@@golden3008 yes, studying. I wasn’t prepared my first time around, failed my oral the 1st time. Make sure you look into everything you need to know without blindly following what your instructor tells you. Studying a lot would have saved me a bunch of time and money.
Nice video Ben. My recommendation for a newly minted PPL would be to join a flying group (ie buy a share) immediately. Sharing an aircraft gives you an immediate collection of pilots, usually with a wide range of experience, and all at a considerably lower cost than renting or owning completely. It usually sets you up with a set of group rules as guidelines, mentors from whom you can learn, and peers with whom you can buddy up as you suggested. It is also good training for perhaps owning your own aircraft. Set a monthly budget for flying, share flights to double the hours in the air and it does not need to break the bank.
What an excellent video. Its amazing how you collectively streamlined everything I already knew but in a whole new perspective.Makes sense! Thanks Ben.
Great inspiration. Would add: - flying on skis - in the bush (on the big wheels 😀) - into other countries (mainly a Europe specific topic) - fly LSA aircraft and get an easy new license (Ultralight or Sports Pilot License (UL) in Europe - just a few hours with an instructor) ... many more ideas but that's the great thing with flying and having the license to do this
Saving the best ‘till last, Ben! But if upside down isn’t your thing, learning formation flying is another great way to improve piloting skills and grin-sizes.
I only fly an EV97 Eurostar, but you have inspired me to now move forward to a new type rating. I did get to fly the grace spitfire ML407 five months ago. Great video and thanks for sharing.
I'm very glad that my video has given you inspiration to spread your wings and congratulations on getting a ride in the Grace Spitfire. What a thrill that must have been! Thanks for the comment 😀
Good video. Definitely, some creative advice to bridge that gap between getting PPL and reaching the 1000/1500 hour mark. Not to forget, how well we can make our CV standout later during the Airline job application. Thank you!
Get a part time job at your local airport. I found more people to fly with and exploit that aviation enthusiasm to gain split time and sometimes free instruction.
Thank you for the great suggestions! They encouraged me to ask many questions so I can research them over the time it takes to get my private license. I’m enrolled in ground school as well. I just love it.
Hell it's easy to find stuff to do it's just finding ways to pay for it lol 😂 when you gotta go from 40-60hrs to 250 that's alot of money 150hr per hour needing another 210-230 hrs your gonna need another 30k it's damn near impossible unless your grind hard that's only to get U to 250 to which isn't gonna get you hired the FAA needs to find a way to help upcoming pilots get hours if not the shortage will get worse I also want to add please don't let any of that discourage you on becoming a pilot it is worth ever penny to follow an amazing dream and wonderful career I'm working maintenance at my flight school to cut costs working a full time job part time job and flight school is tough but it will be worth it just keep going 👍
Well I have to agree with you that Florida new beginners end up shelving their license and I did the exact same thing and it's been 25 years ago since I've flown I would like to get recertified and fly again
@@BenLovegrove I'm concerned about this in my case. I'm ~25 hours into my NPPL (M) and loving it, but because I went into it without a long term goal, I'm starting to worry what to do next. I can't afford to buy into a syndicate just yet, so it's probably going to be a case of renting school planes once a month to keep proficiency up for a couple of years.
@@Planehazza There's no easy answer (other than the obvious one, make more money) but joining clubs, associating with other aviators, making it a large part of your life etc can sometimes pay off in the long run. By being one of the faces seen around the airfield and making friends with people you can sometimes get invited on flights that might result in some flying at reduced rates. For example, two passengers fly out to another airfield or just around the loca area and one makes a contribution to the cost.
Ben Lovegrove - Yep. I’m in the UK. I think that SkyWatch is either another name for, or is a part of, the CAP. Sadly, I’m in Scotland and since all of the police forces in Scotland merged into a single body, they’ve refused to make use of the CAP. I think they don’t like anyone stealing their thunder and feel the need to justify their own existence. However, SkyWatch/CAP are still put to good use by other organisations and brought in privately for SAR operations.
