A future young aviator posted a message online asking for advise on how to get started, this is the advise I shared with them and I offer to everyone else.
I started primary training (that's what they call your private pilot's certificate) last February and passed my check ride in October. I looked a a large number of schools and finally decided to go with a Cessna Pilot center here in Oklahoma. (http://learntofly.com/)
It definitely wasn't the cheapest school around, but there were still a number of reasons I chose it. First off, the curriculum was very structured. On day 1, I knew exactly what I would have to read, study and learn for every single lesson, and I knew exactly what flight tasks we would be performing. It was an extremely accurate timeline. This is referred to as a "Part 141" school, they are held to higher standards by the FAA, and I feel gives a better educational experience for the money.
The next thing you need to do is meet all the instructors for the schools you are looking at. Talk to them, how well do you get along in casual conversation. The instructor you fly with (you should be able to pick your own, and use the same one for every lesson) is probably more important than the course work. You will be spending a LOT of time with this person, and your personalities need to be comfortable enough to allow for easy and casual learning, rather than intimidating and pressured. Make sure they have at least a handful of instructors. If you are flying with one and its just not working out, its OK to switch.
It might also be worth-while to find out what your potential instructors plans are. Are they really dedicated to teaching and their students, or are they going to jump ship as soon as they get their airline minimums. My instructor was working her way up to the airlines, and she had more than enough hours, but she was dedicated to the teaching for the time.
After you think you've found a school and instructor, go on a "Discovery Flight", which will let you get the feel for their airplanes, and how it is to fly with your future instructor. This whole experience should be very relaxed and enjoyable.
After you have decided that "yes, I want to do this", the school feels right, and the instructor feels right, you need to dedicate yourself to it, and keep the motivation up. On the same day you take your discovery flight, go ahead and purchase your books and anything else you'll need, and start learning that very same night. Make it a part of your schedule to read every day, even if it is for just a few minutes. Also, get with your instructor and book the next 30 day's worth of lessons (be it once or twice a week). Also, get your instructor to help you set a rough goal for a solo date, and a finish date (ie: I will solo in May and finish by September).
Keeping the commitment and energy is the hard part, reading and flying are easy. Find a network to keep you going. Get with other students at the school, find people here on Facebook, or sign up for AOPA Project Pilot (http://www.beapilot.com/).
I would love to help you as much as I can, please let me know if I can answer any more questions or give you and more advise. Best of luck, and hope to see you in the skies soon!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Flight Reflection - Kansas City Pick Up
5.4 Hours X/C; 2 Landings; KOUN-KIXD-KOUN
The Good - Engine pre-heat led to a good start and smooth run-up. Arrival at KIXD landing runway 36, wind was 300 at 21kts gusting 30kts; used localizer to maintain a stabilized approach, maintained positive aircraft control and great coordination to landing. On return flight to KOUN Mode C altitude was reporting over 2000 feet difference, causing ATC to terminate Mode C squawk, was able to provide manual reports and continue to receive flight following. Developing clouds along flight path resulted in needing to change cruise altitude, used appropriate phraseology so that controller's response was "roger" rather than "roger, maintain VFR".
The Bad - On take-off from KIXD, failed to recognize during before take-off check that door was not fully latched, was able to correct once airborne.
The Good - Engine pre-heat led to a good start and smooth run-up. Arrival at KIXD landing runway 36, wind was 300 at 21kts gusting 30kts; used localizer to maintain a stabilized approach, maintained positive aircraft control and great coordination to landing. On return flight to KOUN Mode C altitude was reporting over 2000 feet difference, causing ATC to terminate Mode C squawk, was able to provide manual reports and continue to receive flight following. Developing clouds along flight path resulted in needing to change cruise altitude, used appropriate phraseology so that controller's response was "roger" rather than "roger, maintain VFR".
The Bad - On take-off from KIXD, failed to recognize during before take-off check that door was not fully latched, was able to correct once airborne.
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