Thinking of getting my pilot's license.

esilassy · October 01, 2009, 02:06:03 AM

Just like the title says,m I'm thinking of taking the plunge. Now, being a senior member, I know there is not much CAP can do to help me, but does anyone have any good tips, ideas, etc? I'm thinking of having an instructor take me up and see if I like it for real or not. We don't have a CAP plan right now, or I'd buy some flight time for our pilot and have him take me up. Thoughts?? Should I? Can someone lend me some cash? HEHE.

Nolan Teel · October 01, 2009, 02:13:43 AM

Obviously as a SM you cant do your initial flight training in a CAP Aircraft. With that said, there's nothing wrong with having a CAP Pilot or CAP Instructor Take you up to do a Familiarization flight for your local area or maybe show you the ropes on the CAP Radios. Just an Idea. Where do you live?

arajca · October 01, 2009, 02:32:25 AM

Talk to the local CAP instructors. Some may be willing to cut you a break or work out a barter exchange.

Thrashed · October 01, 2009, 02:42:44 AM

FIND A GOOD INSTRUCTOR. This will make a huge difference in training. Find a plane that fits you and your wallet. If you are 6'4" and 225lbs, don't expect to fly a C150. On the other side, don't waste money on fancy aircraft for flight training. You don't need a glass cockpit, you don't need GPS or HSI, you don't need lots of extra horsepower or turbocharging, you don't need a "new" plane. If you do fit in a C150, use it (of course you should be under 6' and 185lbs). It's a fine trainer and there is nothing cheaper. I taught lots of people to fly in an old 1966 C150. There is plenty of time after you get your private certificate to experience new planes and toys inside. You can save about 50% off flight training by not using a brand new C172SP and flying an old C150/152 instead. Don't buy a bunch of crap from Sporty's pilot supplies. You don't need a $1000 headset. The $100 used one on ebay is just as good. I have 13,000 hours and that's what I use. A $.99 clipboard from Staples works just as good as the $50 one from Sportys. You get the idea.

Take a few demo flights. You'll find out real quick if you like it or not. If you decide to do it, don't stop, keep at it until you are done. Shop around for prices and instructors. If you don't like your instructor anytime during your training, replace him. It's your money. You're the boss. Enjoy it and have fun. Good luck.

flyguy06 · October 01, 2009, 03:37:21 AM

^ agreed. Flying is oneof themost exhilerating experiences youvan have. Take a intro flight and see if you really like it andif it something you would like to do. Go up with a buddy in CAP. If youlie it go to your local airport and find a school. Good luck

Airrace · October 01, 2009, 12:22:41 PM

Mkake sure you know what the cost will be. I would sugest taking the ground school portion first. Some of the local colleges in your area may offer a class in aircraft ground school at a resonable price.

Thrashed · October 01, 2009, 12:59:50 PM

From my experience colleges, Jr. Colleges, and most flight schools over-charge for ground school. You can get a DVD ground school new or used for much less. Of course, if you cannot self-study, then go to a classroom style ground school. You can pay $500 for this courses, or buy the whole ground school on DVD from Ebay for $99. Some schools, instructors, fellow students will load you their DVD's for free.

As for flight school costs, good luck with figuring out that. You can get an estimate, but no one ever knows. If they quote you for only 40 hours flying, walk away. You won't do it in 40 hours. Every one will learn at a different pace, but the national average is way over 40 hours. Make sure the school is not "hiding" costs.

Trung Si Ma · October 01, 2009, 03:44:25 PM

If you are not an MS/MO, work on them. All time spent in an aircraft helps you get comfortable with what is going on.

DG · October 01, 2009, 08:30:53 PM

Quote from: Trung Si Ma on October 01, 2009, 03:44:25 PM
If you are not an MS/MO, work on them. All time spent in an aircraft helps you get comfortable with what is going on.

Excellent advice!

MSgt Van · October 01, 2009, 09:30:13 PM

Fly as an observer. It was very helpful to me as a student pilot.

esilassy · October 01, 2009, 10:13:50 PM

Thank you for all the advice, definitely going to take some demo flights. Trying to get my MS/MO certs, but we don't have a plane right now.......
Nolan, I'm from Pittsburgh, PA.