Excellent suggestion. People don't think about this, but it's a really good way to fly cheap or free in the United States. I was talking to a pilot in my local chapter who pointed out he'd already done about 50 hrs for the year by late summer just ferrying planes to airshows and recruiting events. Plus, a lot of CAP chapters will let members use the airplane to get further ratings at highly reduced costs.
This is me. I recently got my ppl but rarely fly anymore. Seems like more of an obligation than a desire. My confidence and skills are greatly diminished. If I do fly it’s just local pattern work once a month. I’m not plugged into the aviation community because it’s not my profession and I work weekends. I need to get my mind right
Did my test flight and loved it but I cant afford to get my license so now looking at gliders as an alternative until I have enough money. Looked into being an instructor at the school that I went to as they're taking on but my colour vision will be a pain in the ass when it comes to my medical so I'd probably not even be able to use it to make money lol. Flying just so damn expensive but so exhilarating
Hey man I got my first class medical no restrictions and my left eye only corrects to 20/40. Have your flight doctor contact Oklahoma City and request a medical flight test , then you can contact the local FSDO and hopefully take a short ride with them and get a SODA for night flying
that's why it's called private pilots license and not commercial... You can however, if you absolve the CPL theory part and some teaching courses, you can be an FI for PPL students an earn money with a PPL.
Amazing video Ben! I was wondering if a candidate can complete their entire PPL with one aircraft? As the EASA requirements states ''If you don’t already hold a licence, you will need to complete 45 hours of flight instruction on aeroplanes''. ''aeroplanes'' meaning more than one, right?
The first solo is a milestone and it's also a bit of a high. For some people there's a drop in enthusiasm afterwards as they realise that the first solo, while an achievement in itself, is only the beginning, and most of the work lies ahead. There is solo nav exercises, cross country etc, the rest of the exams, and the skills test - all to come.
@@BenLovegrove Thanks a lot! Just beginning my journey. I have only completed the discovery flight and obtained my 3rd class med cert so far. I am a mix of excitement with moments of anxious terror if I'm perfectly honest! Next appointment is 9/4 and looking forward to learning more!
Every time I sat in the plane, the pilot gave me all the commands. Every pilot told me that I am natural talent for flying. They said they had never seen anything like it before. But at the end of the day, it's the money that counts, not the talent. So I finally gave up and they lost another pilot.
Since incremental cost is an issue for most of us that can’t afford to own a plane and must rent, can you give us some idea of a ballpark number of hours one should fly per month to maintain the skills? I hear that it takes 40-60 years to get a PPL for most people. Could you for instance fly 1 hour every weekend to maintain the skill level? I could probably budget for that but not much more. I realize this is not a fair question to ask as everyone is different. A sweeping generalization is all I am asking for
40-60 years to get a PPL? I don't think so. That's extreme. As for monthly flying required to maintain currency there are two figures; one is the minimum required by your national civil aviation authority to keep your licence valid, and the other is the minimum you feel personally keeps you current. The second figure will always be higher than the first.
It's true, flying is expensive. But if you're passionate about it (like I am), it's definitely possible. Simple sacrifices like reducing going out for food, and limiting such expenses can go a long way. I'm not a millionaire by a long shot and am pretty squarely in the middle class, but most of my money goes into flying because that's what I'm really passionate about. No kids, flexible job, and understanding wife definitely helps lol.
It is expensive yes. Golf is, Scuba diving is, boats are, expensive vacations, etc... But some thought of it must've been put into it before you train and get your ppl? Many people don't realize you can by an older airplane for the same cost of a car. I opted to continue and drive my older car and bought my restored 1960 Tri-Pacer for $25k. As everything in life, Its all about choices.
I mean after completing my high school and if I join air school to become an airline pilot, what are the advantages of having a PPL at that time?? Am I going to be a few steps ahead than students without PPL by that I mean Do I get to finish my air school faster than others?? Will I be able to save money by doing that???
@@annsart4639 A PPL can only be used for recreation but while flying a Pilot in Command with passengers or just flying solo you will be gaining important experience and hours logged for your next step towards a commercial license. You have to get a PPL first before you can go for a commercial iicense, so the sooner you start, the better.
