Any real pilots on this forum?

[Spooby 10+ year member]

Who actually flies here? I'm looking at getting my private pilot's license sometime in March of this year and I'd like to ask a few questions. Mainly on possible careers, and what you can actually do as a private pilot.

Click to read more...

 

[dman4486 5,000+ posts]

i am licensed

 

[dman4486 5,000+ posts]

will answer what i can

 

[Spooby 10+ year member]

Sweet. What is an instrument rating? I've read that it is something you can only get after you get your initial license (50+ hours I assume)?

 

[dman4486 5,000+ posts]

the number of hours don't matter as much as the quality of the experience....an instrument rating is what you need in order to fly in the clouds, or anywhere there is low visibility..ie-->being able to fly the plane from place to place and land it without being able to see beyond the wingtips.

 

[dman4486 5,000+ posts]

money is the biggest issue, though...at least $5000 and as much as 12 just for the private...each rating will increase that price...and average is 55hrs private

 

[Spooby 10+ year member]

At what point would I be able to know if I could make some sort of career out of flying? I've thought about being a courier of some sort, but wasn't sure how much flight time I would even need to be considered.

 

[dman4486 5,000+ posts]

you will have to research specific circumstances, but typically you need thousands of hours before even being considered....there are some exceptions...if you get an 'in' at a flight school, which is what i did, then you get more hours for less, and meet many people that can get you places that typically takes an act of congress. start by getting your ppl and then go for the instrument, and then commercial...then you can start getting paid for photo flights, and transport of small items/people. then work on other sign offs like complex and twin.

 

[dman4486 5,000+ posts]

At what point would I be able to know if I could make some sort of career out of flying? I've thought about being a courier of some sort, but wasn't sure how much flight time I would even need to be considered.

go for an intro flight, maybe a few more hours and then think hard about a career and whether or not you want to invest the money...be ready for at least a year and a half of flight instruction, most of the time more

 

[Spooby 10+ year member]

go for an intro flight, maybe a few more hours and then think hard about a career and whether or not you want to invest the money...be ready for at least a year and a half of flight instruction, most of the time more

I've thought about it. I'm currently going into my 2nd year of my 4yr enlistment with the USAF, but I've thought about transferring into the Army in hopes of getting a flying Warrant Officer position. I'd be flying helicopters instead of planes, but I assume that flight hours are flight hours?

Are there ways of financing flight school besides out of your own pocket? I know I have the MGIB from the military, but I'm not trying to touch it until I get out of the USAF. I've got about $7500 now to get my PPL, but going any further than that might be a stretch. I've read that it might be wise to have all of my money saved up to just go for the gusto and get all of my flight hours in...but that seems like a huge stretch as well.

 

[dman4486 5,000+ posts]

I've thought about it. I'm currently going into my 2nd year of my 4yr enlistment with the USAF, but I've thought about transferring into the Army in hopes of getting a flying Warrant Officer position. I'd be flying helicopters instead of planes, but I assume that flight hours are flight hours?
Are there ways of financing flight school besides out of your own pocket? I know I have the MGIB from the military, but I'm not trying to touch it until I get out of the USAF. I've got about $7500 now to get my PPL, but going any further than that might be a stretch. I've read that it might be wise to have all of my money saved up to just go for the gusto and get all of my flight hours in...but that seems like a huge stretch as well.

i did it out of pocket until getting my hook up....i began washing planes at a flight school, and then progressed to aircraft and auto maintenance in exchange for hours...i accumulated $8000 worth of schooling at no cost. you may want to get into air-maintenance first, then get a position at a school..make yourself useful and people will notice you

as for other financing, i have no idea...it was a dream of mine, and one day i just decided to do it...

 

[dman4486 5,000+ posts]

actually you may be able to get scholarship/grant/payments from gov't to go to FIT for flight school, or emory riddle!? way more expensive, but if you can get money from elsewhere, it could be cheaper on the pockets

 

[mavster 10+ year member]

I have about 10 hours, medical expired...

But i'm in avionics/repair...know alot about the flight careers...

 

[dman4486 5,000+ posts]

I have about 10 hours, medical expired...
But i'm in avionics/repair...know alot about the flight careers...

10 hrs is nothing...but how did u go about the avionics career?

 

[req 5,000+ posts]

why not just go into an officer program and become a pilot for the air force? that would be your cheapest and easiest way to fly. that way all your schooling and shiz will be free and when you get out and go career you already have credits for the career..

ever think about that route? im a E4 in an airwing for the navy, thats what i would do.