Hello, I'm 16 right now and wanting to get flying. I bought the Airplane Flying Handbook along with the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge a while ago. I read both and know all that material now like the back of my hand. Of course there is knowing it in theory and knowing it from experience. Well I wanna try the experience part. I live in NYC and am thinking of trying to get a PPL. My question is how would I go about doing that? Or if anyone lives in the area and did it before, could you tell me how you did it? Thanks, appreciate the help.

I believe the closest airport to you would be white plains KHPN (westchester), I think American Flyers is there aswell Panorama both are Flight schools. The rates are pretty expensive. If you could venture into Jersey go to Lincoln Park Airport the rates theres are much less. But before you go anywhere call the FBOs and ask them what is the total price for a PPL and what is the training like, etc.

www.aopa.org - good site to check FBOs around your area.

Could he also consider joining the Young Eagles?
www.youngeagles.org

A good program for you to look in to. You get a lot of exposure to aviation and even some flight time here and there. You might also consider getting a summer job and saving up as much money as you possibly can and getting some flight time/ground instruction in.

You might even look at getting a job washing planes and such at a small flight school in your area. I did this while I was in the Marine Corps and got some really good perks like free ground school classes, reduced rate flights, and a lot of opportunities to "sandbag".

And since you are obviously very dedicated to the study side of things go pick up the most recent edition of the Private Pilot Test Prep and learn it cover to cover. Maybe even get your written test out of the way (It's good for three years I do believe).

Good luck on your training! You are definitely on the right track and way ahead of the game!

agreed with the above........Go get your private pilots an airport that is close by where you live; at a Fixed Base Operator (FBO). and then if you want to get further in your training go to a college for your instrument and commercial. If you want some further reading go buy Jeppesen Private pilot handbook. Lots of pictures and info, thick too.

"I bought the Airplane Flying Handbook along with the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge a while ago. I read both and know all that material now like the back of my hand."

You sound like me when I was 16...

I agree with everyone else. You could start working on your PPL and take the checkride when you're 17. Not sure how easy it is for a 16 year old in NYC to get a PPL, probably not like a 16 year old in Ottumwa, Iowa, where you could ride your bike to the airport. You'll have to find a school in the area and figure out how to get there. The Yellow Pages is a good way to start. Google. Get us some links, and we can help you check out the schools.

Oh yeah, The AOPA has a great program for students such as yourself. They run a mentor program which is almost like a big brother type program for student pilots. Check it out at www.aopa.org

Congrats on doing the background reading first...you'll be ahead of most other folks.

I would also add, if you find a flight school that you enjoy, go ahead and get more ratings and certificates. Plus if you decide you would like to go to college for aviation, in most cases the more you have done before you get there will help in the long run. Best of luck to you!

My son is in sort of the same boat. Although he is 27 and works for a hedge fund in Greenwich he would like to get a PPL. Also I would like him to get a PPL cause he can't fly dear old dad's airplane without one. If your over in the CT area I understand there are some FBO over in Meridan and especially Brainard airport I believe. Just south of Hartford. Some FBO and clubs over in Bridgeport. Expect to pay around 10 thousand dollars for the whole kit-n- kabodle.

Good luck, I too started to learn to fly at age 16 out of Houston's Hobby airport. So while most of my buds were goofing around I worked construction to pay for flying lessons. Even if you don't make flying a career you'll always have that PPL in you wallet. Your off to a good start..........