OdeToMemory

In about a month, I'll turn 16, get a job, and use my parents' junker car for transportation (to and from school, band practices, work, parties, etc. etc.) until I can buy my own.

My main question here is should I start going for my PPL now, or wait until I have almost all of the money in the bank to take all of the lessons up to the PPL? I guess it mostly depends on how long it would take to get my PPL. From January to July, I'm open, but from August to December, I'm full. I might get a lesson in every other week or so, but I'd be pushing it. So with this schedule, how long would it take to get my PPL? Keep in mind, I don't want to go for my Instrument until I start college, that way I can use scholarship money to keep overall costs down.

So when should I start taking lessons for my PPL?

da_flyn_hawyn

I would wait til you get all the money first. The reason for that, is that from what I've seen, flying is a totally new skill for anyone. This means that the more frequent you can fly, the easier it will be and cheaper. If it is spaced out longer, you will end up spending more time going over lessons or skills you learned last time which will make you spend more money. At least this is what I've seen with my students. So my suggestion is to save up and take a summer off and in about a month and a half, if you fly three to four times a week. Hopefully this helps!!!!!!! Good Luck!!!!!!!!

gdpballin

Been flying since I was 11, started off flying every other week. By the time I was 13, I had 40 hours.

Of course, I couldnt do anything with them. Still too young to solo and stuff, although I could have. I lost interest because I was young and I could not take my flying any further. Either way, Im now 18, I started flying again when i was 16. I still dont have my license because of money restrictions, it really blows. Extremely close though. One reason being I went out and had too much fun my senior year, spent wayyy too much money.

Honestly, I wouldnt save the money up. I would rather start now, even if you only fly once or twice a month, your still plucking hours away and becoming more comfortable with flying. It can be a little uneasy at first but the longer your around it the more comfortable you are. Atleast that is how I felt.

rickair7777

If you are career-oriented, it might be best to save up at least to the point where you can fly 2-3 times per week...any less will cost you time and money as you will constantly be using your training time to refresh things learned in previous lessons.

If you're recreation oriented, not sure, or wealthy...sure, go ahead and get started and have some fun.

gdpballin

rickair7777 also makes a good point. I'd say I wasted a few bucks learning things over.

ryan1234

While you save up money....you can always start reading up on everything......borrow or buy some books on aviation ... i.e. FAA published books (Flying Handbook, Aviation Weather, Aeronautical Knowledge) FAR/AIM, and...... Stick and Rudder, Aerodynamics for Naval Aviators, Takeoffs and Landings....Gliem written test prep...

You may not get everything right off the bat from reading but what you do pick up will make it easier once you start flying... and then things will start to make sense and you will be ready to take the written.

steveo1kinevo

I agree with everyone that has already posted...but I would say wait till you can afford to get the rating, and study while you wait.

Zayghami

Your only 16...its a good age to start, but dont rush anything in this business. Fly once or maybe twice a week, but study alot in between. you could be a good "stick" but knowledge is one of the most important things. I just got my ppl last month. It took me about a year..i just turned 18

Best of luck