FastAttack · October 02, 2009, 04:39:59 AM

I took a different path than most pilots take:

Learned to fly gliders first then transitioned to power.. all of my time in gliders counted towards my power rating.

in the end i think I spent around 4-5k in both my ratings.
Might seem like a lot but i did this in a period of 3 years.

also like someone suggested , get your scanner and observer ratings with cap.. this will hands on give you the necessary experience to become a pilot.
hell most of the observer sqtr is basic airplane groundschool ( well to a point that is)

DG · October 02, 2009, 05:02:13 AM

Quote from: esilassy on October 01, 2009, 10:13:50 PM
Thank you for all the advice, definitely going to take some demo flights. Trying to get my MS/MO certs, but we don't have a plane right now.......
Nolan, I'm from Pittsburgh, PA.

You will have a plane(s), soon enough.

Flying Pig · October 02, 2009, 02:47:40 PM

I started in Gliders and gained 60 hrs in gliders that was applicable to my ratings for Total Time when I did my commercial. After a few years, I did airplanes and later helicopters. Gliders are great training for learning weather and learning how powerful air and wind can be even when its not moving! Its great Emergency training. In a glider, every landing is an emergency landing.

FastAttack · October 03, 2009, 03:40:49 PM

Quote from: Flying Pig on October 02, 2009, 02:47:40 PM
I started in Gliders and gained 60 hrs in gliders that was applicable to my ratings for Total Time when I did my commercial. After a few years, I did airplanes and later helicopters. Gliders are great training for learning weather and learning how powerful air and wind can be even when its not moving! Its great Emergency training. In a glider, every landing is an emergency landing.

I bet you rarely have a miss-approach

esilassy · October 03, 2009, 05:05:09 PM

You know what they say, all takeoffs are voluntary. All landings are mandatory.

PHall · October 03, 2009, 06:33:01 PM

Quote from: esilassy on October 03, 2009, 05:05:09 PM
You know what they say, all takeoffs are voluntary. All landings are mandatory.

Until you attain escape velocity!

Nick · October 05, 2009, 04:13:26 PM

I know this has been touched on a little from various sources here, but to wrap it up into one easy answer ...

How much could I reasonably expect to budget from start to finish for single-engine private pilot, and then how much more for an instrument rating? (Not even looking at CAP ratings yet, just getting the certificate)

I need an idea of what I'm looking at before I can even start into this pipe dream.

Thrashed · October 05, 2009, 04:23:43 PM

It can really vary depending on the plane you choose, the instructor you choose and how much he charges, and how long it takes you to learn or how long you spread your training out over time.

I'd say a minimum of $6000 for the private, but it's up to you.

flyguy06 · October 05, 2009, 05:12:35 PM

The FAA says you need a minimum of 40 hours to get your private pilots certificate (its not a license) but the national average is 65 hours.

I would budget $6500 for the private. another $6000 for the instrument rating.

At the school I teach at the plane rents for $90 wet and 30. so multipy that times 65. then factor in the pre flight and post flight time with the instructor.

Nick · October 05, 2009, 08:55:49 PM

Okay, that's a good start for me. I think it's ridiculous that I've been in CAP for 12 years and haven't sat in a plane while it was airborne... hence why I'm starting to pursue the mission scanner/observer route for CAP and becoming a pilot.

I appreciate the info.

flyguy06 · October 06, 2009, 03:05:36 PM

Quote from: McLarty on October 05, 2009, 08:55:49 PM
Okay, that's a good start for me. I think it's ridiculous that I've been in CAP for 12 years and haven't sat in a plane while it was airborne... hence why I'm starting to pursue the mission scanner/observer route for CAP and becoming a pilot.

I appreciate the info.

You've been in Civil AIRPatrol for 12 years and never been up? That is odd.It does make me think of something though. I meet a lot of people in Civil AIR Patrol that only interetseed in ground team stuff. I find that interesting. In my community when I mention Civil AIR Patrol the first thing that comes to mind is flying. I wonder what it is that makes people think of ground stuff?

davidsinn · October 06, 2009, 04:11:18 PM

Quote from: flyguy06 on October 06, 2009, 03:05:36 PM
Quote from: McLarty on October 05, 2009, 08:55:49 PM
Okay, that's a good start for me. I think it's ridiculous that I've been in CAP for 12 years and haven't sat in a plane while it was airborne... hence why I'm starting to pursue the mission scanner/observer route for CAP and becoming a pilot.

I appreciate the info.

You've been in Civil AIRPatrol for 12 years and never been up? That is odd.It does make me think of something though. I meet a lot of people in Civil AIR Patrol that only interetseed in ground team stuff. I find that interesting. In my community when I mention Civil AIR Patrol the first thing that comes to mind is flying. I wonder what it is that makes people think of ground stuff?

