I feel like Billy Madison here. Former USMC combat vet. Current cop, but going to school full time this fall for Aeronautical Science.

I'm 26 years old, so it was time to use my GI Bill. I've always wanted to be a pilot, so I said screw it...do it.

I've never flown a plane but I'm fascinated with aviation.

What should I expect for my first flight? What are some tips to be successful?

 

Congrats on the first step of the journey to get off the ground!

I did something similar around age 22 deciding to join the Navy to be a pilot, with no prior flight experience. At the time they had a preliminary civilian flight training program to weed out the bricks. I got 10 flights in a C-172, enough to solo in the pattern.

Tips for success, study up on any material they give you. I would go so far as memorizing anything you can about the aircraft itself, that will pay off in the long run (I didn't at the time). Be prepared for constructive criticism. That is the only way you will get better. I actually knew a fellow flight student, Marine type, get chopped because he didn't take criticism well and showed it with the wrong LtCol.

Longer term, if you still like flying, get your CFI so you can make some money while building time. Instrument add on is another plus, so that you can fly even when the weather isn't clear and a million. If the goal is the airlines, think about getting a multi-engine rating. It's a relatively cheap add-on, especially with the GI bill. Then get your MEI, for the same reasons as your CFI. Personally I've found it helps my pilot skills when assessing your students'.

Best of luck man, there's nothing quite like flying.

 

Everything banana said is spot on! The Airplane Flying Handbook and Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge are available for free on faa.gov. i would recommend reading as much as you can absorb. It's gonna seem foreign and confusing at first but the more you keep studying and practicing the more familiar you will become. Practice on the ground and perfect in the air.

Best of luck to you! It is definitely a great time to become a pilot and hopefully stays that way. If you have any questions feel free to pm me and make sure to keep us updated on your journey! Also, thank you for your service!

 

Welcome! If in the neighborhood come on up to Oshkosh, WI next week for a good dose of aviation speak.

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