private pilots license

[youngflyer]

guys i was thinking about starting to take lessons. im 15 right now and i was just wondering if anyone had any info or guidances or even purhaps numbers

[Big J]

Twelve.

[youngflyer]

huh?

[ShortBus]

shfifty five?

[ShortBus]

You said give you numbers didn't you?????? LOL

[F3AFlyer7]

YF:

I started taking lessons at 15 and absolutely loved it. However, you have to realize that it's going to take up a TON of time and money. You can't just go once a week and expect to excell in flying. Most would want to go at least 3 times a week and the times you don't go, you need to be studying the books, manuals, etc. It's a commitment that you have to make and keep with. I started flying and competing in RC at the same time. I soon realized I had to drop one of them. You can get your private liscence at any time, but excelling in RC at a young age can in some cases be more fulfilling. The choice I went with was to drop the full scale lessons, and work with RC. My plans are to get my license either in college or when I get out of college. The benefits of doing it in college are that you can take it as a course and ensure yourself specific flight times throughout the week, each week. It's also a slight bit cheaper doing it through college because it's structured.

Don't get me wrong, I have a passion to fly thats been with me all my life and I will definitely get the license sooner or later. I just found it difficult to do at that age committment wise and thats the main thing you should consider before taking the plunge and wasting tons of money like I did.

[jack01]

Starting at 15 is fun, but you're going to have to be 17 to actually get your liscense. Like others have said, it's extremely expensive. The FAA says you need at least 40 hours of flight time, 30 of which must be with an instructor. If you can find a flight school that has reasonable rates, then it isn't so bad. Typically, you're looking at spending $5,500-$7,500 depending on how much the plane and instructor are costing you.

[youngflyer]

well i have a generous ws teacher who offered to teach me for gas money and other expenses....i just have to check with him! i was thinking about going to averett to learn to fly?!?!

[Matt Chapman]

Private you need 40 hours...but 20 solo, 20 dual, not 30. Solo at 16, licence at 17. Few complete in 40 hours these days, plan on about 55 or so depending on your level of ability. $50 to $75 per hour for a Cessna 150/152, Piper Tomahawk, $18 to $25 more for the CFI. $100 for books, $250ish for ground school if you feel the need, $75ish for your medical.
unload a 40%er and it's payed for?? best money you'll spend if you want to fly. 3 times a week is a lot for most. 2 times is nice until you solo, but a lot of folks spread it out to once a week or so and do just fine. Keep it fun and low pressure.
IMHO....

[jack01]

If you've got someone that will teach you how to fly for gas, and misc. expenses, JUMP ON IT! I'm having to pay $138 an hour for a 172, or $90 for a 152..... That's getting expensive quick...

If you do decide to go for it, like Matt said, it's one of the most rewarding things you'll ever do. Some friends and I flew to Lambert's for dinner last night. Those trips are the kinds that are the most rewarding. Plus, if you have a camera, you can get some of the best pictures of your life:

[youngflyer]

thank you, for all the input especially jack. he is juggling a private coperate pilot job, teaching and family so i have to see if he still has time! If not i dont know what id do. im not sure if i have the money for it?!?! ill have to talk with the parentals!

[jack01]

If your parents aren't too keen on the idea, just tell them you'll buy them a new house if you get a good airline job.