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How hard is it to become a pilot?

I have debated getting my pilots license many times. The main dilema I have is not the money, but just not being able to have access to aircraft that I would actually want to fly. I have toyed around with the idea for many years now and after flying GA aircraft in FSX I just do not think to me it would be worth the money. I would much rather fly classic aircraft, and there is no way to rent them. So on top of the $12,000 or so it would take for me to get the actual pilots lisence plus IFR, high power endoresements, etc I would need another million or so to pick up an aircraft. $2500 is a steal for this new sport rating, but you may as well get the actual license with other endorsements so you can do more than just fly in clear daylight weather. Plus I am sure a lot of people have families so only being able to carry 1 passenger isn't enough. I agree with the best way to learn is the military though. Our pilots our rated for multiple engines/rotor craft/fixed wing and VFR/IFR. All while getting paid for it. I should of definately gone to college and gone the officer path just for that bit alone... Not to mention they get their flight physicals and such through the military as well so they can go anytime and just rent an aircraft.
 
There is an easier way to go from an expense standpoint. I fly as much as I like.

http://www.all-about-ultralights.com/faq.htm

A true single seat ultralight requires no license to fly (assuming it meets the requirements of Part 103 for an ultralight aircraft).
Ultralights are defined and operate under simple guidelines specified in FAR Part 103. A summary of the rule is provided here:

  • [*] Single occupant only for recreation or sport purposes with 5 gallons maximum fuel.

    [*] Unpowered free flight empty weight under 155 pounds or powered weighs under 254 excluding floats or safety devices.

    [*] 55 knots maximum calibrated airspeed at full power in level flight, power-off maximum stall speed 24 knots calibrated.

    [*] Can be inspected by FAA to make sure it meets criteria as an ultralight.

    [*] Vehicle not required to meet any airworthiness certification standards

    [*] Pilot not required to meet any aeronautical knowledge, age, or experience requirements to operate or to have airman or medical certificates.

    [*] Not required to be registered or to bear markings of any type.

    [*] No operation is allowed that creates a hazard to other persons or property.

    [*] Only operate between sunrise and sunset unless equipped with a suitable anti collision light extending flight time to twilight periods 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset.

    [*] Yield the right-of-way to all aircraft and not create a collision hazard with any aircraft.

    [*] Do not operate an over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over any open air assembly of persons.

    [*] All operations are conducted in uncontrolled airspace unless prior authorization from the ATC facility to operate in within Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace, or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport.

    [*] Must comply with flight restrictions in the proximity of certain areas designated by Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and Temporary Flight Restrictions (TRF).

    [*] No person may operate an ultralight vehicle except by visual reference with the surface.

    [*] Visibility and cloud clearances similar to general aviation airspace. (see www.asa2fly.com for the specific FAR 103)
From the freedom to fly unregulated with a few public safety limitations the industry has successfully self regulated. However, common sense and the need for training was well recognized and the ultralight training exemptions were born to meet this need. Three national organizations obtained training exemptions for two place ultralight powered training.

It is inexpensive and easy to learn to fly. Several skills are utilized in brush country like the Texas Hill country. There tons of good ultralight fields with skills training around the world.
Ted
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Ken Stallings said:
There is a place within 30 minutes drive of my house that will rent you a servicable Skyhawk for $70 an hour. They will rent you a Piper Twin Apache for $250 an hour.

I respectfully submit I know of what I speak. :engel016:

Cheers,

Ken
Click to expand...

That's great that you have those resources available, but if we're being helpful, non-pilot readers need to know that nationwide Cessna 172 averages are probably more like 110/hr right now if I had to guess.

Let's also make sure they don't think that they can complete their sport pilot training in a cessna 172. I think a 152 might qualify though. I'll look that up and get back.
 
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
It's all about the $
It's hard enough for me to come up with the money to do THIS hobby let alone do it for real.
As it was metioned here by someone (I think) I get to fly anything here. In the real world, I know I can fly a Cessna 172(almost anyone can), Aeronca L-3, sailplane, etc because I've done it.
Even landed them. BUT, I honestly can say from someone who pretty much still lives paycheck to paycheck to pay the bills, I just can't afford to start lessons as much as I would LOVE to.
For now, I'll settle for this hobby and the occasional discovery flight my wife will buy me.
 
TomSteber said:
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
It's all about the $
It's hard enough for me to come up with the money to do THIS hobby let alone do it for real.
As it was metioned here by someone (I think) I get to fly anything here. In the real world, I know I can fly a Cessna 172(almost anyone can), Aeronca L-3, sailplane, etc because I've done it.
Even landed them. BUT, I honestly can say from someone who pretty much still lives paycheck to paycheck to pay the bills, I just can't afford to start lessons as much as I would LOVE to.
For now, I'll settle for this hobby and the occasional discovery flight my wife will buy me.
Click to expand...


If aviation is a lifelong passion, money comes second.

Most large flight school have financing programs. I did all my flight training as an E-1 and E-2. Just about everyone here knows how much they make.


The price is only going to keep getting higher, and it won't get cheaper. There's no better time than now!! Wives be darned.
 
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