@@sparrowtail561 Maybe that's because they have fewer overheads but airfields are like any other business - they need income to survive. Who/what pays for runway maintenance, lighting, facilities, buildings, staff wages, infrastructure? If you don't pay a landing fee then that's fortunate but maybe next year that airfield will be closed.
@@BenLovegrove The ones I've seen are fairly old airports that don't charge landing fees for general aviation but do charge fees for commercial and larger aircraft. That means they are also fairly busy. The smaller ones I've seen with no landing fees often have other income sources such as clubs, tie-down and hangar services, fueling etc. Some even have small airport-run restaurants and other recreational services. I think the zero landing fees is more of an advertisement for some of the airports to encourage tourism that spends more money on other services.
Well, here in the UK airfields are closing because the owners look at the accounts and decide to sell the land for housing. Yes, some airfields use discounts or temporarily free landings but most people assume they'll pay a landing fee of some sort and those who know how hard it is to keep an airfield running are glad to pay as long as it's a fair price for the facilities available.
i want to become a pilot but my fam cant afford it , so i was thinking that i can work with a private pilot license till i save the money and then continue studying , is this a good idea ? or do you recommend another affordable license ?
Yes, some people continue to work and save for the commercial training costs, but you can't earn any money with a private pilots licence. This would have to be other types of work.
How is ur piloting going so far, if ur still in it? Another way would be military as they pay for all ur funds and training but it is quite challenging to get in as they want highly qualified candidates
No, but you can share costs with passengers, and (under certain circumstances) participate in aerial searches, provide flights for charities, demonstrate an aircraft for sale, and tow gliders.
ERROR ALERT!!!! There is NO SUCH THING AS A "PILOT'S LICENSE" in the US!!! It's a Certificate, NOT, repeat NOT, a "License"!!! Licenses and Certificates are two very different legal documents!!! (Do you not realize how it damages your overall credibility when you don't even refer to a pilot's primary document by its correct name!?!??!)
The over use of block capitals and exclamation marks suggests an overreaction. I'm English, so I'm talking about the licence (we spell it with a 'c'). If I named the US version wrongly, big deal. Most student pilots capable of learning to fly will know the difference. Calm down and go flying.
Got my license yesterday!
Congratulations!
what have you been up to sense then?
@@golden3008 wow it’s been a while, I’ve purchased my first plane, flown all around the east coast, and gotten somewhat far into my instrument rating!
@@willfox2121 I'm about to start this whole process, any advice or anything you wish you did differently?
@@golden3008 yes, studying. I wasn’t prepared my first time around, failed my oral the 1st time. Make sure you look into everything you need to know without blindly following what your instructor tells you. Studying a lot would have saved me a bunch of time and money.
the problem is not what to do. It's how to pay!
Yes, that's an even bigger problem!
I have to agree with you when I got my license could not effort to pay cost to go further.
Fly ultralight / LSA category! Way cheaper and you alway have a BRS on board for safety) (ok, you cannot fly IR and nights but rest is possible)
Pimouss63 Damn yes
Dexter Williams afford
Nice video Ben. My recommendation for a newly minted PPL would be to join a flying group (ie buy a share) immediately. Sharing an aircraft gives you an immediate collection of pilots, usually with a wide range of experience, and all at a considerably lower cost than renting or owning completely. It usually sets you up with a set of group rules as guidelines, mentors from whom you can learn, and peers with whom you can buddy up as you suggested. It is also good training for perhaps owning your own aircraft. Set a monthly budget for flying, share flights to double the hours in the air and it does not need to break the bank.
Good advice. Glad you liked the video :)
What do you mean by "share flights"?
What an excellent video. Its amazing how you collectively streamlined everything I already knew but in a whole new perspective.Makes sense! Thanks Ben.
Thank you! Glad you liked it 🙂
Great inspiration. Would add:
- flying on skis
- in the bush (on the big wheels 😀)
- into other countries (mainly a Europe specific topic)
- fly LSA aircraft and get an easy new license (Ultralight or Sports Pilot License (UL) in Europe - just a few hours with an instructor)
... many more ideas but that's the great thing with flying and having the license to do this
Some good ideas there!
