Newbie questions

[jwcbf]

Hi Folks,

I have been interested in becoming a Pilot since I was a kid (Just turned 43). I just completed a ground school in Burbank CA.

1) Does anyone have a eewcommendation for a flight school in my area?

2) I work quite a distance from my home and I understand I should fly more than once a week. I was thinking of taking a lesson twice a week (one from each loaction... 2 different instructors). Does this seem like a bad idea? Pros/Cons?

3)I am hearing about 9 to 10 thousand to get my PPL from the couple of schools I have talked to. Does this seem inline?

110-120/hr wet... Cesna 172
50-55/hr for instuctor


Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
John

[gosterho]

I fly out of Ahart at Livermore, CA.

They have on their web site the following:

The cost for completing the program will vary by individual skill level, how many days per week you are able to commit to training and which kind of airplane you choose to train in.
Generally the total cost will run between $6,000 up to $9,000 with consistent training (on again/off again training tends to take longer and thus be a more expensive)

I fly Cessna 152's, which are less expensive, around $70 / hour wet, which could also save you some money if your weight and your instructors weight will work.

Choose instructor(s) carefully. Someone you feel comfortable talking to and working with.

I, personally would prefer working with just one that I liked, but there is no reason why two would be bad. Could pick up good information from both.

good luck.

[siegelaviation]

Originally Posted by jwcbf

I am hearing about 9 to 10 thousand to get my PPL from the couple of schools I have talked to. Does this seem inline?

Wow. That is ridiculous. $8000.00 should be tops, and that would be on the high side. Ever think about accelerated training?

Michael

[jwcbf]

Thanks for the replys...

I'm not sure what "Excelerated" training is. Am I correct in assuming it is a full time class/flight training program (~8hrs/dy)?

Where might I find information on such a program (any Flight School?).

Van Nuys Flight center advertises 9,000.000 plus which includes ground school. I told them I already finished GS. They told me that was the way their program worked. I can see a benifit to repeating the Bookwork but I don't want to pay the extra grand associated with that training through their school.

Thanks again
John

[siegelaviation]

Originally Posted by jwcbf

Thanks for the replys...

I'm not sure what "Excelerated" training is. Am I correct in assuming it is a full time class/flight training program (~8hrs/dy)?

Where might I find information on such a program (any Flight School?).

Van Nuys Flight center advertises 9,000.000 plus which includes ground school. I told them I already finished GS. They told me that was the way their program worked. I can see a benifit to repeating the Bookwork but I don't want to pay the extra grand associated with that training through their school.

Thanks again
John

http://www.siegelaviation.com/accelerated_ppl.html

[sync55]

On your way up to Private pilot you can stop off after twenty hours and take a check ride and get your Sport Pilot certificate. At least they you can start enjoying the privileges of being a pilot. If there are LSAs around you can rent and fly with one passenger and daylight only.
Just a thought

[jwcbf]

Thanks sync55,

That is something I will consider.

John

[Ameripilot]

Hey, I noticed your out of Burbank....I don't know if you would mind the drive, but in Pomona...they have a school called Air Desert Pacific and they had the cheapest rates I'd ever come across. They have awesome rates for twins also like Seneca's for 130 per hour or something like that. I can't remember the website name but just do a search for Air Desert Pacific! Good luck.....P.S. The drive is normally an hour, and 2 hours in traffic...I use to drive to Burbank airport everyday from there

[jwcbf]

Thanks AmeriPilot

I'll give them a look.

John