Sadly, many of the people who begin flight lessons are never able to see them through to earning a certificate. Much as the NCAA basketball tournament that begins with 68 teams gets whittled down to the final four, pilot candidates fall to the wayside for a plethora of reasons. But this article will discuss the four most common pitfalls and suggest strategies so you become a pilot rather than falling victim to these obstacles.
Obstacle 1 – Money
Flying is not an activity for the thin of wallet
Unfortunately, flying is not an activity for the thin of wallet. I began taking lessons when I was in college and would fly until I ran out of money, earn money, fly until broke again, earn more money, fly some more – lather, rinse, repeat. During each layoff, whether for a few weeks or a few months, I lost skills requiring more time and more money being spent than if I would have been able to complete my training in a single session.
The most affordable solution to this obstacle is to formulate a plan so your flight training will not be interrupted by a lack of funds. Start with a realistic notion of what the training will cost. Some flight schools will quote the minimum 40 hours of flight and 20 instructional hours as to what you should expect to earn a Private Pilot Certificate. I am not saying this never happens, but I will commit that few students achieve their rating with the minimum hours of training.
Figure a more common number of 60 flight hours with 2/3 of that being time with an instructor for your Private certificate. A Sport or Recreational certificate, however, can be earned in 40 hours or less. Either of these ratings will allow you to take a friend along on your aeronautical adventures! Throw in another $2,000 for incidentals such as study material, charts, headsets, plotters, flashlights and barf bags. Now we have a realistic number somewhere just north of $10,000. By starting a savings plan on the order of $500 per month, this time next year your “flying” account will be worth $6000. If it takes six months to complete the training, an additional $3000 will be added to – pocket some “flying around” money and there you have it. This savings system offers the advantages of a pilot’s license with no additional debt because of it.
Obstacle 2 – Time
Being a pilot is going to require more time and effort than most pastimes.
It takes time to become an accomplished pilot. Sure there are those whose work schedule and innate ability allows them to realize their pilot license goal in a couple of weeks, but for most of us, for a variety of reasons, the process usually takes from six months to a year or more. Most pilot candidates are smart, successful and driven. They can go to the boat dealer today and be captain of their ship tomorrow. The American Motorcycle Association conducts courses allowing a beginner to earn his motorcycle license in one weekend. Open water SCUBA certificates can be earned at a resort in less than a week.
Being a pilot is going to require more time and effort than any of the aforementioned pastimes. In addition to the physical skills of launching an airplane into the sky and returning it safely to the earth, the prospective pilot must learn to navigate, develop an understanding of the voluminous Federal Air Regulations (14CFR), be conversant in the physics of flight, let alone familiarity with the engine, fuel, electrical, and environmental systems for any airplane they intend to fly. Substandard performance is not acceptable and will likely lead to tragedy for the hapless pilot, his or her family, and perhaps unintended victims on the ground.
Great results can be achieved by devoting time for twice weekly lessons. Starting in the spring as the days are lengthening provides the extra daylight after most of us finish work which is essential for the initial training. The shorter periods of daylight as fall approaches makes it easier to get in the required night flying experience as you prepare for your check ride. Some days due to weather, maintenance or scheduling problems, you may not be able to fly. Use this time to study in preparation for the written and practical tests. The point here is to stay on schedule. It can be easy to allow one missed lesson to turn into two – then another. Soon three or four weeks have gone by and you haven’t flown. Now you may be out of the habit and find it might be easier to give up on your dream rather than completing it.
Obstacle 3 – The Reluctant Family
Talk about the benefits of general aviation with your family.
Confession time here. I learned to fly before I got married and my wife, Rose Ann, is all on board with general aviation. My mother, however, was a worrier (I think that is what mothers do) and I knew it would upset her to think I was learning to fly – so I didn’t tell her until after I earned my license. I would NOT recommend this approach with a spouse, but would suggest getting your family on board before your training begins. Talk about the benefits of general aviation. The vacations, the day and weekend trips only possible when cruising over the countryside at 120 mph rather than being stuck on a highway dodging distracted motorists and orange barrels at half that speed.
One of the best and often overlooked methods to ease your spouse’s mind is to offer them a “Pinch Hitter” course. This will usually consist of ground sessions and enough dual instruction for them to be able take control of the airplane, operate the radios, and land it in case of an emergency. They will learn how aircraft fly and why the aircraft won’t necessarily fall out of the sky with every little thing that could possibly go wrong.
Now when they are at a party, reception, or barbeque and someone exclaims, “Oh my goodness, you’re not letting YOUR NAME HERE fly in those little airplanes are you?” Your significant other will be prepared to explain why they are happy you are flying, how they learned to land the plane in an emergency, how they can help on every flight, and why they are happy you are learning to fly. In addition to easing their mind the Pinch Hitter training has the added benefit of providing you with a knowledgeable “co-pilot” when you fly together.
Obstacle 4 – Fear of the Unknown
Do I have the right stuff to fly an airplane? I hear you have to pass a medical exam, am I up to that? Ground school, I haven’t been to school in years! Written and practical tests, I hear they are tough and no one passes on the first try! I live in a metropolitan area with several flight schools how do I choose the right one? /conversely/ I live in a rural area with no advertised flight instruction how can I find someone to teach me?
These are all valid concerns. A great solution to these concerns (and others that may come up) is to seek out a mentor. You may already know someone who flies. If not, visit your local airport, hang out for a while on the weekend. Pilots as a group are eager to share their knowledge and experience. Ask around. You can probably get a ride in exchange for an offer to share in the gas bill or buy lunch. The pilot may even agree to let you take over the controls for a while so you can see how easy and comfortable it is to fly a modern airplane.
Talk to them about the medical requirements. For the rural airport lacking a flight school, your mentor may be able to point the way to a Certified Flight Instructor and a local flying club with training aircraft looking for an additional members. Where choice exists, your mentor can help you find the best flight school to accomplish you goal. Together with the instructor your mentor can coach you through the knowledge test and explain what is involved with the medical examination. AOPA.org is an excellent source of information about certain disqualifying medical conditions but remember for a Sport, Glider and Balloon Pilot certificate, no additional medical requirements than those requested for a state driver’s license are needed.