Saving the best ‘till last, Ben! But if upside down isn’t your thing, learning formation flying is another great way to improve piloting skills and grin-sizes.
Yes, very much so! Others I've missed are things like bush flying
I only fly an EV97 Eurostar, but you have inspired me to now move forward to a new type rating. I did get to fly the grace spitfire ML407 five months ago. Great video and thanks for sharing.
I'm very glad that my video has given you inspiration to spread your wings and congratulations on getting a ride in the Grace Spitfire. What a thrill that must have been! Thanks for the comment 😀
Good video. Definitely, some creative advice to bridge that gap between getting PPL and reaching the 1000/1500 hour mark. Not to forget, how well we can make our CV standout later during the Airline job application. Thank you!
Get a part time job at your local airport. I found more people to fly with and exploit that aviation enthusiasm to gain split time and sometimes free instruction.
Thank you for the great suggestions! They encouraged me to ask many questions so I can research them over the time it takes to get my private license. I’m enrolled in ground school as well. I just love it.
You’re very welcome! Thanks for the feedback!
Thanks for the great ideas… Finally got inspired to explore new horizons.
Go for it!
I truly truly love this video!
Thank you. Glad you like it :)
@@BenLovegrove you should be my flight instructor . I'm a visual learner and you explain things so we'll !
I really loved the way you spread your knowledge... very informative video
Glad to hear that, thank you.
Another nice thing is to get a glider licence. There are performance badges and you always have a next challenge to pursue.
Yes, good idea
This ideas are very good, but the money you need to do it, are a lot
Hell it's easy to find stuff to do it's just finding ways to pay for it lol 😂 when you gotta go from 40-60hrs to 250 that's alot of money 150hr per hour needing another 210-230 hrs your gonna need another 30k it's damn near impossible unless your grind hard that's only to get U to 250 to which isn't gonna get you hired the FAA needs to find a way to help upcoming pilots get hours if not the shortage will get worse
I also want to add please don't let any of that discourage you on becoming a pilot it is worth ever penny to follow an amazing dream and wonderful career I'm working maintenance at my flight school to cut costs working a full time job part time job and flight school is tough but it will be worth it just keep going 👍
Well I have to agree with you that Florida new beginners end up shelving their license and I did the exact same thing and it's been 25 years ago since I've flown I would like to get recertified and fly again
Go to your local flight school and remind yourself of how it feels
Great suggestions, that require a LOT of money, which is often the reason that people leave flying after solo or license in the first place :(
Sadly, it's true that many people gain a PPL then stop flying soon afterwards for that reason
@@BenLovegrove I'm concerned about this in my case. I'm ~25 hours into my NPPL (M) and loving it, but because I went into it without a long term goal, I'm starting to worry what to do next. I can't afford to buy into a syndicate just yet, so it's probably going to be a case of renting school planes once a month to keep proficiency up for a couple of years.
@@Planehazza There's no easy answer (other than the obvious one, make more money) but joining clubs, associating with other aviators, making it a large part of your life etc can sometimes pay off in the long run. By being one of the faces seen around the airfield and making friends with people you can sometimes get invited on flights that might result in some flying at reduced rates. For example, two passengers fly out to another airfield or just around the loca area and one makes a contribution to the cost.
An additional idea - Join the Civil Air Patrol and put your PPL to practical use.
Good idea. Here in the UK we also have the Sky Watch patrol for PPLs with 200+ hours PIC.
Ben Lovegrove - Yep. I’m in the UK. I think that SkyWatch is either another name for, or is a part of, the CAP.
Sadly, I’m in Scotland and since all of the police forces in Scotland merged into a single body, they’ve refused to make use of the CAP. I think they don’t like anyone stealing their thunder and feel the need to justify their own existence. However, SkyWatch/CAP are still put to good use by other organisations and brought in privately for SAR operations.
Excellent suggestion. People don't think about this, but it's a really good way to fly cheap or free in the United States. I was talking to a pilot in my local chapter who pointed out he'd already done about 50 hrs for the year by late summer just ferrying planes to airshows and recruiting events. Plus, a lot of CAP chapters will let members use the airplane to get further ratings at highly reduced costs.
