Originally Posted by PearlPilot

I am very excited to begin training for my PPL very soon. What kind of tips would you offer me to save as much as possible? My situation is as follows. I recently got a job that would enable me to pay out of my pocket for lessons. My job will be rather demanding and stressful. I do not have a fixed schedule, so I might work any day of the week at any time (not overnight) But the good thing is I get my schedule ahead of time so there won't be a problem scheduling flight lessons. I said this because, I don't think I can take more than 3 lessons per week, so I will probably start off by going 2 times a week. I was not happy to learn that the rental for dual costs close to $200, but I was not surprised. There are cheaper places around, but it is far (nearest 141 is 50 miles) and clearly inconvenient. It takes me less than 20 minutes to get there, I have several friends who have trained there, the school has been around for a while, has a great reputation, great equipment, etc. etc. So the price is high, but in my situation I don't have much of a choice. Besides riding my bike for lessons, what tips can you give me to save as much, (because it's expensive to begin with) startng from how to buy a decent headset, to how to plan my studying (should I stick to books or should I go with a Jepp program). Thanks so much in advance!!