So You Would Like To Become a Pilot

Because Cessna 150 airplanes are usually used for training, I'm finding people interested in these airplanes are often new to general aviation and are considering becoming a pilot. So even though pilot aspirations are not necessarily part of information about these airplanes, they are parallel interests. With that in mind, here are some of my thoughts.

Becoming a pilot is a very challenging endeavor. It takes a lot of persistence to complete the training. But, for those who do it, flying an airplane is fantastic. Becoming a pilot will change your life. Flying is not a casual thing. Although it is often for sheer pleasure, it is serious business.  Precautions like pre-flighting the aircraft before flight is essential. Even with all the esentials, I believe flying an airplane is one of the most enjoyable things you can do.

Since I am a pilot and have been for a few years I suppose I've been asked to offer some advice. By all means, if you can, get advice form other pilots. Take special notice on how becoming a pilot changed their lives.  Ask yourself if you really want to go there.

Gosh, I have to get off my soapbox. Below is my advice. I'm restricting my comments to obtaining a private pilot license for a single engine land airplane. It's what I know.

First, I'd go flying. A lot is not necessary, just a few times to verify that flying is really what you want to get into. This might cost you a couple of breakfasts. Some flight schools will take you for an introductory flight for not too much and let you try your hand at handling the controls.

You might next consider the cost. A license is going to costas much as $7,000 maybe more. It's not a fixed thing. An instructor has to sign you off before you can go up with an examiner to get your license and then you may not pass the first time. Looking back in my logbook I see that I had a lot more than the 40 hours required to get my license. It's not something you just pay for and it's yours. You really have to know what you're doing so there are tests you must pass. After it's all done, all you get for the money and work is a little piece of paper that says you're a pilot and what if any restrictions are imposed upon you. You may have to wear glasses. If you keep your medical current and complete a biannual flight review every couple of years you can fly an airplane.

You might want ask about some of the rules. There's nothing worse than finding out a pilot's license isn't going to let you do what you want. Just as an example, a SEL private pilot's license allows you to fly single engine land airplanes. You can't fly balloons, seaplanes or twin engine airplanes unless you get additional licenses. You also cannot fly people for pay. If you fly someone to Sedona Arizona, you cannot receive pay for the flight. They may help with the fuel expenses or buy breakfast, but that should be the limit of their financial assistance. Ask a lot of questions. The folks at flight schools should be able to help. The rules are many and can be found at your local pilot shop in the form of a very thick FAR/AIM book. It really doesn't make for interesting reading but it's the rules pilots fly by.

Before really getting into the thick of things I'd advise getting a flight physical. Health for pilots is a really big thing and it isn't something you can always do something about. If you do have a problem that can be addressed it might cost more than you are willing to pay to take care of it. Like in the way of tests to prove your airworthiness. It would be a shame if you spent a lot of time and money to learn that it just won't work out. On the bright side, most people won't have a problem. It's best to know what you're up against at the start.

Next, I'd advise going to a ground school. You can take ground school and flight training at the same time but it's a lot of information in a short time. Flight lessons should be taken two or three times a week for good retention. There may be one at a local college that teaches private pilot ground school.  Videos are good. Rod Machado's "Private Pilot Handbook" is really good.  The inside of and airplane makes a poor classroom. It's noisy, crowded and a lot of things going on to distract you from what you're trying to learn. It's best to have a good background before getting into an airplane. While in the ground school you might get flight simulator or a like product that will enable you to fly a general aviation airplane. Anything that will make for fewer flight lessons is money not spent. You might want to take the written test soon after ground school. You're going to have to take it and pass it sooner or later. It might as well be sooner while everything is fresh in your mind.  Be advised there is a time limit after passing the written test before you need to pass the practical test.

Taking flying lessons is a big deal. You're not one of several students.  You are THE student. Your instructor is working for you and with only you. Unless you already own an airplane you are renting one and that gets rather expensive at two or three times a week.  Many times these flight instructors are guys instructing just to accumulate flight hours at your expense so they can go on to a better paying commercial flying job. Make sure you're getting your money's worth. A lesson plan should be followed for each flight. There should be a preflight briefing before each flight and a post flight briefing to go over what you did and where you need improvement as well as what you're going to be doing the next time you go up so you can prepare.

The more I think about it, I feel that flying can be done by most anybody, it just practice. It's a lot like learning to manipulate the clutch in a car with a standard transmission, only a lot more to it.

In the end, as a pilot you can justifiably feel proud of your accomplishment. There aren't that many pilots in this world and you're one. You are not like everybody else anymore. The responsibility you have is considerable. The decisions you make are not always easy. Outside pressures can encourage you to make unwise decisions. Not everybody comes out of this activity alive. You must know what you can and cannot do. Some say your pilot's license is a license to learn. This learning can be difficult, as you don't have someone next to you to encourage you to learn more or ask advice. That someone next to you is probably a friend or relative looking to your for the right decision. Chances are they are along for the ride and don't have a clue.

The biggest problem with becoming pilot could be, "wanting to own an airplane". And that, my friend, is another subject altogether.

For comments, suggestions, or questions please e-mail me at ken@cessna150.net.