Im 15, should i start flying lessons??

Question

Ok. I know people start taking lessons at 15 or younger. Im only about 15 days into my 15th year, I want to know if its ok to go start now and fly twice a month since thats all the time i have for the next 50 years, until im 16 so i can solo. I know people start even earlier. Is there anyone here thats 15 or younger that has started. and should i start now and why??

Answer 1

When learning to fly it is best to do at least one lesson per week, this way things stay fresh in your mind and you won't spend more time and money than you need to. Call the flying school where you intend to learn and discuss your situation with them. Although they cannot legally let you go solo until 16, they may be able to do some other parts of the training syllabus in the meantime plus you can sit the required ground exams too. Certainly advisable to save up a lump sum of money so you can cover your lessons and do them all in a fairly short time. Flying is an awesome experience - go for it!

Answer 2

Go for it man im startig flying lessons next year to cause i wanna be a airline pilot, of course start right away, i olso talked to a pilot like a week ago and he said if you keep flying and wanna become a pilot you train till your 22 or 21 and then you can start flying one of those big aircrafts not 747 like 2 engine ones.

Anyway have fun.

Answer 3

What are your goals?  Do you want to fly recreationally, or are you preparing for a career?  How much money do you have available?

Keep in mind that flying twice a month will require spending a LOT of extra money because flying is like any other learned skill: the only way to get better is to practice, and the more often you practice, the more you'll retain.  Flying twice a month will require you to spend most of each lesson reviewing what you have previously learned.  You'll easily spend twice as much to learn to fly only flying twice a month compared to flying twice a week.  You'll also be held back by your age, so it'll be a year before you can solo and another year after that before you can take your checkride.  Be prepared to spend $15,000 to $20,000 if that's the path you want to take.

If you want to learn to fly to prepare for a career as a pilot, I'd strongly advise waiting at least a year or two.  You will regret spending all of that extra money when you are 24 trying to pay off a hundred thousand dollars in student loans.  The best thing you can do right now is get involved with Young Eagles or the Civil Air Patrol to get your feet wet while you focus on your most important task at this stage in your life: school.  You'll need both flight training and a college degree, so if you do well in school, you'll have a better shot at college scholarships.  If you get involved with a program like Young Eagles now, you might even be able to get a scholarship toward flight training.

If you just want to fly for the fun of it and time and money is no factor (lucky you), start whenever you want and have fun!

Answer 4

I started at 15 and had to wait to solo (on my birthday).  It was awesome.  I had to be driven to the airport (until I was 16) then I could fly hundreds of miles away all by myself.  I did one lesson a week, and it streatched out over about 19 months but it was very thorough.  I think I had a superb flight instruction period, and probably more cross country solos than I needed, but it was great flying around by myself.  Start now and have a blast!!!

Answer 5

What's your goal?  Do you want to be a career pilot?  If so, then starting this young won't really help.  It won't hurt though (other than costing more, since you'll wind up flying a lot until you're old enough to solo).  Personally, I'd wait until you're closer to 17.  That way, you won't ever get into the situation where you're stuck in a holding pattern because your age is preventing you from moving on to the next step (i.e. solo, then actual license).  

Answer 6

definatly start now!!!!

i have friends how could fly a plan before they could even drive, i waited intill i was 20 to get my private licence and i'm annoyed i didn't start sooner.

Answer 7

Most flight time is a waste of time and money before you are about 17.  I would strongly advise you to wait a couple of years.  If you start now, you will waste a lot of flight time doing the same basic skills over and over again.

Answer 8

I think that you are definitely old enough to start flying lessons. As long as you treat each lesson seriously and are responsible during the designated time. My father and his father both started flying when they were young and have thoroughly enjoyed it. I am glad that you are pursuing a good hobby that can be beneficial for some professions.

Answer 9

Why don't you get your DRIVER's license first. Master driving a car on the ground, and then go on to planes.