Get Started
Start saving or set aside savings for your flight instruction. Plan when you will have time over a several week period to complete your training. Get all the stake holders on board. Find a mentor. Soon – much sooner than you think – you can add the title “Pilot” to your resume. So the time to get started is now.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/05182911/Picture4.jpg343480Charlie Mastershttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngCharlie Masters2023-05-31 08:55:332023-05-26 12:05:55Breaking the Barriers, the Final 4 Obstacles to Your Flight Training
A question that often arises with new student pilots, when there is an option, is, “Should I train in a round-dial airplane or one with a glass flight deck?”
In some cases, a flight school may only have one choice, an older round-dial airplane or a newer glass flight deck airplane. If you want to train at this flight school, your choice is made for you.
Definitions
First, I should define some terms. When I speak of round-dial airplanes, sometimes called “steam gauge airplanes” <cringe>, I am talking about an airplane with a mechanically driven “6 pack” of standard instruments. A glass flight deck airplane has the traditional instruments replaced with an LCD screen representation of the same information. Backup instruments may be mechanical or glass from a separate power source. There are also partial glass hybrids where some of the mechanical instruments have been replaced with LCD representations of individual instruments but other mechanical instruments still exist.
Partial glass hybrids where some of the mechanical instruments have been replaced with LCD representations of individual instruments.
In my experience, many of the LCD instruments in a partial glass hybrid flight deck are much like the mechanical instruments that they have replaced so I will consider them the same for the purposes of this post. There are certainly advantages of the partial glass hybrid flight decks but I won’t touch on those here.
Decision Time
When deciding between training in a traditional round-dial airplane or training in a glass flight deck airplane, the first thing you must ask yourself is the question, “What type of airplane will I be flying after I get my rating?”
If you are training to fly an airplane that you own or will be purchasing, train for the equipment installed in that airplane when possible. The same advice applies to renter pilots. If your favorite fixed base operator (FBO) only has one style of flight deck, train for that flight deck.
Traditional 6-pack.
If you are not sure about the answer to the question or your FBO has a mixed rental fleet, the flight deck type becomes more about personal preference. Your decision should be based upon the skills that you bring to the flight deck and the pros and cons of each design.
A student who is not comfortable with or struggles with computers, might want to consider going the round-dial route if available.
Modern glass flight decks typically have more to learn and may require additional study on the part of the student. This is certainly true when comparing it to the simple flight decks of older trainers without a GPS. Newer round-dial trainers with a multi-function display, a GPS, and an autopilot can be nearly as complex as their glass cousins.
For basic understanding and interpretation of the flight instruments, learning the instruments in a glass flight deck may be easier for the beginner. Digital readouts for altitude, airspeed, and heading are just simpler and require little interpretation.
The glass flight deck can also improve situational awareness with little effort.
Fully-integrated glass flight deck.
On the downside, a glass flight deck can be very pretty and it may be hard to take your eyes off of it. This is a bad thing when you are flying under visual flight rules and your eyes are supposed to be outside of the airplane.
Round-dial airplanes will be somewhat older and may have a cost advantage over the glass flight deck airplane. They and their hybrid cousins may also be more prevalent for now.
Regardless of the flight deck type you use for training, if you decide that you want to fly the other type after obtaining your rating, YOU MUST GET TRAINING on that design! I have seen transitions in both directions at our flight school and both have their difficulties and hang-ups that can only be resolved through proper training.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/26113926/Full-panel-8K.png43207680studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngstudentpltnews2023-05-30 14:30:252023-05-26 11:45:58Round-Dial or Glass, Which Is Right for Me?
What should you expect on your first flight lesson? Sporty’s has partnered with airshow pilot and flight instructor Spencer Suderman in a video series designed to answer these important questions. Each video addresses common flight training questions, including the basics of airplane control and how to make better landings. Suderman shares practical tips throughout,
In this episode, Spencer takes Paula (a new student pilot) out for her first flight lesson in a Cessna 172. You will see what it’s like to learn the basics of airplane control and how your CFI will coach you along the way to make each lesson a fun learning experience.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/23094823/lesson-4.png477842Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngEric Radtke2023-05-29 08:55:282023-05-23 09:49:54Paula’s Discovery Flight – Private pilot training tips with Spencer Suderman (episode 4)
Editor’s Note: As part of Sporty’s Learn to Fly Month, Flight Training Central is pleased to offer this compilation of candid advice on choosing the right flight instructor from the Board of Directors of the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI). NAFI has supported the aviation teaching community since 1967 mentoring, educating, and advocating for those in the teaching profession. The NAFI Board represents more than 300 years of collective teaching experience.
Karen Kalishek, Chair
During a recent Sporty’s podcast (Flight training trends and wing walking) I was asked what a what a learner should be seeking in a flight instructor. This very important question deserves a thorough answer. Having a good CFI who is invested in the learner and really understands the learning process, cares about the relationship and his or her student’s success, is a vital component of successful flight training. Finding a CFI who excels at instructing provides lifetime benefits. The NAFI Board of Directors and CFI staff share their thoughts below:
George Allen, Director
Finding a good flight instructor is essential. Equally important but less discussed is how to be a good flight “instructee” (learner). Learning how to fly is a personally transformative experience. It is a marathon, not a sprint. To be a good learner it is key to be in a good place in life with the right mindset: patient, ready, and willing to learn. A good instructor can help stoke the flames of your passion for aviation but cannot give it to you. Take charge of your own learning. Do your homework. Be prepared for each session. Ask questions with assertive curiosity. Be cordially direct. A good instructor will appreciate your enthusiasm, curiosity, directness, and preparedness. He or she will empathize and encourage you as you reach the inevitable plateaus, provide you with a safe learning environment to learn through experimentation and mistakes, and inspire and challenge you to always fly your very best.
Aaron Dabney, Director
They need to be able to concisely and clearly state why they teach. “Passion” is a lazy answer. What is it that they REALLY want to pass along? I have never seen “passion” save anyone’s life.