I've been in three years and I have actively been trying to get in the air but do to geography and crappy luck I've never been able to pull it off. The only time I've been up in a light aircraft was after an SLS when one of the students needed to log an hour of night flying and offered to take my wife and I up.

esilassy · October 06, 2009, 05:35:55 PM

Looks like I may not be able to get my private certificate, don't know if I can pass a medical. My right eye has "issues" and can only be corrected to around 20/60. My left eye is 20/20 uncorrected. I guess I can get my sport pilot certificate and fly the wee little planes..... No CAP pilot for me though $:-\$

jimmydeanno · October 06, 2009, 05:43:56 PM

I don't know what the criteria is for your eyes, but I know of at least one CAP pilot who has one eye with Amblyopia and the other one has Strabismus. Somehow he manages to pass a flight physical...

esilassy · October 06, 2009, 07:08:24 PM

I wish I could go to an FAA doc and have him give me the physical to see if I pass, but not count it if I don't.

Nick · October 06, 2009, 07:19:02 PM

Quote from: flyguy06 on October 06, 2009, 03:05:36 PM
You've been in Civil AIRPatrol for 12 years and never been up? That is odd.It does make me think of something though. I meet a lot of people in Civil AIR Patrol that only interetseed in ground team stuff. I find that interesting. In my community when I mention Civil AIR Patrol the first thing that comes to mind is flying. I wonder what it is that makes people think of ground stuff?

Yup. Spent a year as a cadet squadron (with no plane), 4 years at wing headquarters in cadet programs (no flying), 2 years off, 2 years back at a cadet squadron (with no plane), 3 years in CAP-USAF (saw some planes, never flew in any), and now I'm finally at a composite squadron that's about to get a plane (albeit I'm still in cadet programs). Now that we're getting a plane is the reason why I'm starting to branch out.

Al Sayre · October 06, 2009, 07:21:31 PM

Have you seen an opthamologist? You may be able to get corrective surgery to 20/60 or better and then wear glasses or contacts to correct to 20/40 (I believe this is still the standard for PPL) or better. I know of at least one (non-CAP) pilot who got through this way.

SarDragon · October 06, 2009, 07:48:27 PM

Quote from: esilassy on October 06, 2009, 07:08:24 PM
I wish I could go to an FAA doc and have him give me the physical to see if I pass, but not count it if I don't.

Find one who will do a consultation. I'm working on the same thing here. I have a couple of potentially disqualifying issues myself. It might cost you twice as much if the consult comes out positive, and you get a subsequent physical, but, to me, it's worth it.

esilassy · October 06, 2009, 08:11:33 PM

Never thought of that...... HMMMMMMM.

flyguy06 · October 07, 2009, 06:37:24 AM

Quote from: McLarty on October 06, 2009, 07:19:02 PM
Quote from: flyguy06 on October 06, 2009, 03:05:36 PM
You've been in Civil AIRPatrol for 12 years and never been up? That is odd.It does make me think of something though. I meet a lot of people in Civil AIR Patrol that only interetseed in ground team stuff. I find that interesting. In my community when I mention Civil AIR Patrol the first thing that comes to mind is flying. I wonder what it is that makes people think of ground stuff?

Yup. Spent a year as a cadet squadron (with no plane), 4 years at wing headquarters in cadet programs (no flying), 2 years off, 2 years back at a cadet squadron (with no plane), 3 years in CAP-USAF (saw some planes, never flew in any), and now I'm finally at a composite squadron that's about to get a plane (albeit I'm still in cadet programs). Now that we're getting a plane is the reason why I'm starting to branch out.

You dont need a plane at your squadron to fly. I have never had a plane at my squadron. We meet in a church and I go flying in CAP aircraft all the time.

I can understand being on Wing staff. Hopefully you will get some flying done soon

Nick · October 07, 2009, 05:08:53 PM

Quote from: flyguy06 on October 07, 2009, 06:37:24 AM
You dont need a plane at your squadron to fly. I have never had a plane at my squadron. We meet in a church and I go flying in CAP aircraft all the time.

I can understand being on Wing staff. Hopefully you will get some flying done soon

I know. But, when you have one senior squadron with the plane, four composite squadrons and a cadet squadron in the local area ... guess who's doing the flying.

DG · October 07, 2009, 08:48:47 PM

Quote from: McLarty on October 07, 2009, 05:08:53 PM

I know. But, when you have one senior squadron with the plane, four composite squadrons and a cadet squadron in the local area ... guess who's doing the flying.

My guess would be the senior members who are pilots.

And the cadets who are in flight training.

