covsting76

So i know i have been posting on here a few times about flight training but getting my PPL... And I am serious about getting it I am just looking for some advice.

I found an instructor in the area who seems to be very excellent. She has 4000 hours so it wouldnt be one of those instructors who mess around to try to build their hours on your dime. Anyway the only downside is she charges $50 an hour which seems to be steep. I live in the Dallas Fort Worth area btw.

Anyway I will get down to my question. I work a full time office job. M-F 8-5:30... Soooo I am limited on my training to Saturday and Sunday. From what i read only being able to train 1 day a week is not a good thing because it costs more money in the long run since you can not retain the info and going a week in between lessons. Also if there was bad weather one weekend then that would set me back a whole week as well. Sooo I was considering waiting until April'ish 2010 to start my training... From what i see the sun sets at approx. 8:10pm in april and from my understand students can fly up to 1 hour after sunset....

What i am getting at is if i wait until the spring of 2010 I would be able to train a day or two afterwork since the sun does not set till later and also weekends. If i start now i will be limited to only weekends because by the time i get out of work and get to the airport it will be to late in the day.

I know a blabbed on but just looking for advice.

Thank you.

GrUpGrDn

covsting, going back a long time ago, late 80's, I was in the same ship you are. However, I was able to work 2nd shift (3-11p). Any way possible your employer would allow this? If so, problem solved.... fly 4-5 times a week. As far as your instructor's worth? Well thats for you to decide, have you done your homework on her? Meaning, what's her pass rate 1st time, what have her prior student's said about her. Are there other instructors available? Other flight schools in the DFW area?

covsting76

Hey thanks for the response! Sadly no i can't do that i, I work the the fun corporate world stuck behind a desk every day!!!! I am curious to hear your story though if you dont mind? did you yourself work full time and then slowly get your ratings and move over to the flying world?

Thanks

NoyGonnaDoIt

covsting, I sort of specialize in people like you – people who want their pilot certificate but have careers and schedules that just don't allow the time for lessons 2-3 days a week. So they train when they can and, since they want a life also, it tends to be once a week. Even then, it's not definite with weather, mainteannce issues, business trips, family commitments, etc.

I specialize in that because that's my schedule also. The good news for my students is that they get a CFI who understands their issues and won't get frustrated by the student's unusual "progress."

From that point of view, let me tell you what I tell every new student of mine: Getting your certificate this way is doable. It will take longer. It will cost more. But you can do it and become a good pilot in the process.

But, if you can possible find the time to do those 2-3 lessons a week, even if it's months in the future, that's the way to do it.

As to your specific question about evening lessons, whether it's a viable alternative or not depends largely on the typical spring evening weather where you live. Assuming it's good, it's not a bad idea. The downside is that you will be working hard on flying after a day of working at the office and will be tired. The upside is that the very fact that you are tired can end up making you a better pilot - if you can get proficient when tired, think of how much easier it will be when you are wide awake (btw, that's how I did my instrument training - after work).

ppilot

If your instructor is willing to work in the evenings, I don't think it should be a problem for you to start right away. I got at least half of my 'pre-license' hours at night. You can definitely flight train past an hour after sunset. You can even solo if your instructor is willing to give you that endorsement. I will say that in all of my years flight instructing I never did give the 'solo night' endorsement. However, you could flight train during the week and solo on the weekends.

I wouldn't sweat the $50/hr one bit if you and she click. The flight instruction costs of learning to fly are not great, and a good instructor is definitely worth the extra money. Plus...how much extra will it be? She'll probably get you through in fewer hours than a time-builder. The cost will probably not end up being all that much more for you.

My advice. Best of luck in your training.

covsting76

Thank you all for the advice.

NoyGonnaDoIt

one other thing covsting - I don't know what other aviation forums you've taken a look at, but as apotential new pilot you should probably take a look at the forums at Student Pilot - Flight Training Online.

Thedude

Why is it that people don't bat an eye at paying a golf pro, skiing instructor or tennis instructor much more than $50/hr but cry foul when it comes to flight instruction?

Ewfflyer

If she's worth her salt, $50/hr is good. We charge $45/hr for myself and my co-worker. I have 1200hrs dual given(4600TT), with 12 sign-off's @ 100% pass-rate for example. Total time as an instructor is important, but the experience level and pass-rate speak louder in my mind. Also, references don't hurt either.

Honestly, if I was on my own and in a major city market, I'd charge $50/hr in a heartbeat, because I know my services are worth it. I might not get you ready "faster" than any other instructor, but I know you will be a safe and extremely competent pilot that has already seen and experienced more than what other instructors can offer. The quality of time is where it pays.

covsting76

I was not complaining about the price I was simply asking what the going rate is. I am a firm beliver in you get what you pay for.