Can they put into words the culture of their flight school?
If they can’t show a syllabus for both flight and ground training, that’s a no-go.
It is not a deal breaker if they’re a new CFI-somebody has to be your first student. But what kind of support and accountability is in place? Who is the leadership? What does their experience look like? How hands-on are they?
Who maintains their airplanes? How long has that shop/mechanic been maintaining their airplanes?
What kind of insurance coverage do they have?
JD DeBoskey, Secretary
Choose a good instructor…let’s take a look at the verb and the adjective in this question.
The verb, choose:
This implies the student pilot actually has a choice in CFIs, which may not be the case at some flight schools. New students don’t always have the background or experience to recognize that these assignments are less than ideal for their learning. The investment for flight training is a substantial one, so take some time to interview/research available training options. Important questions to ask would be:
What is the background and experience of the CFI?
What is the CFI’s weekly availability for my lessons?
If I plan to fly 3-4 days per week, are aircraft and CFI staff available?
If the CFI and I do not “click”…what happens?
How many training aircraft are there of the same type?
Is your maintenance staff on the airport? What is their experience level?
What is the school policy in case of an accident/incident?
Is mentoring available to me with folks in different AVIATION career tracks?
Questions like these would help the student to CHOOSE the flight school that works for them.
The adjective, good:
What makes a good flight instructor? Being a good teacher, a good pilot, and a good listener.
Good Teacher: Knowing how to relate and share topics for each individual. A good teacher can relay information to students of different shapes, sizes, intellect, ability, and desire to learn.
Good Pilot: A good pilot can proficiently demonstrate all the maneuvers outlined in the applicable Airman Certification Standards. Being able to both “show and tell” a student the right way to fly is part of the bed rock of a good flight instructor.
Good Listener: A good CFI pays attention to both words and actions. Sometimes students do not know how to ask questions and a good CFI will be able to discern what is needed by ‘listening’ through observation.
Tom Dorl, Director
Something that I have used teaching instructors and looking for desirable qualities for a CFI are binned in three large buckets –those are Humble, Approachable and Credible. Considering asking the following:
Humble
How do you provide constructive criticism and feedback to improve my learning experience?
Please describe your background as a pilot and an instructor
What is your personal motivation to be a teacher and flight instructor?
Describe your teaching philosophy to me as a private pilot, instrument student, commercial, etc.
Why should I pay you to teach me how to fly when there are others at this FBO, flight school, location? Or why should I choose you?
Approachable
What are your scheduling procedures—how far out should we schedule ground and flights?
How do you as a CFI approach teaching on the ground and in the air?
Describe how you can provide a favorable learning environment
Describe or provide an example of your teaching techniques, procedures, and actions.
Credible
Years being a CFI and what is your availability to fly and do ground training?
Are you a Gold Seal instructor?
How do you keep current and up to date on latest flight training issues, information, and industry changes?
Are you a member of AOPA, NAFI, other GA support organizations?
Do you have a code of ethics you follow as a CFI?
Greg Feith, Director
Learning to fly is an exhilarating experience! Being a pilot is an honor and a privilege, not a right! Thus, a student, regardless of certificate or rating level, must be “all-in” and passionate about flying. Just going through the motions may enable you in the long run to “fly” an aircraft, but you will not possess the foundational skills, abilities, knowledge and understanding necessary to be a safe, professional, competent pilot. Thus, when selecting a flight school and instructor, the student should:
1) Visit several schools and just observe the interaction of flight school staff with students, instructors, etc. You can learn a lot about the level of professionalism, the quality and character of individual instructors, and the commitment the school has to its customers
2) Determine what learning style you (the student) prefer that will enable you to learn efficiently and effectively. Take a Discovery Flight with several instructors at one or more flight schools to experience the methods that the respective instructor employs and choose the person who fits your style
3) Conduct a brief interview with the instructor before selecting to see what their goal/aspirations are in the immediate future. All too often, a student starts with one instructor only to have that person leave and the student “gets passed around” to other instructors which results in a loss of interest in continuing instruction or even flying
4) Talk to other students who are currently flying to see if they have a recommendation about a particular instructor
5) Flying should not feel like “a job” but rather an activity the student looks forward to because they know they are going to have fun and a great learning experience with their flight instructor. It is all about sharing the passion of flight!
John Gagliano, Director
A good flight instructor is someone you, the student, can learn from and admire. Someone who looks sharp, is warm, friendly, smart, relatable, and reliable. . . whatever those words mean to you, the student. Because everyone learns differently, some good instructors are not good for some students. The truly best instructors quickly identify how a student learns and gear lessons to fit the student’s learning style. Although having a primary instructor is important, flying with different instructors along the way is equally important because each instructor’s technique and experiences are different. A student pilot needs to develop his or her own safe and effective flying techniques – being exposed to a diversity of experiences from more than one instructor is a key part of that process.
Adam Magee, Treasurer
Get a feel for instructor availability, or in place of your main instructor, who can also provide instruction and their availability.
Logbooks, Syllabus, and record keeping – how do they ensure that your training will progress and flow to avoid excessive redundancy and cost, especially given instructor availability and different instructors.
Will the instructor actually give comprehensive ground instruction and complete pre-flight and post-flight instruction in the classroom, or are they only interested in flying?
Bob Meder, Chair Emeritus
In interviewing potential instructors, and by extension, their affiliated flight school, try to determine whose interests they have at heart. The best instructors I have met and have tried to emulate are those who revel in their students’ successes and show genuine concern about the difficulties that their students may be having. Further, an excellent flight instructor will never shy from the truth about their students’ performance, whether good or bad, while ensuring any critique is positive and presented in a way that the student will accept it. Finally, the instructor must at all times be willing to accept legitimate critique from their students, while never lowering their standards. All in all, the best instructors are those who display the characteristics of a good coach, a thoughtful mentor, a reasonable authority figure, and an empathetic partner in the student’s success.
John Niehaus, Director of Program Development
I think asking an instructor to describe their teaching style is extremely important. The follow up question is how does the instructor’s style change based on the needs of the students?
