How do I get involved in flying aircraft?

Question

Hi, thanks in advance for reading this. I am a 15 year old kid and am starting to get interested in flying airplanes. I have never flown an airplane, let alone been in an airplane cockpit. Geez, I hope I spelled that right. Anyhow, are there like camps at the airport or something that will teach me how to fly? I am located near Rochester International Airport in Rochester, New York. Also, are these camps expensive? They obviously would provide some sort of aircraft for me to fly, but once the camp is over is there any way I could still fly? I obviously can't afford my own airplane so do airports offer planes for me to fly once I get my license? Also, are there any age requirements regarding pilot's licenses? A link to a website with information would be great. Thank you so much for your help, Dan M.

Answer 1

Dan, i have never piloted a plane, but go with your dreams and dont let anybody stop your dreams.

You will need to starrt small and graduate up.

How about joining the air force as a pilot - free training - expected to be able to kill folk though. Might a helicopter be as much fun??

Go for your dreams , be the best at whatever you do. Be the dream,

   good luck and best wises - and you spelt cockpit correctly!

Answer 2

Hi there Dan!

I'll answer your questions in the order you asked them

At some airports, there are full time Private Pilot License Courses, which usually consist of 1-2 months of full on training.

That would cost about $5,000 US

Once that period is over and you have acquired your PPL, you will be able to hire something your rated on, most likely a Cessna 152 or 172. They usually cost about $70-$100 an hour to hire.

You can start pilot training at any age, but you can't solo until you are 16.

I would recommend an airport alot smaller than Rochester Intl. because you are paying for engine time, not airborne time.

Try booking a regional flight at a nearby regional airfield with a flying school, they are loads of fun!

Answer 3

To do this you will need to get your (RPL) Restricted Pilot License and you will get your pilots log book. You then have to fill it up, also your hours will be done in an Cessna 152 or a Cessna 172.

Your age has to be 15 and older to be able to fly these Aircraft so you will be fine. But in order to own your pilots license you have to 16. But you can get all your hours up then sit for the test.

The test will be about Starting the Aircraft and checking it and labeling the parts like the Ailerons, Flaps, if it has a tricycle undercarriage and different types of wings.

Yes you will be able to hire out a Cessna for a Joy-Rides.

Here are some images of the Cessna's

This is a Cessna 152

http://www.galiffefamily.aviators.net/Ga...

And a Cessna 172

http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/his...

Hope this was helpful Dan :)

Answer 4

Good for you Dan!  It's good to find and develop an interest at an early age.  Many take a long time, self included.

Begin with developing your interest through gaining knowledge of the subject.  Use the Internet to research the fundamentals of flight.  Learn about some of the Pioneers and exceptional people who have contributed to Aviation.  That will enable you to understand and communicate your goals.

Keep your costs low by finding Air Cadets or other organizations in your area that help develop young aspiring aviators.  Keep your grades up so you might enter a University or Junior College where you can study aviation as a science.  With really good grades you might even get a scholarship.

Take it one step at a time with persistence and you may find your self in a career you will enjoy.

Good Luck

Answer 5

no there is not but there are flight classes  it shouldnt be more then 50 dollars

Answer 6

i can see you really want to fly on your own. well there is a minimum age for flying and mostly its 18 although 16 is allowed in certain countries. there are flying training schools and they offer theory and practical lessons. i stay in Dubai and don't know whether the airport near you has one but i am sure if you ask around there is one. after completion of your training, you can join flying clubs where you can pay to fly for fun that is if you don't want to go into commercial flying. well you can own your own if you have the money!

Answer 7

The main thing you need to give your attention to right now is just doing a good job of the tasks that are on your plate today.  You will be old enough to consider the technical details of your training and career development sooner than you think.

Right now, concentrate on being a person of good character and achievement.  Stay out of trouble:  no drugs, no alcohol, no trouble with the law like stealing or assault.  A reputation as a person of good character and social skills will work in your favor.

Take the courses you want to take, and talk it over with your school guidance counselor and your family.  Make sure you do well in mathematics and sciences, and also spend some time on civics and government, and also on geography.  A professional pilot has to have a really good understanding of law and regulations, and has to know where things are around the planet.

At the same time, do well in some physical pursuit.  You can't be a couch potato.  Do okay in Phys Ed, and find a personal sport that will help you develop strength and coordination.  This is important.

Also, read everything you can get your hands on about airplanes and aviation.  The more detailed knowledge you have, the easier it will be for you to learn the things you need to know to pass your aviation tests when the time comes.  Spend time in the library and read all the books and magazines about aviation and related subjects.

If you want to go by way of the military (and that's the most certain way of getting into the flight deck of an airliner), see your Air Force, Navy, or Marine Corps recruiter.  You can go to see them any time, even at age 15.  Your recruiter will advise you what college to go to and what to major in to maximize your chances of getting into military flight training.

When you are about 17, find the nearest flight school and go talk to the instructors.  Sign up for an introductory flight, and see what it feels like to fly a real airplane.  Do it that way, and avoid computerized flight simulators like FSX.  The simulators will teach you bad habits and give you a mistaken impression of what it's like to fly a real airplane.  Get some experience in the real thing before you mess with simulators.  This is important.

Get your private pilot certificate as soon as you can.  It will get you a head start on whatever additional training you need, either civilian or military.

Good luck, and have fun!