Patch's Flight Schools Guide

If you’re like me, you’ve dreamed of flying for years.  Every time you hear an airplane fly overhead, you’re the one person in the group straining your neck to watch it fly overhead.  You’ve got it in your blood.  There’s something inside of you that yearns to take to the air.  You’ve got pilot blood running through your veins.

If you’ve decided it’s time to finally get your license, you’re probably a little confused about the best way to get started.  Flights schools can be found on just about every major airport, but what’s it take to get your license? How much is it goign to cost?  What’s the best school in town?  Do I get to choose my instructor?  What about ground school?

I’m going to do my best to give you all of the answers you need to finally fullfil that life-long dreaming of lying.  I waiting until just after my 40th birthday.  Some students are getting them as soon as they’re legal at age 17 others wait until they’re retired and have the time and money.  I suggest you DON’T WAIT.  It’s NEVER going to be more affordable than it is right now.  Once you have a license, it’s good for life (though, you’ll have to stay current and keep your medical active).

What Type of License is Best?
Today, there are several options for getting a license to fly.  Most people will pursue their Private Pilots License, which has the least number of restrictions.  A Sport Pilots License is becoming more popular as people become familiar with it.  It just might be your best option for reaching your flying goals.  There’s also the Recreational Pilos License, which rests somewhere between the sport and private pilot licenses.

Can You Afford to Get Your License and Fly?
Flying isn’t as expensive as you might think.  At least it’s not when you compare it to other activities many people pursue.  Boating, RV’s, and even watching professional sports are similarly prices.  There are ways you can reduce the cost of getting your license but, most flight schools won’t share that information with you.  I will.

Which Flight School Should You Use?
No, they’re not all the same.  There are different rules the FAA applies to some schools (Part 61 versus part 141… I’ll explain in this later).  Some schools will end up costing your more and not teach you anything the cheaper ones will.  It’s important to research what’s best for you and then shop around.

How Do You Find the Best Flight Instructor (CFI)?
The truth is, most flight instructors (CFI’s) are just looking to build up as many hours as possible so they can move on to the regional airlines and put their career in motion.  It’s not uncommon for a student to have four, five, six or more instructors before they finally finish.  I’ll tell you why this is bad and what you can do to avoid it.  Not all CFI’s are the same!

There are other questions you’ll have as you decide whether to move forward with this endevour and even more once you begin your flight training.  The truth is, once you have your pilots license, you’ve simply earned a license to learn.  It’s after you have your Private Pilots Certificate that you’ll the most questions.

Whether, you’re just getting started, about to solo, preparing for you checkride or holding your license in your hand, make sure you subscribe to FlyPatchFly to stay updated on all the latest information.

Tagged as: Certified Flight Instructors, Finances, Flight Schools, Private Pilot, Sport Pilot