because of a combination of (1) the going rate for the typical golf, skiing and tennis instructor is much more than $50/hr and (2) you don't generally pay for 20-30 hours of golf, skiing and tennis instruction.

Not justifying it but, unfortunately for instructors, that's the way it is.

 

back to the question, what would be everyones advice? Start now or wait until spring where i could train afterwork as well as weekends due to the sunset.

 

mho, i would hit the ground work(study for written test) now, get you through the winter, then take the test, be familiar with FAR's and application of them, spring time. hit the skies running, 3-4 flights a week. In other words, knowledge first, then application of said knowledge.....

 

My advice (sorry it's different) would be to start now, if your instructor is willing. You'll have the benefit of greater instructor and airplane availability. Also, flying isn't going to be any cheaper in the spring.

Finally, there will be plateaus in your training and learning. When I'd have people start in the spring, oftentimes a plateau at the beginning of summer would mean I wouldn't see them again until fall (when someone gets frustrated or bored, it's easy in summertime to concentrate on other things). At least in the wintertime it'll be something for you to do.

 

I don't think anyone can answer that for you. The trade-offs are there. Which way it balances is a personal decision.

 

GrUpGrDn, thats good advice. What resources are avialable to study for the written test? I will see what i can find on google here in a minute but just wondering if you had any suggestions.

The thought of starting now or in the spring had nothing to do with cost or it being cheaper in the spring, it came down to me having to work full time. In the winter time the sunsets really early, by the time i get home from work i wouldnt be able to train thus limiting me to weekends only. Spring time hits, the sun sets around 8-8:30pm giving me the option of being able to train on after work duing the week and weekends.

Thank you all for your time and you responses.

 

Well, do what you want and is best for you. But again, you would be able to train after work any time of year. There is no limitation to flight training at night.

 

According to my instructor we are not allowed to train at night time. An hour after sunset I think is what i was told. Sure I will be required to do some night training but I don't think I will be allowed to do the majority of my PPL hours at night time. Maybe I am wrong?

Anyway I talked to my instructor and we decided to wait until the spring time when I will be able to fly a lot more due to it not getting dark till 9:30pm. In the mean time I will study and try to get my written knocked out.

Once again thank you all for the advice.

 

I haven't done GA flying in a long time but it wouldn't seem that you would want to do too much of your PPL in the night hours I agree. If I remember correctly, much of it is ground reference maneuvers and of course landing pattern work. In my current training squadron it is very well delineated what flights can be flwon at night and I would imagine a P141 school's syllabus would be too.

Now the instrument rating is another story. I remember doing alot of my instrument training at night. A little less busy at some of the bigger airports, maybe less hectoc controllers that might be willing to work with you a little harder or give you extra attention, usually a little smoother, makes it seem more like you're in that dark simulator all over again and a peek outside of the foggles or hood might not buy you much

Good luck with your path in any case covsting.

USMCFLYR

 

Just to be clear, there is nothing illegal about doing training at night, it's just not prefered for student pilots because we're trying to get you to look outside the cockpit!!!

I will agree with your instructor that if you can't get lessons in/done before dark, it's better to do them when you can in daylight.