What is the better choice money wise to get an introductory flight or go for an hour flying?

Question

I did an intro at a different airport already and also have been up in the air with a friend. I know I definitely want to get my pilots license but I want to check out a different airport before I decided which one to go to (both same distant from my house). I want to know which one I would get more of my moneys worth.

Answer 1

If you are HS age, you can get free exposure thru the EAA Young Eagles program. Contact your local EAA chapter for details.

Answer 2

I would do an introductory flight if you get hands on experience.  I know you do if you do an introductory flight at http://www.freedomfield.com but they are in Northern California and I don't know where you are at.

Answer 3

I'd agree.... introductory flight.

BTW, go directly to your local airfield / club (usually friendly) and don't be tempted by glossy brochures like 'red-letter days' or similar.  You'll get the same experience without the glossy mark-up

Answer 4

It all depends on the individual flight school.  Some times the intro flight will be a cheaper option because they are actually priced lower than the actual costs, but the school wants to encourage people to try.  I would suggest doing the math.  See what the flight school charges per hour for the plane AND instructor and any additional costs.  Then, figure out how that compares to the intro flight [find out how long the intro flight will last].

Another thing to look at is what planes the schools use.  You may pick one school over another because you like the kind of plane.  Also, almost always the school will do the intro ride in the cheapest plane [to save them money], but you might want to learn in another plane at the same flight school.  An example is where I learned.  At the time, they had a Cessna 150 and Cherokee 180 for primary training.  Intro rides were always in the Cessna unless the person was too large/heavy.  But, some people preferred the Cherokee. [in fact, it was much more popular around the time I finished my private, which was in the cessna.. easier to schedule for me :) ]

Answer 5

It's always wise to test everything before you jump out! :-)))

Take as much time as u need and learn in the intro first Good Luck,..

Answer 6

Depends on what you are trying to do.  Do you want to go for a ride for the fun of it, or are you interested in learning to fly?  If you just want to check things out from the air, go for an hour ride.  If you want an introduction to piloting, go for an introductory flight.  The difference in cost is trivial.

If you have any interest at all in learning to fly, go for the introductory flight.  There's nothing like experiencing the freedom of being at the controls of a small plane.  Have fun!