I need some information on flight lessons?

Question

I want to take flight lessons just because it's something I've always wanted to do. I pretty much just want to learn to fly light aircraft for pleasure, but I wouldn't object to working part-time as a charter or light cargo pilot once in a while. I love flying! My issue is that I have no idea how to pursue it. How long are the basic courses? Are they expensive? Are their different types of pilot licenses? How long is a license good for? Where do I go?

Answer 1

If you want to get into general aviation you should check out the local airports in your area(http://www.private2atp.com/fbo/all.html)... These are part 61 schools. There are many different ratings. Theres private, instrument, commercial, multi, and cfi ratings. Private pilot is what you will need to pursue first. It allows you to fly in certain weather minimums, from there you can decide whether to pursue other ratings. Take a discovery flight, some are free others cost about $50. The discovery flight gives you a chance to meet and discuss your training with an instructor. It also gives you a chance to see if you really like it. On average the rental of the aircraft plus an instructor(dual time) comes out between $130-150 the hour. You'll spend an hour and a half to two hours depending on what your covering. Its a good idea to fly at least twice a week. The cost would most likely be at least a little more than 6k but its a rough estimate. It all depends on how often you fly, the weather and a number of other factors. The more often you fly the cheaper it is in the long run. Its a minimum 40hrs to get your private but no one really completes it in that time, it will probably be closer to 50hrs or so. Your license(rating) is good as long as you can pass your medical and your current. Theres a lot of regulations on all this stuff, too much explain on here. Your first step should be to find a local airport pay them a visit and set up a discovery flight. If your interested in careers check out http://www.jetcareers.com/. That website is run by a delta pilot, theres a lot of information on there. Also http://www.airlinepilotcentral.com/, which gives you hiring minimums and salaries. Good luck and dont give up, flying is a blast!

Answer 2

Good last two posts. Just to address the first post, you need 20 hours before your SOLO flight - meaning without an instructor. She can start flying the plane - with an instructor - right away. I took off and flew the entire flight , sans landing, on my very first lesson. Good luck!

Answer 3

You can figure about $6,000 to get your private pilot's lesson. You can save some of that by taking "ground school" at your local community college. Instructors plus the plane rental average about $125 per hour. I would suggest that you start by visiting your local airport and asking around about flight schools. Of course, the military is one free way to learn to fly...

Answer 4

I called the local airport and just so happens that they have classes.  It was $80 per hour and you needed 20 hours of class before you could even get in the plane.