This is me. I recently got my ppl but rarely fly anymore. Seems like more of an obligation than a desire. My confidence and skills are greatly diminished. If I do fly it’s just local pattern work once a month. I’m not plugged into the aviation community because it’s not my profession and I work weekends. I need to get my mind right
Have you managed to get back into flying?
Did my test flight and loved it but I cant afford to get my license so now looking at gliders as an alternative until I have enough money. Looked into being an instructor at the school that I went to as they're taking on but my colour vision will be a pain in the ass when it comes to my medical so I'd probably not even be able to use it to make money lol. Flying just so damn expensive but so exhilarating
For additional tips follow my blog benlovegrove.com and join the Student Pilot Community group on Facebook
Get to know more about the maintenance of your plane. Try different settings and fly to see the results.
I've got a no night flying restriction... super sad night flying seems so fun
Your eyes?
If it’s color vision; try other color vision tests.
Hey man I got my first class medical no restrictions and my left eye only corrects to 20/40. Have your flight doctor contact Oklahoma City and request a medical flight test , then you can contact the local FSDO and hopefully take a short ride with them and get a SODA for night flying
Nice video keep it up, one thing is to get a helicopter license
I dont undestand why ppl doednt give permission to work flying the similar aircraft for example
that's why it's called private pilots license and not commercial... You can however, if you absolve the CPL theory part and some teaching courses, you can be an FI for PPL students an earn money with a PPL.
Thanks!
Amazing video Ben! I was wondering if a candidate can complete their entire PPL with one aircraft? As the EASA requirements states ''If you don’t already hold a licence, you will need to complete 45 hours of flight instruction on aeroplanes''. ''aeroplanes'' meaning more than one, right?
Yes, there's no restriction on the aircraft in which you train (as long as the aircraft are within the required category). Glad you enjoyed the video!
@@BenLovegrove please give me the school link and name
@@Hijbul There are thousands of schools all over the world.
BIGGEST PROBLEM EVER >>>>>>>> COST
You mentioned there's 2 points at which pilots drop out of flying. 1st being after the first solo? Why do you think some quit after the 1st solo?
The first solo is a milestone and it's also a bit of a high. For some people there's a drop in enthusiasm afterwards as they realise that the first solo, while an achievement in itself, is only the beginning, and most of the work lies ahead. There is solo nav exercises, cross country etc, the rest of the exams, and the skills test - all to come.
@@BenLovegrove Thanks a lot! Just beginning my journey. I have only completed the discovery flight and obtained my 3rd class med cert so far. I am a mix of excitement with moments of anxious terror if I'm perfectly honest! Next appointment is 9/4 and looking forward to learning more!
@@Dillon-ux6it You might find this group helpful: facebook.com/groups/student.pilot.community
Every time I sat in the plane, the pilot gave me all the commands. Every pilot told me that I am natural talent for flying. They said they had never seen anything like it before. But at the end of the day, it's the money that counts, not the talent. So I finally gave up and they lost another pilot.
Since incremental cost is an issue for most of us that can’t afford to own a plane and must rent, can you give us some idea of a ballpark number of hours one should fly per month to maintain the skills? I hear that it takes 40-60 years to get a PPL for most people. Could you for instance fly 1 hour every weekend to maintain the skill level? I could probably budget for that but not much more. I realize this is not a fair question to ask as everyone is different. A sweeping generalization is all I am asking for
40-60 years to get a PPL? I don't think so. That's extreme. As for monthly flying required to maintain currency there are two figures; one is the minimum required by your national civil aviation authority to keep your licence valid, and the other is the minimum you feel personally keeps you current. The second figure will always be higher than the first.
@@BenLovegrove sorry typo - I meant 40 to 60 hours
No problem. I did wonder 😃
but first of all... become a millionaire
It's true, flying is expensive. But if you're passionate about it (like I am), it's definitely possible. Simple sacrifices like reducing going out for food, and limiting such expenses can go a long way. I'm not a millionaire by a long shot and am pretty squarely in the middle class, but most of my money goes into flying because that's what I'm really passionate about. No kids, flexible job, and understanding wife definitely helps lol.
