Flying as a recreational pilot is a greatly satisfying and rewarding hobby. Flying is a great adventure that allows you to break away from the world below you, forget about car traffic, work, and day to day stress. Flying will challenge your mind and physical aptitude, and then reward you with a beautiful view or perfect landing. How do you start flying? Here are some tips on how to begin your new adventure as a Private Pilot.

You need some cash! Aircraft are very expensive to own and operate especially due to today’s rising fuel prices. The up front cost to start your flight training will generally be about $8000 US, this will get you from having no experience to being a certified Private Pilot. This could be your greatest hurdle to becoming a pilot however you will be greatly satisfied with your decision to fly on your first flight!

You must find a reputable flight training school at your local airport. Key factors in choosing your flight school include well maintained aircraft, professional instructors, a good reputation and history, and a high standard of emergency training. Your flight schools aircraft should be well maintained and fairly new if possible as you do not want aircraft becoming unavailable during your training or being unsafe. Never try to save a dollar when it comes to the aircraft you are flying. Determine if the instructors provided by the school are experienced, speak with the schools Chief Flight Instructor and ensure they offer certified instructors with a structured training syllabus. Ensure the flight school you are prospecting has a good reputation for safety, training success and customer satisfaction. This can be done by talking to the schools student pilots as well as contacting local non-profit flying clubs; get recommendations. Finally ensure the flight school focuses on in-flight emergency handling and procedures. Speak with the Chief Flight Instructor to ensure the school focuses on in-flight emergency procedures and that they are taught on every lesson, you do not want a flight school that just teaches the minimum legal requirements.

Once you have picked your flight school focus on flying your best on every lesson and do not let yourself become discouraged. Flight training can be highly demanding, but with hard work and determination you will succeed to be a proficient pilot. You will soon realize that every flight is a rewarding adventure and you may soon find your self buying your own aircraft for sale!