Having taught a multitude of students who learn differently, it is so important to know that an instructor is not a one-size-fits-all, lecture/verbal teacher. While that can work, sometimes it does not and even more, sometimes it is the slowest way to the finish line.
Paul Preidecker, President
Interview type questions such as the following can be used:
As an instructor, please describe what my success at becoming a pilot looks like to you
What is your students’ first-time pass rate on FAA practical examinations?
Are you a member of a professional flight instructor association?
Have you had any accidents or incidents? If so, what did you learn?
I have a busy schedule. What is your recommendation on days per week or days per month I should be scheduling lessons?
What are your fees for ground and flight time?
Please describe what the footprint of a typical lesson is.
I see that you are one of several instructors at this airport. If you are not available when I am, can I schedule one of the others?
Why are you an instructor?
Can I see your maintenance department?
Where is the nearest FAA examiner (or DPE) located?
My young daughter is really excited about airplanes. Can she come along on a lesson?
Does your school do ground school first, and then flight training. Or is it integrated?
Gus Putsche, Director
When you are looking for a flight instructor, here are a few things that will help both you and the potential CFI know what to expect:
What are your goals and aspirations? This tells the instructor what you expect to achieve.
If you have a timeline or other concerns regarding training
What other interests do you have such as hobbies or activities? This helps the instructor find ways to relate
Have you worked with any other instructors or schools?
What did you take away from that experience – positives and negatives?
How much time do you have to devote to this process? Weekly / Monthly
Your answer affects how long / expensive your training will be which will help to manage your expectations
How does the instructor determine that you are ready for a check ride?
Do you expect to be able to take the check ride as soon as you reach the hours required in the regs or does the instructor expect your performance, in addition to the hours, determines when you can take the check ride?
Diligence and hard work make achieving your goals personally satisfying. You have accomplished something only a small percentage of the population can understand.
Brian Schiff, Director
When choosing a flight instructor many learners need to realize how much say they have. After all, they are paying. It is important that anyone receiving flight instruction feels comfortable with their CFI. They don’t need to know WHY the two may or may not “click”–just THAT they do. Otherwise, they should seek a different instructor. Too many pilots drop out of flight training thinking that they are not cut out to fly, not realizing that it is because of their lackluster relationship with the CFI. Learning to fly should be a fun and comfortable experience. If you’re not having both, then change CFIs until you are.
Victor Vogel, Director
The Aviation Instructor’s Handbook gives students great advice about choosing an instructor. They should evaluate these instructor behaviors and characteristics:
An instructor should motivate learners. More can be gained from wanting to learn than from being forced to learn. When instructors can show the benefits and purpose of the lesson or course, the learner’s enjoyment and their efforts increase.
We must keep learners informed. Instructors can minimize feelings of insecurity by telling learners what is expected of them and what they can expect in return. Instructors keep learners posted on their progress, and give them adequate notice of examinations, assignments, or other requirements.
We instructors must always approach learners as individuals. Each learner has his/her own personality that stems from the characteristics and interactions of its members.
A good instructor will give credit when due. Praise or credit from the instructor is usually ample reward and provides an incentive to do even better.
We must criticize constructively. If a learner has made an earnest effort but is told that the work is unsatisfactory, with no other explanation, frustration occurs. On the other hand, if the learner is briefed on the errors and is told how to correct them, progress can be made.
We instructors must be consistent. If the same thing is acceptable one day and unacceptable the next, the learner becomes confused. The instructor’s philosophy and actions need to be consistent.
Finally, we need to admit our errors when they occur. The instructor can win the respect of learners by honestly acknowledging mistakes. If the instructor tries to cover up or bluff, learners sense it quickly. If in doubt about something, the instructor should admit it.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/03103816/charlie-chris-hood.jpg7201280Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngEric Radtke2023-05-26 08:55:402023-05-26 09:01:10What qualities to look for in an instructor with the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI)
Beginning your flight training journey is an exciting step and also a significant commitment—it’s something you want to be sure about to find success. Earning your certificate is not something that happens overnight and requires not only financial resources, but also your time in preparing for and completing each lesson. Anyone considering a pilot training course has similar questions that help make your final decision on when, where, and how to get started.
As a pilot and lead sales and customer experience representative at a busy flight school, I spend most of my time speaking to individuals interested in the pilot experience. And while the questions posed are mostly the same, the answers are not. Answers and solutions vary based on each person’s circumstances, but there is universal guidance to help get you started. Here are three questions I’m being asked right by with potential students.
How long will it take to earn my private pilot certificate?
While we can’t get to the specific hour or day, the good news is that you control much of your own destiny. In other words, how much time you have to commit to the process will be the greatest influence on your time to certification. While you control many of the variables related to time, it’s also important to have realistic expectations of the flight school and flight instructor availability.
Work schedule, family, and other obligations will certainly come into play so you’ll want to ensure you have the full backing of your personal support network. Some students are able to take lessons daily, while others may be only able to take lessons on weekends. A good balance is a schedule allowing two or three lessons per week. I know this is a successful recipe for balancing enough time for adequate preparation and ensuring good continuity in your training.
I’d suggest being wary of schools that promise a license in 40 hours and a couple of weeks. Not only can this be indicative of poor training quality, but some of these organizations may have ulterior motives. Remember, learning to fly should be a pleasurable experience and not feel like boot camp. You’re in this for the long haul!
Here’s my breakdown of what you can expect in calendar time to certification:
1-2 lessons per week – around 6 months+
2-3 lessons per week – around 3-4 months
4-5 lessons per week – around 2-3 months
Accelerated (2 lessons a day, 6 days a week) – 3-4 weeks.
2. How many hours do I need to fly to earn my private pilot certificate?
This is another question involving a number of variables without an exact answer, but again, you are in control! The greatest influence on training time is entirely related to the time you are willing to invest in preparation. For students who commit to the recommended frequency and good study habits, the average amount of hours our students have in the aircraft before checkride is 50-60 hours. If a student enters a program with previous experience and studies hard, I do not doubt training time of less than 50 hours can happen. Conversely, if a student enters a program entirely unprepared and doesn’t dedicate themselves to the training, they may experience training hours far beyond 60 hours. Bear in mind, these are new physical skills you’re acquiring as a pilot and likely no two pilots will complete in the same amount of time.