FastAttack · October 08, 2009, 03:35:59 AM

Quote from: esilassy on October 06, 2009, 05:35:55 PM
Looks like I may not be able to get my private certificate, don't know if I can pass a medical. My right eye has "issues" and can only be corrected to around 20/60. My left eye is 20/20 uncorrected. I guess I can get my sport pilot certificate and fly the wee little planes..... No CAP pilot for me though $:-\$

Don't give up..

once i am done with med school i will very likely be an ME , being that i am as "studious as they come" I've read the ME handbook and found a lot of information that you say: oh I won't pass my medical.... Believe it or not the ME has a lot more "power" in issuance of class 3 medicals before they get denied or passed on to the FAA.

going back to your issue:
There are special cases within aeromedical handbook that can clear your way into a special issuance of a Class 3 medical. Although eyesight is very particular it is not as severe as the rest of medical cases ( cardiovascular problems is their biggest problem at the moment)

The best thing to do is join aopa contact their medical department and essentially to talk them. They will give you an idea if you can pass your test.
If not contact a local ME and talk to them before filling out any application this includes med-express.

Seek their opinion , and essentially they will tell you yay or nay. Without you ever getting a medical.
Do bare in mind if you decide to go into a medical and you get Denied*.. you can no longer practice Sport Pilot privileges or PIC as a glider pilot due to your denial.

*99% of the ME's won't deny you, they will defer it to the FAA.

I specially recommend you looking for an ME that is a pilot. They are a lot more flexible than none pilots.

Good luck

Climbnsink · October 18, 2009, 02:12:02 AM

If you are denied a medical you may still fly gliders(including motorgliders) and balloons as PIC. Busting a medical will prevent you from flying as a sport pilot. Also it is possible to do a dry run physical- but do not fill out any paperwork and make it very clear to everyone in the office not to fill out paperwork. If there is an exam and the form is filled out it counts. AOPA has resources forthis stuff it would be worth joining just for a year if need be.

FastAttack · October 18, 2009, 02:42:36 AM

Quote from: Climbnsink on October 18, 2009, 02:12:02 AM
If you are denied a medical you may still fly gliders(including motorgliders) and balloons as PIC. Busting a medical will prevent you from flying as a sport pilot. Also it is possible to do a dry run physical- but do not fill out any paperwork and make it very clear to everyone in the office not to fill out paperwork. If there is an exam and the form is filled out it counts. AOPA has resources forthis stuff it would be worth joining just for a year if need be.

Hmm I would double check on that statement.. once you been denied a medical you can't fly gliders..

I'll get the FAR that states it.

a2capt · October 18, 2009, 03:16:04 AM

It's a huge loop hole right now, with Sport Pilot. If you were ever denied a medical, you can't fly, but if you knew you would not qualify and just didn't seek a new one, you were not denied one, thus .. you can fly because the DMV says you can drive.

Make sense?

No.

It is what it is.

On the other hand, I have heard and read discussion that basically states that the private - glider rating is one that folks with denied medical history can seek and using a motorized glider, with an endorsement or primary training in one will allow self launches and the gliders, many have much better performance than the LSA limit. I have not actually dug out the FAR's to look.

Climbnsink · October 18, 2009, 02:41:52 PM

Gliders and balloons only require that the PIC self certify that they are safe to fly. Medical denials don't matter. Please stop spreading this nonsense. You can be PIC in gliders and have any number of disqualifying medical conditions.

Quote from: emertins on October 18, 2009, 02:42:36 AM
Quote from: Climbnsink on October 18, 2009, 02:12:02 AM
If you are denied a medical you may still fly gliders(including motorgliders) and balloons as PIC. Busting a medical will prevent you from flying as a sport pilot. Also it is possible to do a dry run physical- but do not fill out any paperwork and make it very clear to everyone in the office not to fill out paperwork. If there is an exam and the form is filled out it counts. AOPA has resources forthis stuff it would be worth joining just for a year if need be.

Hmm I would double check on that statement.. once you been denied a medical you can't fly gliders..

I'll get the FAR that states it.

Mustang · October 28, 2009, 02:04:50 AM

Quote from: Thrash on October 01, 2009, 02:42:44 AM
FIND A GOOD INSTRUCTOR. This will make a huge difference in training. Find a plane that fits you and your wallet. If you are 6'4" and 225lbs, don't expect to fly a C150.

Meh, it's doable if he can find one of those cute little 110 lb CFIs of the feminine persuasion--and there are quite a few of those around these days. I was about that (minus two inches) when I soloed.