KPDUTY

I've lived next to a small private airport for many years and have always thought about taking lessons.

Well, after walking my dogs for a countless time at the airport, and having the financial resoures to do it, I'm thinking of actually setting a goal to do get a license. I know it takes alot of time and money.

Are there any pilots out there that could recommend if PC flight simulation software would be beneficial prior to actually scheduling lessons? I would imagine there are some very sophisticated simulators out there. If so, are there any recommended titles?

I would like to get a rudimentary knowledge of small engine flight before starting, or would it be better to just contact a flight instructor?

Thanks

FlyACL

Congrats Kpduty! That is a wonderfull idea! I am a pilot. Fly commercial now, but back in the day I was a flight instructor at one of them little airports just like the one by your house. I can tell you of all the different types of flying I have done, form small aerobatic planes, flying skydivers, flight instruction, charter, to the jets I currently fly. Nothing was a better time then learning to fly! Good Times!

As for your questions, if you havent already I would stop in and talk with the people at the FBO. I would guess on any given day there will be some poor flight instructor sitting around just waiting for someone like you to come in looking for information. (I speak from many long boaring days I did myself!) There is a program called "Be a Pilot" that was set up by several large organizations to intoduce people to flying. Most places will honor the "into" lesson for $49. It is a great way to give it a try. They take you up for a little bit and let you see how you like it. You will even get to fly a good part of the flight! Regardless of the deal, I would go and talk to them and let them take you for an intro flight. They will also be able to give you all the details of what is involved and the costs.

As for the flight simulator stuff. I think it can help with some of the more advaced stuff. Like learning to read the instruments and being able to visualize different procedures. But as to actual flying nothing can even come close to the real thing. A better idea would be to get a Private Pilot Manual and do some reading. Most places use the Jeppesen Private Pilot Manual, and it is a very good book. If you decide to do the lessons with the FBO at your home airport the text and "flgiht kit" are usually included in the program or at least available there for you.

Anyway, I could go on and on. But check it out. I am sure you will not be disapointed in the expierence. If you have any questions feel free to ask! Take care and good luck~

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jpmarth

What a great endeavour!! I have my Commercial Instrument and do not ever regret earning them.

Truthfuly, several of us used Microsoft Flight Simulator. The software programs will not help you with the actual maneuvers, but it will help you practice the procedure and checklists. This comes in most handy when you are getting an Instrument rating and neec to practice your approaches. I spent countless hours flying approaches all over the country with MS Flt Sim.

I would deter you from trying to teach yourself too much before you go in and spend some time with an instructor. The coarse work they put together is done in a way to let the information flow logicaly. Many in my flight school who came in with a little knowledge had a harder time putting it out of their head to get the basics down first.

If you have an option, I would suggest a Part 141 flight school over a Part 61. You will get a better learning experience and not as many hours are required if you want to eventualy get your Commercial.

Good luck!!

KPDUTY

Thanks for the replies...

Well, I'm definately going to do this. Once I set a goal, I usually complete it.

Based on your comments, I am going to forego any simulation software and contact the flight school directly for directions on what literature and flight program to take.

Thanks again, I'll keep you posted if your interested . . .

psionandy

Originally Posted by KPDUTY

Thanks again, I'll keep you posted if your interested . . .

Please do. I know nothing about flying but am really interested to see how you get on.

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aximbigfan

flying is easy... its getting back on the ground that needs practice....


chris

windowsrookie

if you can flap your arms fast enough it's easy to fly! :)

mikeyp

note: i didnt read everything yet but


WHY NOT GET AN RC AIRPLANE???


ive seen them with everything youy would need excpet the gas for 350 on www.towerhobbies.com

i do rc cars and its great fun

JMJSelect

ive always wanted to learn to fly. helicopters more so than planes.

let us know how it goes.

and if your in the US dont try and rush them into getting a license. i think theyll think that your a terrorist.

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