Some instructors own their own airplanes... Just saying.

But yes, I would be leary of paying anyone more than 10hrs at a time.

Very true, but even including the plane being able to discount $55/hr and still turn a worthwhile profit must mean he is making an absolute killing at whatever his normal rate is. I'm used to seeing 5-10% discounts for buying block time, but that seems excessive. That's at least a 30% discount, and then he wants 55 hours up front?!? Of course I'm paranoid and generally start by assuming I'm getting screwed... I have been taken a time or 2 and that was enough for me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

He does own a few aircraft. His normal rate is a little over 10k for 55 hours, plus ground school, tail wheel endorsement and some other stuff. He is running a special for about 7.5k, so not quite 3k in savings, but close. Im in Northern California (won't say where) and he seems to be the only instructor here to offer giant blocks of time like that. I have decided to go with another instructor that does not require that I pay in blocks unless I choose to do so. I found a company that specializes in sport and private certificates and I have decided to go with getting my sport certificate for now. I can worry about my medical exam when the time comes. Thank you for that suggestion.

I have a stressful problem and need answers. Last year the FAA denied my third class medical because they saw records that I was smoking marijuana for a while due to my phychiatrist putting down that info in my history while I was visiting her. I'm only 20 years old and working on my private pilot certificate. I have done my solo back in 2014 and haven't flown since today September 19. I've been sober since may of last year due to this problem. The FAA just sent out a letter saying I have to take a 5 panel drug screen in the next 48 hours and see a HIMS/AME psychiatrist and be in a drug abuse program for a minimum of a 12 month period and do 14 random drug test for abstinence. The problem that is stressing me out is will I be able to continue my training while seeing the HIMS and doing he program at the same time ?or do I have to Waite 12 months and complete the program and then start flying?

Here's a link to find a HIMS/AME near you. Consult one of them, and carefully follow their instructions. Personally, I would not spend more money on flight training until I had a medical certificate. Good Luck!

https://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/