The greatest influence on training time is entirely related to the time you are willing to invest in preparation.
3. How much does flight training cost?
Similar to the last two questions, the answer is very much dependent on the student’s personal investment of time and preparation. Based on the average of 55 hours, you could expect an investment ranging between $11,000-$13,000 based on aircraft pricing in the Midwest. Now, that’s not to say you can’t get through the program with fewer hours which, in turn, saves you money. One of the benefits of Sporty’s Academy is that we don’t require large deposits or exorbitant fees to begin and continue your flight training. Be wary of those that do. We offer a pay-as-you-go option, which tends to help when it comes to budgeting.
The answer to all of these questions is: “it depends on the student.” We offer a customizable service that caters to the needs of each individual person, whether a student wishes to fly once a week or twice per day. We certainly push our students to earn their license in 55 hours or less and provide a supportive environment and numerous resources to support our students’ success.
You may also consider asking about lower-cost aircraft options. For example, we offer a lower cost airplane with only the basic equipment. Investing in an online training course for your ground school and written test preparation, such as Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course, will also pay for itself many times over.
The good news is that you control much of your destiny—predicated on your dedication to learning and the continuity of training. Stay engaged, be a dedicated student, and study hard to succeed in flight training. It’s always a great time to get started on an aviation path. The aviation community and industry are unlike any other and you will create many phenomenal life experiences and build lasting friendships along the way.
Stay engaged, be a dedicated student, and study hard to succeed in flight training.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/05155630/copilot-seat.bak.jpg7681024Brady Kannadyhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngBrady Kannady2023-05-25 08:55:202023-05-23 08:43:033 questions student pilots are asking right now
Taking a checkride can be a stressful event, but it doesn’t have to be. Understanding exactly what to expect in your oral and practical, and how to prepare effectively, can make all the difference between disaster and a valuable, enriching experience. Learn from Designated Pilot Examiner, Jason Blair, as he unlocks the mysteries of the checkride and provides you with the knowledge, tips and strategies to ace your next exam.
Jason Blair is an active single and multiengine instructor and an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner with more than 6,000 hours of flying experience and more than 3,000 of instruction. In his role as Examiner, Jason has conferred more than 2,000 pilot certificates.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/05171111/flight-instructor-with-student-ground-lesson.jpg505900Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngEric Radtke2023-05-24 14:30:172023-05-24 12:58:43Webinar video: Pass your checkride with DPE, Jason Blair
Breaking the Barriers, the Final 4 Obstacles to Your Flight Training
/in Get Started/by Charlie MastersSadly, many of the people who begin flight lessons are never able to see them through to earning a certificate. Much as the NCAA basketball tournament that begins with 68 teams gets whittled down to the final four, pilot candidates fall to the wayside for a plethora of reasons. But this article will discuss the four most common pitfalls and suggest strategies so you become a pilot rather than falling victim to these obstacles.
Obstacle 1 – Money
Flying is not an activity for the thin of wallet
Unfortunately, flying is not an activity for the thin of wallet. I began taking lessons when I was in college and would fly until I ran out of money, earn money, fly until broke again, earn more money, fly some more – lather, rinse, repeat. During each layoff, whether for a few weeks or a few months, I lost skills requiring more time and more money being spent than if I would have been able to complete my training in a single session.
The most affordable solution to this obstacle is to formulate a plan so your flight training will not be interrupted by a lack of funds. Start with a realistic notion of what the training will cost. Some flight schools will quote the minimum 40 hours of flight and 20 instructional hours as to what you should expect to earn a Private Pilot Certificate. I am not saying this never happens, but I will commit that few students achieve their rating with the minimum hours of training.
Figure a more common number of 60 flight hours with 2/3 of that being time with an instructor for your Private certificate. A Sport or Recreational certificate, however, can be earned in 40 hours or less. Either of these ratings will allow you to take a friend along on your aeronautical adventures! Throw in another $2,000 for incidentals such as study material, charts, headsets, plotters, flashlights and barf bags. Now we have a realistic number somewhere just north of $10,000. By starting a savings plan on the order of $500 per month, this time next year your “flying” account will be worth $6000. If it takes six months to complete the training, an additional $3000 will be added to – pocket some “flying around” money and there you have it. This savings system offers the advantages of a pilot’s license with no additional debt because of it.
Obstacle 2 – Time
Being a pilot is going to require more time and effort than most pastimes.
It takes time to become an accomplished pilot. Sure there are those whose work schedule and innate ability allows them to realize their pilot license goal in a couple of weeks, but for most of us, for a variety of reasons, the process usually takes from six months to a year or more. Most pilot candidates are smart, successful and driven. They can go to the boat dealer today and be captain of their ship tomorrow. The American Motorcycle Association conducts courses allowing a beginner to earn his motorcycle license in one weekend. Open water SCUBA certificates can be earned at a resort in less than a week.
Being a pilot is going to require more time and effort than any of the aforementioned pastimes. In addition to the physical skills of launching an airplane into the sky and returning it safely to the earth, the prospective pilot must learn to navigate, develop an understanding of the voluminous Federal Air Regulations (14CFR), be conversant in the physics of flight, let alone familiarity with the engine, fuel, electrical, and environmental systems for any airplane they intend to fly. Substandard performance is not acceptable and will likely lead to tragedy for the hapless pilot, his or her family, and perhaps unintended victims on the ground.
Great results can be achieved by devoting time for twice weekly lessons. Starting in the spring as the days are lengthening provides the extra daylight after most of us finish work which is essential for the initial training. The shorter periods of daylight as fall approaches makes it easier to get in the required night flying experience as you prepare for your check ride. Some days due to weather, maintenance or scheduling problems, you may not be able to fly. Use this time to study in preparation for the written and practical tests. The point here is to stay on schedule. It can be easy to allow one missed lesson to turn into two – then another. Soon three or four weeks have gone by and you haven’t flown. Now you may be out of the habit and find it might be easier to give up on your dream rather than completing it.
