Pilot License

[Stompor]

I know that a few of you have a pilot license. I think I want to get one,
What do I need to ask to find a qualified instructor and any suggestions on schools in the south sound?

[SomeSailor]

The nice thing about getting a private or sport pilot certificate is the FAA is pretty matter of fact about it. :) Here are a couple of questions I might have:

What's your aviation background?
What are your ratings?
How long have you held those ratings?
How long have you been actively training?
How many students have you certified?

Is your training facility FAR Part 141 / 61 accredited?
How many aircraft do you have in your training program?
Do students have priority over rentals?
How many aircraft do you have in your rental program?
What is your hourly equipment rate?
Is that wet or dry?
Do you calculate rates on Hobbs or tach time?
What is your cancellation policy?

Will I be working with a single instructor?
Where is the FAA examiner you work with?
What is your average training time before certification?
What models do you have in inventory?
Who maintains your aircraft?
Are you affiliated with other clubs or organizations?
What is your aircraft availability typically like?

Anyhow... those are a couple that come to mind. I've had my certificate since 1982, but much changes every year. It's a pretty pricey hobby these days. Heck... A plane is one toy that makes a boat look downright cheap. :)

Best advice is go with a fcility that has multiple instructors available, multiple aircraft available for both instruction AND rental and find the oldest guy in the room. :)

[harborjoe]

My best advice would be to find an instructor that you like. You will be spending alot of time together and everyone has different learning styles. I have used a few and the one I liked best had over 30000 hours. He was the crustiest old bastard I have ever met and yelled at me constantly. Oddly enough, I learned really well from him and liked his uniqueness. I have used a couple of others that were much more mainstream. The other potential problem I have had is availability. If you are renting the plane and instructor it can be difficult to get them both at the same time. I would make sure whoever you fly with has enough aircraft to meet your needs. It is alot of fun so go for it!

[Skwcrj]

I would recommend you pickup a Private Pilot book and read it before your introductory flight. The intro flight will make more sense and you will get a true feeling about wether to plunk down the cash for further lessons. Like any other hobby, the learning curve is steep but flying is very rewarding.

[SomeSailor]

A few of us who are private pilots are also RC enthusiasts. It's another really cool aviation hobby once you fall in love with flying. I've certainly spent more in RC planes and equipment than I have on actual flight hours over the years. :)

You should come by our field sometime and check out the fun. RC Combat is a BLAST!