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PPL Training Duration

Old 02-14-2011, 06:10 PM
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Default PPL Training Duration

Can anyone give me an approximate time on how long it could take me to get my PPL? I know about the FAA's minimums and all of that... trust me, I've done my homework! But, what's the quickest you can get this done while still being in the safe, responsible pilot window?

Here's my deal:

- Currently deployed in SW Asia for USAF (enlisted NDT tech)

- Arriving home in May, using all tax free pay and entitlments towards PPL

- August, I'll be going from Active Duty to Reserve status (Palace Chase) and moving to a new town to finish my college degree.

So my question is, if I fly 4 - 5 times per week (fairly good weather in SC during the summer) will I be able to finish my PPL in the time between middle of May and mid August? Here's the kicker - I've already had about 10 hours of PPL training but it was last year.My car broke down and thus I ran out of money that I could dedicate to flying. Thanks for your help, guys!
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Old 02-15-2011, 11:09 AM
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Yes, its possible. But my experience with students who put very strict time frames on their training, often are not able to meet them. Things happen: weather, funding, maintenance, family etc. But it is possible if you commit to it full time at least 5 days a week.

To give you an idea, the current students I train are foreign who live on campus, have no jobs or families, have ground school 3hrs a day 6 days a week, and are required to be at the school 6 days a week and their entire training is already paid for. They usually finish in 2-3 months. I have seen a student do the entire private training and check ride in 24 days, but I would not recommend this. My suggestion to you would be study for the written now if you have the time so you can get it out of the way.

Good luck!
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Old 02-15-2011, 01:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Flaps15 View Post
So my question is, if I fly 4 - 5 times per week (fairly good weather in SC during the summer) will I be able to finish my PPL in the time between middle of May and mid August?
Is this a school or a mom+pop FBO?

Get the CFI on board with the plan as well. I think this will be a collaborative effort to get it done in such a short time and having the same CFI will help. Not having a headset probably added an extra 10 hours to my PPL time. I got my PPL in 93, and not all of the trainers were wired for intercom/headsets.

SC as in South Carolina or Southern California?

Good luck and let us know how it goes!
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Old 02-15-2011, 05:00 PM
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Three months is plenty of time if you fly 3-4 times/week.

Just make sure that you are committed to doing the homework so your flight training is utilized effectively, and that the CFI and School can support this schedule reliably. Talk to other students...if they have complaints of broken airplanes, difficult scheduling, and instructor cancelations, look somewhere else.
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Old 02-15-2011, 09:58 PM
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Thanks for your tips! I know a little about the school because i flew from there last year around the same time. It's an Aeroclub on my AFB. One of very few left. There used to be one on most AFBs from what I understand. And I'm in SC, South Carolina... Charleston to be exact. Well, I will be once I return to the states.

I just don't want to end up like one of those students you were telling me about who end up having to pause their training because of running out of cash. I've done that twice now.

I've been out here in the desert for a month (enough for two paychecks) and I have about 1/3 of what I need to learn to fly. I'll be here for another three months and the fact that my Income Tax Refunds are in the process of being put into my account, I should be in pretty good shape financially. Thanks again, guys.

Any other input? And where can I look up / print / order materials for studying for the written test? Can I take that as soon as I feel ready or do I have to wait to reach a certain amount of hours?
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Old 02-16-2011, 12:33 AM
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Not to toot my own horn.. but since posting that last reply, I've gotten my tax returns (both state and fed) in my bank... I am now 1/2 way done with the saving I need.

At the AeroClub the rates are slow that with minimum hours you can earn the PPL in about $4,000 but I'm saving up $6,000 to have some buffer room.
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Old 02-16-2011, 03:43 AM
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if it helps, I was working 40 hours a week flying 2-3 lessons a week and I finished in 3 and a half months even though I wasn't planning on it.

if you can do more then 2-3 lessons a week you're done in 3 months easy
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Old 02-16-2011, 06:02 AM
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Originally Posted by Flaps15 View Post
Thanks for your tips! I know a little about the school because i flew from there last year around the same time. It's an Aeroclub on my AFB. One of very few left. There used to be one on most AFBs from what I understand.
The flying clubs are cheap, but can have excess regulations. that's OK for a student pilot but can be a PITA if you are a PPL and just want to go fly without a lot of hassles.

Also make sure there is not an instructor shortage, make sure your instructor is not about to rotate, get IA'ed, etc.
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Old 02-16-2011, 08:02 AM
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Originally Posted by Flaps15 View Post
Thanks for your tips! I know a little about the school because i flew from there last year around the same time. It's an Aeroclub on my AFB. One of very few left. There used to be one on most AFBs from what I understand. And I'm in SC, South Carolina... Charleston to be exact. Well, I will be once I return to the states.

I just don't want to end up like one of those students you were telling me about who end up having to pause their training because of running out of cash. I've done that twice now.

I've been out here in the desert for a month (enough for two paychecks) and I have about 1/3 of what I need to learn to fly. I'll be here for another three months and the fact that my Income Tax Refunds are in the process of being put into my account, I should be in pretty good shape financially. Thanks again, guys.

Any other input? And where can I look up / print / order materials for studying for the written test? Can I take that as soon as I feel ready or do I have to wait to reach a certain amount of hours?
You're very lucky to have the Aero club. You'll save mucho dinero and have good instructors. I think there are some web sites (Sporty's??) that will allow you to do online written test prep for free or a nominal charge. Some places have a weekend written cram school (check the local "feeder" airports). Being at a towered aerodrome with multiple runways is also a plus. That helps radio work and SA.

Just keep an eye out for wayward Mooney's from CAE, local C17s, and the occasional DreamLifter!!!
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Old 02-16-2011, 08:50 AM
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2-3 months is definitely do-able. If you show a high understanding, read every night, and push youself to do better each flight, you can do it in even less time. I know a student who could have had his done in a month had he been able to come in most of the week.

Lack of funding seems to be the #1 killer of flight training and motivation. It's good you are preparing for that. Best of luck!!
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