Obstacle 3 – The Reluctant Family
Talk about the benefits of general aviation with your family.
Confession time here. I learned to fly before I got married and my wife, Rose Ann, is all on board with general aviation. My mother, however, was a worrier (I think that is what mothers do) and I knew it would upset her to think I was learning to fly – so I didn’t tell her until after I earned my license. I would NOT recommend this approach with a spouse, but would suggest getting your family on board before your training begins. Talk about the benefits of general aviation. The vacations, the day and weekend trips only possible when cruising over the countryside at 120 mph rather than being stuck on a highway dodging distracted motorists and orange barrels at half that speed.
One of the best and often overlooked methods to ease your spouse’s mind is to offer them a “Pinch Hitter” course. This will usually consist of ground sessions and enough dual instruction for them to be able take control of the airplane, operate the radios, and land it in case of an emergency. They will learn how aircraft fly and why the aircraft won’t necessarily fall out of the sky with every little thing that could possibly go wrong.
Now when they are at a party, reception, or barbeque and someone exclaims, “Oh my goodness, you’re not letting YOUR NAME HERE fly in those little airplanes are you?” Your significant other will be prepared to explain why they are happy you are flying, how they learned to land the plane in an emergency, how they can help on every flight, and why they are happy you are learning to fly. In addition to easing their mind the Pinch Hitter training has the added benefit of providing you with a knowledgeable “co-pilot” when you fly together.
Obstacle 4 – Fear of the Unknown
These are all valid concerns. A great solution to these concerns (and others that may come up) is to seek out a mentor. You may already know someone who flies. If not, visit your local airport, hang out for a while on the weekend. Pilots as a group are eager to share their knowledge and experience. Ask around. You can probably get a ride in exchange for an offer to share in the gas bill or buy lunch. The pilot may even agree to let you take over the controls for a while so you can see how easy and comfortable it is to fly a modern airplane.
Talk to them about the medical requirements. For the rural airport lacking a flight school, your mentor may be able to point the way to a Certified Flight Instructor and a local flying club with training aircraft looking for an additional members. Where choice exists, your mentor can help you find the best flight school to accomplish you goal. Together with the instructor your mentor can coach you through the knowledge test and explain what is involved with the medical examination. AOPA.org is an excellent source of information about certain disqualifying medical conditions but remember for a Sport, Glider and Balloon Pilot certificate, no additional medical requirements than those requested for a state driver’s license are needed.
Get Started
Start saving or set aside savings for your flight instruction. Plan when you will have time over a several week period to complete your training. Get all the stake holders on board. Find a mentor. Soon – much sooner than you think – you can add the title “Pilot” to your resume. So the time to get started is now.
Round-Dial or Glass, Which Is Right for Me?
/in Get Started, Tips and technique/by studentpltnewsA question that often arises with new student pilots, when there is an option, is, “Should I train in a round-dial airplane or one with a glass flight deck?”
In some cases, a flight school may only have one choice, an older round-dial airplane or a newer glass flight deck airplane. If you want to train at this flight school, your choice is made for you.
Definitions
First, I should define some terms. When I speak of round-dial airplanes, sometimes called “steam gauge airplanes” <cringe>, I am talking about an airplane with a mechanically driven “6 pack” of standard instruments. A glass flight deck airplane has the traditional instruments replaced with an LCD screen representation of the same information. Backup instruments may be mechanical or glass from a separate power source. There are also partial glass hybrids where some of the mechanical instruments have been replaced with LCD representations of individual instruments but other mechanical instruments still exist.
Partial glass hybrids where some of the mechanical instruments have been replaced with LCD representations of individual instruments.
In my experience, many of the LCD instruments in a partial glass hybrid flight deck are much like the mechanical instruments that they have replaced so I will consider them the same for the purposes of this post. There are certainly advantages of the partial glass hybrid flight decks but I won’t touch on those here.
Decision Time
When deciding between training in a traditional round-dial airplane or training in a glass flight deck airplane, the first thing you must ask yourself is the question, “What type of airplane will I be flying after I get my rating?”
If you are training to fly an airplane that you own or will be purchasing, train for the equipment installed in that airplane when possible. The same advice applies to renter pilots. If your favorite fixed base operator (FBO) only has one style of flight deck, train for that flight deck.
Traditional 6-pack.
If you are not sure about the answer to the question or your FBO has a mixed rental fleet, the flight deck type becomes more about personal preference. Your decision should be based upon the skills that you bring to the flight deck and the pros and cons of each design.
A student who is not comfortable with or struggles with computers, might want to consider going the round-dial route if available.
Modern glass flight decks typically have more to learn and may require additional study on the part of the student. This is certainly true when comparing it to the simple flight decks of older trainers without a GPS. Newer round-dial trainers with a multi-function display, a GPS, and an autopilot can be nearly as complex as their glass cousins.
For basic understanding and interpretation of the flight instruments, learning the instruments in a glass flight deck may be easier for the beginner. Digital readouts for altitude, airspeed, and heading are just simpler and require little interpretation.
The glass flight deck can also improve situational awareness with little effort.
Fully-integrated glass flight deck.
On the downside, a glass flight deck can be very pretty and it may be hard to take your eyes off of it. This is a bad thing when you are flying under visual flight rules and your eyes are supposed to be outside of the airplane.
Round-dial airplanes will be somewhat older and may have a cost advantage over the glass flight deck airplane. They and their hybrid cousins may also be more prevalent for now.
Regardless of the flight deck type you use for training, if you decide that you want to fly the other type after obtaining your rating, YOU MUST GET TRAINING on that design! I have seen transitions in both directions at our flight school and both have their difficulties and hang-ups that can only be resolved through proper training.
Paula’s Discovery Flight – Private pilot training tips with Spencer Suderman (episode 4)
/in Video Tips/by Eric RadtkeWhat should you expect on your first flight lesson? Sporty’s has partnered with airshow pilot and flight instructor Spencer Suderman in a video series designed to answer these important questions. Each video addresses common flight training questions, including the basics of airplane control and how to make better landings. Suderman shares practical tips throughout,
In this episode, Spencer takes Paula (a new student pilot) out for her first flight lesson in a Cessna 172. You will see what it’s like to learn the basics of airplane control and how your CFI will coach you along the way to make each lesson a fun learning experience.