@@sparrowtail561 Hey same situation lol
It is expensive yes. Golf is, Scuba diving is, boats are, expensive vacations, etc... But some thought of it must've been put into it before you train and get your ppl? Many people don't realize you can by an older airplane for the same cost of a car. I opted to continue and drive my older car and bought my restored 1960 Tri-Pacer for $25k. As everything in life, Its all about choices.
@@jmryd9030 I heard the old airplane is cheap but they require service often. Is that true? How much does it cost per year to keep your tri-pacer
Can we apply for a commercial pilot license after getting PPL?? If yes what advantages do we get??
Edit: The video was very helpful❤
Yes you can, after further study, training, and solo hours logged. The CPL allows the pilot to fly for hire and reward.
I mean after completing my high school and if I join air school to become an airline pilot, what are the advantages of having a PPL at that time?? Am I going to be a few steps ahead than students without PPL by that I mean Do I get to finish my air school faster than others?? Will I be able to save money by doing that???
@@annsart4639 A PPL can only be used for recreation but while flying a Pilot in Command with passengers or just flying solo you will be gaining important experience and hours logged for your next step towards a commercial license. You have to get a PPL first before you can go for a commercial iicense, so the sooner you start, the better.
Do airfields charge when visiting or leaving your bought or rented plane for a couple days? Renting aircraft and gasoline cost is expensive.
Yes, landing fees are one way in which airfields cover the cost of running an airfield and keeping it open
There are definitely quite a few airfields where there are no landing fees.
@@sparrowtail561 Maybe that's because they have fewer overheads but airfields are like any other business - they need income to survive. Who/what pays for runway maintenance, lighting, facilities, buildings, staff wages, infrastructure? If you don't pay a landing fee then that's fortunate but maybe next year that airfield will be closed.
@@BenLovegrove The ones I've seen are fairly old airports that don't charge landing fees for general aviation but do charge fees for commercial and larger aircraft. That means they are also fairly busy.
The smaller ones I've seen with no landing fees often have other income sources such as clubs, tie-down and hangar services, fueling etc. Some even have small airport-run restaurants and other recreational services. I think the zero landing fees is more of an advertisement for some of the airports to encourage tourism that spends more money on other services.
Well, here in the UK airfields are closing because the owners look at the accounts and decide to sell the land for housing. Yes, some airfields use discounts or temporarily free landings but most people assume they'll pay a landing fee of some sort and those who know how hard it is to keep an airfield running are glad to pay as long as it's a fair price for the facilities available.
i want to become a pilot but my fam cant afford it , so i was thinking that i can work with a private pilot license till i save the money and then continue studying , is this a good idea ? or do you recommend another affordable license ?
Yes, some people continue to work and save for the commercial training costs, but you can't earn any money with a private pilots licence. This would have to be other types of work.
How is ur piloting going so far, if ur still in it? Another way would be military as they pay for all ur funds and training but it is quite challenging to get in as they want highly qualified candidates
Do this do that, this guy sounds like flying is free
Obviously it assumes you can afford to continue flying.
Where does the money come from?
Same places it always comes from
Anybody in Massachusetts who want a flying buddy? I'm your fellow!
I'm in CT and just got my PPL. I have 108hrs. Down to fly and rack up hours towards commercial!
i can get a job with the ppl??
No, but you can share costs with passengers, and (under certain circumstances) participate in aerial searches, provide flights for charities, demonstrate an aircraft for sale, and tow gliders.
ERROR ALERT!!!! There is NO SUCH THING AS A "PILOT'S LICENSE" in the
US!!! It's a Certificate, NOT, repeat NOT, a "License"!!! Licenses and
Certificates are two very different legal documents!!! (Do you not
realize how it damages your overall credibility when you don't even
refer to a pilot's primary document by its correct name!?!??!)
The over use of block capitals and exclamation marks suggests an overreaction. I'm English, so I'm talking about the licence (we spell it with a 'c'). If I named the US version wrongly, big deal. Most student pilots capable of learning to fly will know the difference. Calm down and go flying.
Excelente vídeo Im inspire Again I’ll start with my Instrumet and exploring them sea plane
Glad you found the video inspiring!