Originally Posted by
JamesNoBrakes
The problem I have with this is the same problem with so many similar issues.
The initial student has no concept of all of these things. They don't understand them. They can't do "careful research". They don't understand how to say "no" or what to do. Only years later with dozens of checkrides under their belt, do they tend to really understand these things, as a combination of experience, maturity and knowledge. It's like the college student taking out student loans or even choosing a school/major, they just don't have the real understanding at that stage of the implications and full picture to really know what they are doing. Saying "do your research" is a bit of a cop-out IMO.
The longer the student is in the game, as in the higher and further they go, the better they tend to be able to understand and control these things...but sometimes the damage is already done.
Yes, hence the mentor suggestion.
And APC exists for this reason as well.
Also unless Grandad flew in the big one, Dad, both uncles, and your older brother are airline pilots, and you grew up flying the family Bonanza then you should get a PPL before you commit to career-oriented flight training.