What qualities to look for in an instructor with the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI)
/in Tips and technique/by Eric RadtkeEditor’s Note: As part of Sporty’s Learn to Fly Month, Flight Training Central is pleased to offer this compilation of candid advice on choosing the right flight instructor from the Board of Directors of the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI). NAFI has supported the aviation teaching community since 1967 mentoring, educating, and advocating for those in the teaching profession. The NAFI Board represents more than 300 years of collective teaching experience.
During a recent Sporty’s podcast (Flight training trends and wing walking) I was asked what a what a learner should be seeking in a flight instructor. This very important question deserves a thorough answer. Having a good CFI who is invested in the learner and really understands the learning process, cares about the relationship and his or her student’s success, is a vital component of successful flight training. Finding a CFI who excels at instructing provides lifetime benefits. The NAFI Board of Directors and CFI staff share their thoughts below:
Finding a good flight instructor is essential. Equally important but less discussed is how to be a good flight “instructee” (learner). Learning how to fly is a personally transformative experience. It is a marathon, not a sprint. To be a good learner it is key to be in a good place in life with the right mindset: patient, ready, and willing to learn. A good instructor can help stoke the flames of your passion for aviation but cannot give it to you. Take charge of your own learning. Do your homework. Be prepared for each session. Ask questions with assertive curiosity. Be cordially direct. A good instructor will appreciate your enthusiasm, curiosity, directness, and preparedness. He or she will empathize and encourage you as you reach the inevitable plateaus, provide you with a safe learning environment to learn through experimentation and mistakes, and inspire and challenge you to always fly your very best.
Choose a good instructor…let’s take a look at the verb and the adjective in this question.
The verb, choose:
This implies the student pilot actually has a choice in CFIs, which may not be the case at some flight schools. New students don’t always have the background or experience to recognize that these assignments are less than ideal for their learning. The investment for flight training is a substantial one, so take some time to interview/research available training options. Important questions to ask would be:
Questions like these would help the student to CHOOSE the flight school that works for them.
The adjective, good:
What makes a good flight instructor? Being a good teacher, a good pilot, and a good listener.
Good Teacher: Knowing how to relate and share topics for each individual. A good teacher can relay information to students of different shapes, sizes, intellect, ability, and desire to learn.
Good Pilot: A good pilot can proficiently demonstrate all the maneuvers outlined in the applicable Airman Certification Standards. Being able to both “show and tell” a student the right way to fly is part of the bed rock of a good flight instructor.
Good Listener: A good CFI pays attention to both words and actions. Sometimes students do not know how to ask questions and a good CFI will be able to discern what is needed by ‘listening’ through observation.
Something that I have used teaching instructors and looking for desirable qualities for a CFI are binned in three large buckets –those are Humble, Approachable and Credible. Considering asking the following:
Humble
Approachable
Credible
Learning to fly is an exhilarating experience! Being a pilot is an honor and a privilege, not a right! Thus, a student, regardless of certificate or rating level, must be “all-in” and passionate about flying. Just going through the motions may enable you in the long run to “fly” an aircraft, but you will not possess the foundational skills, abilities, knowledge and understanding necessary to be a safe, professional, competent pilot. Thus, when selecting a flight school and instructor, the student should:
1) Visit several schools and just observe the interaction of flight school staff with students, instructors, etc. You can learn a lot about the level of professionalism, the quality and character of individual instructors, and the commitment the school has to its customers
2) Determine what learning style you (the student) prefer that will enable you to learn efficiently and effectively. Take a Discovery Flight with several instructors at one or more flight schools to experience the methods that the respective instructor employs and choose the person who fits your style
3) Conduct a brief interview with the instructor before selecting to see what their goal/aspirations are in the immediate future. All too often, a student starts with one instructor only to have that person leave and the student “gets passed around” to other instructors which results in a loss of interest in continuing instruction or even flying
4) Talk to other students who are currently flying to see if they have a recommendation about a particular instructor
5) Flying should not feel like “a job” but rather an activity the student looks forward to because they know they are going to have fun and a great learning experience with their flight instructor. It is all about sharing the passion of flight!
A good flight instructor is someone you, the student, can learn from and admire. Someone who looks sharp, is warm, friendly, smart, relatable, and reliable. . . whatever those words mean to you, the student. Because everyone learns differently, some good instructors are not good for some students. The truly best instructors quickly identify how a student learns and gear lessons to fit the student’s learning style. Although having a primary instructor is important, flying with different instructors along the way is equally important because each instructor’s technique and experiences are different. A student pilot needs to develop his or her own safe and effective flying techniques – being exposed to a diversity of experiences from more than one instructor is a key part of that process.
In interviewing potential instructors, and by extension, their affiliated flight school, try to determine whose interests they have at heart. The best instructors I have met and have tried to emulate are those who revel in their students’ successes and show genuine concern about the difficulties that their students may be having. Further, an excellent flight instructor will never shy from the truth about their students’ performance, whether good or bad, while ensuring any critique is positive and presented in a way that the student will accept it. Finally, the instructor must at all times be willing to accept legitimate critique from their students, while never lowering their standards. All in all, the best instructors are those who display the characteristics of a good coach, a thoughtful mentor, a reasonable authority figure, and an empathetic partner in the student’s success.
I think asking an instructor to describe their teaching style is extremely important. The follow up question is how does the instructor’s style change based on the needs of the students?
Having taught a multitude of students who learn differently, it is so important to know that an instructor is not a one-size-fits-all, lecture/verbal teacher. While that can work, sometimes it does not and even more, sometimes it is the slowest way to the finish line.
Interview type questions such as the following can be used:
When you are looking for a flight instructor, here are a few things that will help both you and the potential CFI know what to expect:
Diligence and hard work make achieving your goals personally satisfying. You have accomplished something only a small percentage of the population can understand.
