Start Flying - Truth of expense!

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=65 BGCOLOR="#666699" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="04e00840erlcjm.png"> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Start Flying - Truth of expense!</B></FONT><B>   |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Mark Felling.com Dont let life pass you"><B>home</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id383.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Dragonfly">Dragonfly</A>   |   <A HREF="id365.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="BD4">BD-4</A>   |   <B>Start Flying - Truth of expense!</B>   |   <A HREF="id374.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Aviation Links">Aviation Links</A>   |   <A HREF="id385.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Build a powered model airplane for FREE!">Build a powered model airplane for FREE!</A>   |   <A HREF="id367.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Cost Analysis">Cost Analysis</A>   |   <A HREF="aviation_links.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Marks Aviation Links">Mark's Aviation Links</A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=150 BGCOLOR="#CCCCFF" TEXT="#080000" background="04811c00egdysm.png"> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id364_m.htm#reality_of_flying___the_truth_of_expense" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Start Flying Truth of expense!"><B>Reality of Flying - the truth of expense</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id364_m.htm#obtaining_your_private_pilot_certificate" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Start Flying Truth of expense!"><B>Obtaining your Private Pilot Certificate</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id364_m.htm#i_have_my_licence___now_what_" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Start Flying Truth of expense!"><B>I have my Licence - Now what?</B></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://markfelling.dnsalias.com/Aviation%20Docs/Aircraft%20Economic%20Analysis.xls" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://markfelling.dnsalias.com/Aviation">Aircraft Operating Expense Comparison</A></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=415 width="100%" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="5" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="816" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 82 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="http://www.broadenedhorizons.com" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.broadenedhorizons.com"><B><IMG SRC="961dd4b0.png" border=0 width="221" height="75" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="94"><div> <A HREF="http://www.BroadenedHorizons.com" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.BroadenedHorizons.com"><B>"Innovative Solutions for the Mobility Impaired"</B></A></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="467"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="82" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="467" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div>  <A NAME="reality_of_flying___the_truth_of_expense"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>Reality of Flying - the truth of expense</U></B></div> <div> Seriously though - Being a recreational pilot can be an expensive Hobby, but not as bad as many people think.   Probally the most difficult aspect to getting started is obtaining your Private Pilot certificate.  Its just like your driver's licence, but for flying - and the process is very similar.   Once your ready to fly more, you can consider either a flying club, renting, or owning your own plane depending on your flying habbits and personal preferences.   I've done <A HREF="id367.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Cost Analysis">cost of ownership analysis</A>, and in the 100 hour range, the cost per hour over a year will be relatively similar, depending on the type of aircraft and how many hours you fly.   That all said it is possible to buy a real, functional, virtually ready to fly aircraft for about the cost of a used car.  1 and 2 seat aircraft, especially those powered by cost efficient and very popular VW-type engines, can be found for anywhere from $5000 to $15000 depending on many factors.   I obtained both my planes at the low end of this spectrum.  Ultralights can be had from $2000 to $15,000.  As one goes up in performance or to aviation certified engines, the price climbs rapidly.   However, even at that, very much airplane, ready to fly can be had for $20K (KitFox, BD-4, CH-601's) to $45K ((RV's, GlasAir's, Tailwind's, Cozy's, or Velocity's).   Some of these aircraft (Dragonfly's) can be flown for as little as $0.26 per mile - very comparible to driving your car, but faster and with more adventure, fun, and memories!  </div> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="obtaining_your_private_pilot_certificate"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>Obtaining your Private Pilot Certificate</U></B></div> <div> First, start by studying the ground school.  There are a number of good self study courses, just glace through a magazine such as <A HREF="http://www.kitplanes.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.kitplanes.com">KitPlanes</A>.   I used the ever popular (but a bit more expensive than the rest) DVD course from <A HREF="http://www.kingschools.com/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.kingschools.com/">King Schools</A>.  I would recommend sharing the cost and program with a friend, though I don't think your supposed to do that.  :-)   During the same time you can begin actual flying lessons with a CFI (Certified Flight Instructor).  Visit a few different local schools, and pick an instructor your most comfortable working with.  