Is Money Really the Reason People Don’t Learn to Fly?
Money was always the reason I said I didn’t learn to fly, and I know that is the reason most other people give. Some say time and that is a valid reason because it does take a significant time commitment to get your ratings.
The more I think about it, and the more I hear other people talk about it, money should never be the reason someone doesn’t learn to fly. If someone says money is the reason they can’t learn to fly, I think the real reason is lack of education or understanding, which I think is the only real reason people don’t learn to fly.
That may seem abrupt or too short sighted, but at the heart of most reasons is a lack of understanding. Let’s look at money first since that is the most common reason.
Money can certainly be a stumbling block, and make it take longer to earn a rating, but there is no reason it should stop anyone. Most of us could find things to eliminate from our lives and save money. We could not go to Starbucks as often, or not eat out everyday for lunch. We could even sell our car and ride a bike where we needed to go or take the bus. All of these things can be done if someone wants it bad enough, and if you don’t, that’s fine, it just means you would rather have your coffee than fly, as long as you understand it is a choice.
Beyond that there are a lot of different scholarships out there designed to help people get their ratings. You may not get the first one you apply for, but if you keep trying then you will eventually find a way. Like many things it is not just a matter of trying one time if you truly want it. You have to keep trying and you WILL find a way.
While I don’t recommend it unless you intend to make flying a career, there are even loans you can take out if you decide that is right for you. Take great caution though because you don’t want to end up with more debt than you can handle. This was originally my plan, but after more than $3,000 I had only logged 7.5 hours and I knew that wasn’t sustainable. So just make sure you are staying very aware of what you are spending and what you are actually getting if you decide to take out loans.
Now what about time?
I have very quickly learned that the older I get the less free time I have. Between work and family I have to be much more selective of how I spend the other time I have. But, when I am honest with myself, I waste a ridiculous amount of time watching TV and playing video games. I enjoy doing those things, and have come to realize that it is a choice I am making, that I am trying to change within myself.
Not everyone wastes their time away on meaningless entertainment, and some people genuinely do not have any extra time to pursue a license. The question there is if they could afford to work a little less and possibly live a less extravagant lifestyle? Could they sacrifice a huge vacation and instead get their license? This is not always the case as some people genuinely have to work that much just to survive. But the vast majority of people could find something to sacrifice if they really wanted to fly.
I guess what I am getting at is that there are opportunities out there if only people knew what reality was. Some people think that the military is the only way to become a pilot. This may seem ridiculous for someone in the industry, but for someone who doesn’t actually know someone who is a pilot they may not realize the opportunities that exist.
They may not realize that sometimes you can trade labor like plane washing for flight lessons. There are also jobs to be had at the airport fueling planes and moving them around. I for one thought there was some experience to be had to get a job like that. Come to realize most of those people are in their late teens and early twenties with no experience whatsoever when they start. It can be a great way to meet pilots and find opportunities to fly that you can only find through meeting people. Not to mention making some money to spend on flying.
There are programs like EAA’s Young Eagle where you can get into a small plane for a flight to see what it’s like. There is Civil Air Patrol if you want to learn more about aviation and maybe get some flying in as well.
Honestly, when you are young is the best time to learn to fly if you can be disciplined about it. You don’t have a lot of bills to worry about other than maybe a cell phone and some sort of transportation. You also don’t have a lot of other responsibilities to take up your time. You just have to decide if being on five basketball teams is more important than learning to fly, and if it is for you then awesome! Just don’t complain about not becoming a pilot. You can make it happen if you choose to, but you have to be disciplined and really want it. Otherwise, you may put off your dream for 20 years like I did.
I know it’s a cliche phrase, but it really is true that “where there’s a will there’s a way”. It likely will not come easy, and will take significant time and effort, but it can be done. You can find a way if you have the guts to do it. You will likely have to ask for help from others, but don’t be afraid to ask, and just do it. So many people are willing to help in aviation that if you don’t ask, you have only yourself to blame. That doesn’t mean to just ask people for money, but they may be able to give you advice or point you in the direction of a scholarship or job opportunity.
I’m not writing this to judge people for their choices as much as I want people to realize it is possible, something I didn’t realize until I was in my mid 30s. There are opportunities all over the place. If you are in the industry you can help by talking to people about it. You can tell them your story, which was likely just as full of sacrifice along a winding path as most other pilots. You can help someone get into the military if that is what you know. We can all do more to help people follow their dreams, and I know almost all of us are willing to do so.
If we can only educate people of all ages about the options they have we can grow the community which will only help all of us. Then we will have more people to share this thing that we love.
If there is anything I can do to help please let me know and I will do all I can. Helping other people learn and grow is one of my favorite things to do.