When choosing a flight instructor many learners need to realize how much say they have. After all, they are paying. It is important that anyone receiving flight instruction feels comfortable with their CFI. They don’t need to know WHY the two may or may not “click”–just THAT they do. Otherwise, they should seek a different instructor. Too many pilots drop out of flight training thinking that they are not cut out to fly, not realizing that it is because of their lackluster relationship with the CFI. Learning to fly should be a fun and comfortable experience. If you’re not having both, then change CFIs until you are.
The Aviation Instructor’s Handbook gives students great advice about choosing an instructor. They should evaluate these instructor behaviors and characteristics:
An instructor should motivate learners. More can be gained from wanting to learn than from being forced to learn. When instructors can show the benefits and purpose of the lesson or course, the learner’s enjoyment and their efforts increase.
We must keep learners informed. Instructors can minimize feelings of insecurity by telling learners what is expected of them and what they can expect in return. Instructors keep learners posted on their progress, and give them adequate notice of examinations, assignments, or other requirements.
We instructors must always approach learners as individuals. Each learner has his/her own personality that stems from the characteristics and interactions of its members.
A good instructor will give credit when due. Praise or credit from the instructor is usually ample reward and provides an incentive to do even better.
We must criticize constructively. If a learner has made an earnest effort but is told that the work is unsatisfactory, with no other explanation, frustration occurs. On the other hand, if the learner is briefed on the errors and is told how to correct them, progress can be made.
We instructors must be consistent. If the same thing is acceptable one day and unacceptable the next, the learner becomes confused. The instructor’s philosophy and actions need to be consistent.
Finally, we need to admit our errors when they occur. The instructor can win the respect of learners by honestly acknowledging mistakes. If the instructor tries to cover up or bluff, learners sense it quickly. If in doubt about something, the instructor should admit it.
3 questions student pilots are asking right now
/in Get Started/by Brady KannadyAs a pilot and lead sales and customer experience representative at a busy flight school, I spend most of my time speaking to individuals interested in the pilot experience. And while the questions posed are mostly the same, the answers are not. Answers and solutions vary based on each person’s circumstances, but there is universal guidance to help get you started. Here are three questions I’m being asked right by with potential students.
While we can’t get to the specific hour or day, the good news is that you control much of your own destiny. In other words, how much time you have to commit to the process will be the greatest influence on your time to certification. While you control many of the variables related to time, it’s also important to have realistic expectations of the flight school and flight instructor availability.
Work schedule, family, and other obligations will certainly come into play so you’ll want to ensure you have the full backing of your personal support network. Some students are able to take lessons daily, while others may be only able to take lessons on weekends. A good balance is a schedule allowing two or three lessons per week. I know this is a successful recipe for balancing enough time for adequate preparation and ensuring good continuity in your training.
I’d suggest being wary of schools that promise a license in 40 hours and a couple of weeks. Not only can this be indicative of poor training quality, but some of these organizations may have ulterior motives. Remember, learning to fly should be a pleasurable experience and not feel like boot camp. You’re in this for the long haul!
Here’s my breakdown of what you can expect in calendar time to certification:
1-2 lessons per week – around 6 months+
2-3 lessons per week – around 3-4 months
4-5 lessons per week – around 2-3 months
Accelerated (2 lessons a day, 6 days a week) – 3-4 weeks.
2. How many hours do I need to fly to earn my private pilot certificate?
This is another question involving a number of variables without an exact answer, but again, you are in control! The greatest influence on training time is entirely related to the time you are willing to invest in preparation. For students who commit to the recommended frequency and good study habits, the average amount of hours our students have in the aircraft before checkride is 50-60 hours. If a student enters a program with previous experience and studies hard, I do not doubt training time of less than 50 hours can happen. Conversely, if a student enters a program entirely unprepared and doesn’t dedicate themselves to the training, they may experience training hours far beyond 60 hours. Bear in mind, these are new physical skills you’re acquiring as a pilot and likely no two pilots will complete in the same amount of time.
The greatest influence on training time is entirely related to the time you are willing to invest in preparation.
3. How much does flight training cost?
Similar to the last two questions, the answer is very much dependent on the student’s personal investment of time and preparation. Based on the average of 55 hours, you could expect an investment ranging between $11,000-$13,000 based on aircraft pricing in the Midwest. Now, that’s not to say you can’t get through the program with fewer hours which, in turn, saves you money. One of the benefits of Sporty’s Academy is that we don’t require large deposits or exorbitant fees to begin and continue your flight training. Be wary of those that do. We offer a pay-as-you-go option, which tends to help when it comes to budgeting.
The answer to all of these questions is: “it depends on the student.” We offer a customizable service that caters to the needs of each individual person, whether a student wishes to fly once a week or twice per day. We certainly push our students to earn their license in 55 hours or less and provide a supportive environment and numerous resources to support our students’ success.
You may also consider asking about lower-cost aircraft options. For example, we offer a lower cost airplane with only the basic equipment. Investing in an online training course for your ground school and written test preparation, such as Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course, will also pay for itself many times over.
The good news is that you control much of your destiny—predicated on your dedication to learning and the continuity of training. Stay engaged, be a dedicated student, and study hard to succeed in flight training. It’s always a great time to get started on an aviation path. The aviation community and industry are unlike any other and you will create many phenomenal life experiences and build lasting friendships along the way.
Stay engaged, be a dedicated student, and study hard to succeed in flight training.
Webinar video: Pass your checkride with DPE, Jason Blair
/in Webinars/by Eric RadtkeTaking a checkride can be a stressful event, but it doesn’t have to be. Understanding exactly what to expect in your oral and practical, and how to prepare effectively, can make all the difference between disaster and a valuable, enriching experience. Learn from Designated Pilot Examiner, Jason Blair, as he unlocks the mysteries of the checkride and provides you with the knowledge, tips and strategies to ace your next exam.
Jason Blair is an active single and multiengine instructor and an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner with more than 6,000 hours of flying experience and more than 3,000 of instruction. In his role as Examiner, Jason has conferred more than 2,000 pilot certificates.