What is the best way to start lessons?

[flyboyBobby]

Hi, I'm 13 and I know how to fly a plane somewhat secessfuly. I'm going to join AOPA, and I'm a member of a local EAA chapter. I am wondering about starting lessons. Sine my buddies in my EAA chapter take me up about once a month and let me take the plane, a Tri-Pacer, off, fly it to a destination, and land it. How should I start lessons? Thanks, flyboyBobby

[djschaut]

flyboy,
I don't think you can actually possess a pilots license until you are at least 16, but you can take lessons. Just go to your local airport and ask around for a flight instructor, or CFI (Certified Flight Instructor). Then, once you found him, you'll have to make arrangements to pay him for his time. You'll have to rent or borrow a plane in which to take instruction. You will record all of your flight hours with the instructor in a logbook. You must keep your logbook up to date on all flights you take with your instructor. Don't log time you fly with a friend who is not your official flight instructor. When you are the right age, you can take the written private pilot exam and the check-ride by a certified FAA Examiner.

To start, just ask around for a CFI. If you can't find one, look one up in the yellow pages under Aircraft training or Flight Training. The CFI will cost you, though, anywhere from $20 to $40/hour for his time teaching you. But, you have plenty of time to stretch out your training and pay for it slowly. You can start by buying one of the flight instruction books that are used to prepare for the written exam, too. Look for one at a pilot's shop, or ask an instructor for one.

Good luck.

------------------
DJSchaut

[sideslip]

Flyboy: DJ is right in saying that you must be 16 to get a student pilot license and solo. However you can always fly with a CFI until you reach 16. Also the written exam is only good for 2 years so you can learn things now but don't need to take the written test until you are at least 15. (You have to be 17 to get a private license, so if you take the written test before you are 15 then you will have to take it again before your private pilot checkride. So for now keep flying with others or a CFI and enjoy learning. Great to hear that you want to do this.

[BW]

The best way to start a lesson is to ask your CFI what will be expected on your next, or in your case, initial flight instruction. Studying before will save you and the instructor time and you will get more out of your lessons.

[absolutlyfly]

Flyboy:
I am a student pilot preparing to abtain my private pilot's, I am also 16. I started my flight trainnig in August after I had compleated a ground school at the local aero club; knowing full well that it would be 9 months untill I can take my FAA checkride. The best advise I can give you is to not start taking lessons untill you are 16 and 6 months old. I say this because if you have the time and the money than you will be done in a few months. And waiting untill your 17th birthday is the WORST. I am 7 weeks away from my birthday and am getting very excited.

When you start to fly so young expect some attention. I have had three articales on me put into local newspapers; for being the youngest to solo at the aero club. Also rember you will not be one of the "guys" for many months, mainly because all of the piolts are midle age and don't like minors. Some will imprace you quickly while others never will.

I know that is not what you wanted to hear but it is the truth. The FAA just dosen't want "kids" to fly $100,000+ aircraft. And the wait will seem longer if flying is in your blood like myself.(3rd generation pilot) sorry to be the downer but keep flying with the EAA chapter and good luck.
Absolutlyfly

[karlkulling]

Hi Flyboy,

Im 16 and 1 month old. I bought the Gleim's book to the PPL Written test ( the big red one). I find that the best way to study for the exam. I started taking flying lessons when I was 15 and about 6 months. However I have had much prior experience flying with my father. I suggest you do start taking lessons. I soloed on my 16th birthday, and it really is something special. I don't mind waiting out the summer, it is a time for me to rack up hours and experience. Meanwhile I still fly with my father in our Cessna 340 (very beautiful airplane, go see one or find some pictures). Im hoping to take my checkride as close to my 17th birthday as possible, and then that summer take a crash course (excuse the pun) to get my multi and my instrument.

Anyway, what it all boils down to, is fly as much as possible with your EAA chapter. By your first lesson, you will be way ahead of the game.

~Karl