Don't hesitate to essentially "Interview" them.  They often work as semi-independants and compete for your business.  Probally of most importance is to choose one whose schedule will work well with your own.  A good resource is <A HREF="http://www.aopa.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.aopa.org">AOPA</A> or to find a flight instructor.  <A HREF="http://www.airnav.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.airnav.com">AirNav.com</A> is a great place to look up contact information for schools at various smaller airports.   Ask your CFI for a recommendation for a place to go to get your 3rd Class Medical examination (a basic physical from a FAA certified doctor).  The exam will usually cost about $80 and is quick and easy if your in reasonable health.</div> <div> As you begin flying, you will first you will learn the basics, various manuvers in handling the aircraft, including takeoffs (easy) and landings (always requiring the most practice).  Each item such as radio calls and navigation will be covered one step at a time.  When your ready you will begin practice on your own and "Solo".   Eventually you will have flown a minimum of 35 or 40 hours depending which program the school teaches under (Part 61 or Part 91), don't worry the end result will depend more on you and the instructor than the program.  Most people flying on average 3 times a week will take 3 to 4 months to complete the program in maybe 50 to 55 hours.  If you spread your training out over 6 months or more it will probally take you longer (60 to 70 hours) to complete your training.   Keep at it and you will get done quicker, more confidently, and at a lower cost.  Take these longer time into account when comparing flight schools.  In the end, the final cost won't depend so much on what school you work with as much as the type of plane you use for your training.  <A HREF="http://www.cessna.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cessna.com">Cessna</A>'s and <A HREF="http://www.newpiper.com/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.newpiper.com/">Piper</A>'s are some of the most common trainers.  <A HREF="http://www.zenair.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.zenair.com">Zenair</A>'s <A HREF="http://www.newplane.com/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.newplane.com/">CH2000</A> I hear has great handling and <A HREF="http://www.diamondair.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.diamondair.com">Diamond</A>'s Katana's are supposed to be real fun to fly.  <IMG SRC="6677d5e0.jpg" border=0 width="125" height="94" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="5"> I did my training in an <A HREF="http://www.amerchampionaircraft.com/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.amerchampionaircraft.com/">American Champion</A> Citabria since its a taildragger or conventional gear type airplane, as are both of my planes.  </div> <div> A side note, before you solo talk to the school and get in writing their insurance coverage commitments to you.  In almost every case you should consider a simple renter's liability policy.  They are available on the web from <A HREF="http://www.aopa.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.aopa.org">AOPA</A> for about $125.</div> <div> Finally, at the end you will need to take a written exam - 70% is passing but its not overly difficult if you do a few practice exams beforehand (included in the self-study courses usually).  And at the end, you will take your Flight test with an FAA examiner.   To complete everything to get your licence will cost on average around $5000 give or take a thousand.  </div> <div>  <A NAME="i_have_my_licence___now_what_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B><U>I have my Licence - Now what?</U></B></div> <bR> <div> First join <A HREF="http://www.eaa.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.eaa.org">EAA</A>.  They do much for recreational aviation, and you do not need to be building, own, or even fly an expiramental homebuilt or kit plane.  Many members fly only certified aircraft.  However, EAA organizes or is involved in almost everything grassroots related to aviation, and anyone with an interest in aviation will value their membership.   Even if you think you cannot afford the costs of ownership or evening flying, join a local club and you will soon make many friends with whom opportunities you hadn't even thought of may present themselves!</div> <bR> <div> If your interested in flying your own airplane check out <A HREF="http://www.tradeaplane.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.tradeaplane.com">TradeAPlane</A>, <A HREF="http://www.barnstormers.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.barnstormers.com">BarnStormers</A>, and get a copy of <A HREF="http://www.aerocrafter.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.aerocrafter.com">Aerocrafter</A>.   Once you decide on the type of plane, join the e-mail list for it's type - almost every type of airplane has one, and subscribe to its newsletter if there is one.   Accident reports, registered aircraft owners, and other such information is available from the FAA's web searchable databases.  </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://markfelling.dnsalias.com/Aviation%20Docs/FAA%20Plane%20Sense%20FAQ.pdf" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://markfelling.dnsalias.com/Aviation"><B>FAA's "Plane Sense" FAQ</B></A></div> <bR> <div> Take it one step at a time, and you will be surprised how soon you will be soring the skys!</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://markfelling.dnsalias.com/Aviation%20Docs/Aircraft%20Economic%20Analysis.xls" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://markfelling.dnsalias.com/Aviation">Aircraft Operating Expense Comparison</A></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>