Becoming a Licensed Pilot This Year
I know I say it all of the time, but I love planes and everything about them. Most of you probably do too, and that is awesome. I read about aviation all of the time, I write this blog, and I talk about it every chance I get, much to the dismay of the non-avgeeks I interact with.
Despite this passion, I have an admission to make, I don’t have my private pilot’s license. I started it about six years ago, but the birth of my daughter and dozens of other excuses have since gotten in the way. I currently have just over 22 hours in the C-172 and DA-20 aircraft which is roughly less than half of what I would need to finish.
However, the writings of others, namely Dan Pimentel and Brent Owens, has inspired me to commit to finishing my PPL this year. I already shared Dan’s article about increasing the number of pilots on the FAA records to 1 million which is really where this all started for me.
Then last week Brent wrote about how if you really want to fly that you can find a way. Pretty much all of us have things we could cut out of our lives that would allow us to spend more time/money on flying. The reality is that if you want something bad enough, you will find a way, and after dreaming about being a licensed pilot for essentially my whole life I have decided now is as good of a time as any.
The reason that I am posting this is because I would greatly appreciate your support and encouragement as there are a few challenges in my way. The difference is that I am trying to find ways to make it happen as opposed to just making the excuse and moving on.
The first challenge that I have is that I am in the middle of a Master’s degree program that I have to finish first. I have to have it for professional reasons, and I am already financially invested so I can’t just set it aside. There is no reason that I shouldn’t be able to finish it by the end of the year and still have time for the PPL though.
The second challenge is one that I have written about before, and the one that prevents so many of us from finishing, or even starting. I have to have the money. I still haven’t figured this one out yet, but I am determined to beg, steal, borrow, and cheat to get it done. Okay, I’m not going to steal or cheat, but I am begging you to support me through visiting this blog as well as any other suggestions you may have. Brent has provided me with quite a few ideas in his great eBook The Pilot’s Guide to Flying on a Budget, but I am always open to new suggestions.
The last challenge is a wife who doesn’t think it is possible. However, if I can find a way to help her see the possibility I know she will be supportive because she always has been with the adventures we have taken together.
I intend to post occasionally about my progress for anyone that may be interested.
Lastly, I am looking for people who are also willing to commit to this challenge of mine. I have found that I am more successful when I have people with the same goal as me where we can help encourage each other. If you already have your PPL then by all means pick a different flying goal and let’s support each other in that.
If you are interested in working together, please leave a comment about what your goal is and how I can help you reach it. You can also contact me on Twitter or Facebook. I am always willing to help in any way that I can. Maybe we can create a community of people that are committed to helping each other get there, and not just talk about it.
Then by the end of this year we can all celebrate reaching our goals, and make new ones for the next year. I look forward to hearing about your goals and dreams.
David,
What a great honest and heartfelt post. There are so many folks in this situation. I’m so encouraged that you have set your intention. Thanks also for mentions my work.
Let me know how I can help!
Brent
Brent-
I honestly think getting my wife on board is going to be the greatest challenge. That is why I need a solid plan so she can see the possibility and then I think she will be supportive. I guess we will see.
Dave
I admire your fortitude and upbeat attitude! Many people who encounter “slow going” just drop out. But I can tell from the tone of your post that you WILL finish that pilot certificate! Keep us posted, there’s plenty of encouragement to provide when you need it!
Thanks Ron. I appreciate the support. Yours is another blog that I read regularly to get my aviation fix that continues to grow. I see the things that others have done and I want to find my own adventures in flying.
That’s a great and “lofty” goal, David! Best of luck in your effort! And I agree: great book and sites! 🙂
Thanks Eric. I look forward to the journey ahead. It will be fun.
David, you are wise to get your wife to embrace. if you are serious, as a flight instructor, I will give you your first 3 hours of flight instruction for free. The caveat is that you have to include your wife on one of those flights so she can understand the safety and your commitment.
I appreciate the offer Ken. The safety is not her concern. It is 100% the financial aspect of getting the PPL that concerns her. I will find a way this time though. I understand what it will take a lot better than I did when I first started five years ago.
[…] david wrote: […]
David,
Just read your blog and I can see that you will soon be a member of the pilot group. No doubt in my mind you will get it done.
As for the financial aspect, doesnt the USAF have a program that would pay for your training? The reason I ask is because when I did my training there were a handfull of guys that got their training paid for by the AF.
I do not know the specifics on how they got it. Just came to mind and I thought it was worth asking.
Best of luck in fullfilling your dream
Regards
I believe that many FAA approved 141 flight schools will be a great resource to help facilitate that. My experience has been that most pilots get their primary training (private pilot) out of their own pocket, then use that approved flight school to complete instrument, commercial, multi engine,and even ATP. History shows that reimbursement has been slow.
Yeah I have tried to find any way for the military to pay for it but nothing in this area at least for a ppl.
You may want to consider moving toward your ultimate goal by achieving success in stages. Like progressing from undergrad to Masters, to PHD, similarly you can achieve a Sport Pilot license and get in the air while working toward you PPL.
That is certainly something I’ve considered and may be the ultimate path I take.
David,
I feel really spoiled having had the USAF cover the cost of all my training. It really takes dedication and passion to go it alone! Let me know if I can help!
Yeah I wish my flight training was good for something in the civilian world but the 14 hours I got at IFS are all that transfer. I will find a way.