although I suspended that a long time ago. Someday...
Good advice.
Weather does happen.
One tip I will add to save a bit of money is to fly on weekdays mid mornings, sometimes you will have the airport to yourself, no need to waste money waiting for others to land or TO.
I completed my ground school at our local junior college. Then, 9-11 happened and for quite a while no one knew what was going to happen to general aviation. Bottom line, is that now I'm 73 and will likely never get my license. Don't let time go by like I did!
Fantastic advice. Going through my PPL as well and would agree on all of these points.
Very awesome video my man!! Thank you very much for the time that you took to put all of this together for us! Good to know information for sure.
Thanks for the pointers, Scott. I start my 1st lesson in March. This definitely helps !!
Hope it's going well man!
I had always wanted to pilot an airplane. Fortunately, lessons were too expensive. As a RUclipsr I watch everything aviation and I learned that I would have been able to have acquired the license to fly, but I would have been incompetent from the outset. In a car I need only know the rules of the road, keep the car in lane and not drink alcohol. Adding the third dimension plus a ton of necessary information would make me dangerous.
To charge $100/hr for ground school is simply a rip off. When I did my Private in 1987, my school included ground school for approximately $500 and you could go through the whole schedule as many times as you want. You could even join in years later for a refresh at no cost as long as you were a member for a small price. Like $25 a year. They had the same deal for commercial.
I think learning on the cheapest aircraft is your best bet. Most schools have Cessna 150 which is a 2 seater and cheaper than the 172. My school had the Piper Tomahawk (Also a 2 seater) I say this because to get checked out on another aircraft is cheap. Simply learn the Manual and speeds and 1 to 1.5 hours of training and a 30 min checkout and you are good to go. So the money you saved is more than the 2 hours required to get checked out. That's how it worked back then, maybe things have changed.
As far as flying as often as possible, I agree. Make sure to have enough $$ to pay for it all and get it done. If you do a dozen lessons and run out of money, by the time you have saved enough, you will have to redo half your lessons. I instructed for a year and had a few students in that predicament. I told them to stop wasting their money until the had enough.
Flying is the best. I made a career out of it and I miss it still.
Keep the Blue Side Up.
thank you very much for your wisdom! it will definitely be useful in my near future!!!
Very nicely done👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😊😊😊😊😊 straight and to the point! And very good recommendations 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊🇺🇸