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The Next Step - Beginning Flight Training

© Wendy Beye

The first glorious introductory flight in that small airplane has given you the flying bug, and you're convinced that you simply must become a pilot. Now what?

If the flight instructor who conducted the introductory flight was on the ball, he/she will have already given you an armload of information about flying lessons, and perhaps even set a time for your first lesson. If not, you may want to investigate other flight training operations and/or instructors to find an enthusiastic teacher. Remember that you will be flying in very close quarters during your training, and it is important to learn from a competent and compatible individual. You can certainly ask for the names of some past students and make a few phone calls to verify your chosen instructor's qualifications and teaching style.

Flight training in preparation for earning a private pilot single engine airplane license will cost from $3,500 - $6,000, depending on the area of the country in which you live, the type of aircraft used by the flight school, the capabilities and availability of your instructor, and your own motivation and dedication. Some flight schools have package deals (usually paid in advance) guaranteed to lead to a license, while others allow you to pay-as-you-go. It's best to have your finances in line before you start flight training so that there are no interruptions in your training schedule.

One of the most common reasons for student pilots to drop flight training is a misunderstanding of the time commitment necessary for completion of the program. Plan to spend 2-3 hours of preparation in advance of each flying lesson, and plan to fly at least twice a week, especially during the early stages of training when you are developing brand new motor skills. Each flying lesson will take another 2-3 hours of your time, plus the trip to the airport. Most instructors are willing to schedule lessons before or after your regular work hours. If you cannot devote this much time to flight training, you will learn more slowly and spend more money to achieve your goal.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) demands a bare minimum of 40 hours of flight training time, some flown "dual" (with instructor), some flown "solo," some flown at night, and some flown on cross-country trips, to qualify for a checkride leading to a license. Most students realistically need 65-75 hours of flight time to complete all the requirements and be thoroughly prepared for the final test. About half of that time will be "solo," with no instructor along, at a lower cost per hour. When you ask for flight training costs at your chosen facility, ask for rates for both the airplane alone and the airplane with instructor.

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