Rogue,

I would suggest using the Jeppesen Private Pilot Training Syllabus. This is the closest thing you can get to 141 training while getting your rating under part 61. The main goal is to maximize your learning while minimizing costs. The less time you spend repeating objectives in the air, the more money you are going to save, and the faster you will get your rating. But the most important thing is to just have fun! :)

Get it in writing! No doubt!

Jetcaptain - Roger that! Jeppesen seems to be the books of choice from every one I've talked to.

Ok time for ya'll to get a big laugh! I had planned on keeping my "proficiency" up to speed with FlightSimX!!! ok ok laugh away but seriously... that's the plan. I've been in small craft, never piloted one and was able to fly an instrument approach on FSX, the infamous one at Innsbruck or something like that. I've been studying aeronautical texts for about 6 months now and can pass the private pilot test at mywrittenexams.com. and long story short FSX helped make sense about all the stuff I've only been reading about up to that point.

FSX won't help as much with visual flying. It's fine for instrument stuff since it forces you to solely rely on the instrument references. However, you get no "feel" which is essential to flying in visual conditions. I'm glad it makes sense, but be prepared for a lot of new sensations as you enter a 3-D world of motion.

yea its pretty hard to simulate feel :)

don't get me wrong ya'll, I don't expect to hop in a plane and be an ace pilot - i guess my point was - I think I have the concept figured out and I hope that any new concepts or procedures I learn can be practiced on FSX since I'll be part time.

Rogue,

Everything you are learning now will fall into place when you start your training. Half of flying is learning the rules of the air, and it sounds like you are off to a good start.

You can use a simulator like the one mentioned to help with certain things. I used it to help me. It will help you actually learn how to read instruments and how to do stuff while, not wasting valuable money with a CFI. Keep in mind though that it is simulating the real thing but, ins't the real thing. Intercepting a VOR in real life is a tad bit different but, youll atleast know what your talking about. Also, for 200 bucks go to sportys.com and get there a Private Pilot video course. I highly recommend it since, I am more of a visual learner. You get everything youll learn out of Jepp books plus some. I've heard king schools is good also but, they are really pricey. Rumor has it they are still trying to pay off that Dassault!

I've looked at that Sporty's course a few times, there are just so many choices! My Gleim's books are kinda on the dry side and like said some of it don't make any sense until you see it in person then that little light bulb comes on. If my instructor is down with the Sporty's then I'll pony up for it, I think the more visual approach may be helpful also. Thanks Ray, Jeff.

I had some Gleim software that I used for my ATP written. It was a good piece of gear. I started with a ton of questions, then was able to have the software skip ones I had learned or did not want to see again. Lots of repitition 3-4 days prior to the written. It got to the point where I knew the answers on sight instead of having to calculate, or think too hard.

Learn the material in ground school, but cram hard for the written.

I would avoid Sporty's like the plague. Overpriced for everything!!!