I've recently been looking into becoming a pilot just as a hobby. I've always been fasinated when I go on a plane, but sometimes get a little nervous during take off, landing, and turbulence. Will this fear transfer over and affect my performance when I actually fly myself? Also, is it not unreasonable to be flying at 17 (I know its legal, but is sort of young I guess) I don't know anyone else who is a pilot my age. Anyways, thanks to anyone who can answer my questions!
2006-08-27 17:58:29 · 10 answers · asked by astronomy3001 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Aircraft
The only problem I see in your plan is how do you propose to pay for your training? While the FAA regs say you have to have at least 40 hours of flight time to get your private license, most students actually have closer to 60 hours before they complete their check ride and qualify for the Private Pilot certificate. Depending on current fuel prices and the type aircraft you rent for training, those 60 hours of flight time could cost you more than $6,000 (US.) Then, there's the fees for the instructor, ground school, headsets, charts, etc... The total could run as high as $8-9K for your private license... It's an awfully expensive hobby!!!
If you want to continue your training to the point that you can fly commercially, you'll need to accumulate about 250 total flight hours, and qualify for instrument and commercial pilot ratings as well... Even more $$$
I hope your piggy bank is full!
2006-08-28 10:04:27 · answer #1 · answered by JetDoc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As for take off, landing, and turbulence fears, they'll subside with time. Despite being around/flying planes for nearly my whole life, when I decided to get my license (after many years of saying I had no desire) I often got nervous. Over time, pilot skill and confidence have overcome those fears so that now it's just a natural thing. Sure, there are times when a 10,000 hour airline pilot would sweat and get nervous, but as you gain skill you'll overcome your fears.
As for becoming a pilot at 17, there's nothing wrong with that so long as you are mature and dedicate enough (and, as one person mentioned, have deep pockets). The son of a pilot I know is 17. He has his private pilot, instrument rating, multiengine rating, and advanced ground instructor rating. He would have his commercial and CFI now, but he's not old enough. He's flown all across the country as well as to the Bahamas (in a Piper Tomahawk no less ;) ). Thus, if you're mature enough to handle the responsibility, dedicated enough to take the time to learn, and have a source of money then there's nothing wrong with becoming a pilot at 17.
2006-08-29 01:03:07 · answer #2 · answered by newfaldon 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as you practice and get more hours in the air I don't see why you won't eventually become accustomed to those fears, they won't actually bother you anymore. Also perhaps understanding why you have them can help. For example turbulence is obviously caused by instabilities in the atmosphere (for more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbulence ).
Its perfectly fine to be flying at 17. I don't see a problem, if you enjoy that hobby nothing should stop you doing that. I myself have only been in a plane once, I think it was a Cessna, it was with me cousin and a training pilot. It was slightly scary but I could see that the hardest parts where takeoff and landing. I do believe more experience should prove that to be easier though. It was an unusual experience, I think I'll try a chopper next.
2006-08-27 18:16:40 · answer #3 · answered by Omnis 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey man, Its perfectly reasonable, I soloed at 17. Im now 19 and have commercial with instrument rating and CFI. You can get yoru private at 17 and commercial at 18. As far as the fears, It may make you a little bit uncomfortable at first but the more and more you fly the more confident you will get. Also learning to fly and being the one in control and understanding how flight takes place will help put those fears in the past. Good luck!
2006-08-27 19:22:54 · answer #4 · answered by Travis U 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sorry to rebut the previous posts but flying is not a hobby to take on if you have fear. In the end even if you pass the fear initially, it will bite you in the butt. If you ever experience an emergency, that fear will come back and will freeze you. I have seen it happen before! Talk it over with your CFI. If he is good and honest, he will tell you the truth upfront. I had a student that had that problem and no matter the hours we flew, he never got over it so he grounded himself for safety.
2006-08-29 11:02:47 · answer #5 · answered by Flyer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you truly want to have fun flying, think about flying ultralights or Light Sport Aircraft. The requirements are much less than for a Cessna/Piper type aircraft. These smaller aircraft are much more fun than the Cessan/Piper type aircraft because you fly lower and slower and see much more. Pushers (the engine and prop are behind you) are much more common in the ultralight and LSA categories, and the view from these pushers is spectacular! Training time is much less, and the cost to start flying -- and to keep flying -- is much less. Check out the sources below.
2006-08-29 08:13:42 · answer #6 · answered by Trebor 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is a great idea to get a pilot's license. I think your fears will probably go away when you are manipulating the controls versus being a passenger.
2006-08-27 18:35:51 · answer #7 · answered by intheskeye 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you will be fine flying by yourself at the age of 17. My hat is off to you. Just remember everything that your instructor has taught about the aircraft and safety procedures, etc. and you will fine. GOOD LUCK AND ENJOY!!!!
Beverly Smith
2006-08-31 16:40:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds fab to me, so long as you're a fanatical Muslim.
(aaarghhh!! sorry! just in a retard mood again!)
2006-08-27 18:04:06 · answer #9 · answered by angel_catz 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
minimum age 18 but can start training earlier
2006-08-27 18:05:02 · answer #10 · answered by jason 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