Hey everyone

My question is regarding the average route people take to get all their licenses....what would be better, taking 8-12 months off of work/school to devote to a full time flying program, or maybe continue working and go flying a few times a week? On avg, say flying 3 times a week, how long would it take to get all the req'd training, and would this even be a good way to go? It seems to make more sense money wise, especially with apartment rent and all that stuff.

Just kind of wondering what others have done and what you would suggest. Any responses are greatly appreciated...take care.

 

Don't quit your job, taking three lessons a week is great especially if you study between lessons, avoid the big flight academys. They are overpriced and you wouldn't be able to work while going to one. I went to an fbo and I think if you flew three times a week and picked it up pretty well you could get through with every thing in a year or so and then you could instruct for a while an have the time for the airlines pretty easily.

 

You are better off taking your time, staying employed, and going into as little debt as possible. Fly at least three times a week or more. I would guess it shouldn't take you much more than a year to 18 months. Many smaller schools don't have a twin or a track record for doing CFI training, so be willing to seek that out, if necessary.

Also, some guys do better in an academy enviornment. They find "life" distracting and need to "get away from home" to focus on training. They say they need more structured training to excel. There can be some truth to that, but you can still fly a lot and have "structure" at a smaller flight school.

 

So long as you can keep your focus while also working, go the FBO path. With the current CFI shortage, some of the big academies can't keep up with their student loads and you may end up only flying every other day, anyhow.

 

That's no joke, we are definitely feeling the instructor crunch out here. I think that is something that some people need to realize and investigate a little bit before they attend an academy... Or any flight training for that matter.

 

I was actually wondering about this, too. Due to school & the availability (more like the lack thereof) of a car for me to use to drive to the FBO during the week, I just take lessons every other Sunday. What potential ramifications can this have as far as my flying skills/etc.?

 

I'd recommend keeping your day job while you train. This should be practical if there is a suitable school or FBO near you.

Unfortunately, full-time students are often at the mercy of Wx, Mx, scheduling issues, and other paying customers. Down time to a full time student is wasted time (and lost income).

But don't make the mistake of trying to fit career-oriented flight training into your existing life...you will end up getting busy and having long enough gaps in training that you will take two steps forward and one step back. This will cost you more time and money.

Your day job needs to be your first priority, flight training second. All other distractions need to go away...plan on not having a social life and get rid of the girlfriend/boyfriend early on (unless you think he/she is marriage material and will stick with you through ten years of ups and downs).

 

I work 3rd shift as a mig welder and then fly twice a week and take classes. Keep your job.

 

"I just take lessons every other Sunday."

You're wasting a lot of money by relearning what you learned the last lesson. And it will take you forever to solo. I'd suggest you wait until you can do it right.

 

Seconded. Wait until you have the money and transportation to make 2 or three lessons a week the reality. I think that number gives a fast enough rate, most retention and least review for the money. Also gives more options if the weather is bad on a planned lesson day. Use the bad weather day to study on your own or for some ground time with your instructor.

The students I had the most trouble with were the casual ones. Lots of time spent on review meant they often soloed at twice or even three times the average total time of my regulars. With every one of these students I'd suggest waiting until their schedule allowed for more regular lessons. They were only costing themselves a lot of money and time in the long run.