Learning to fly..?

Question

Has anyone learnt to fly?
I really want to..maybe as a career.

I have heard its really expensive...
and do you have to go through lots of training.. like.. erm.. ive read somewhere you have to join the RAF or something?!

How long does it take to learn?

And how hard is it?

Thanks

Answer 1

I'm going to guess that you're in England. It's not hard to learn to fly; it's hard for most people to afford it. However, it is cheaper in England then on the continent. If you're serious and can afford it, I'd recommend going to canada for a few weeks, or mabey the US. They're both a lot more friendly tax and regulation wise, and there are many good schools there. If you really want to be an airline pilot, check out a flight school like Embry Riddle or Flight Safety

Answer 2

I'm answering from Canada, so not completely applicable, but should be about the same in the UK.
It cost me about $12,000 for all the books, courses and flight time. (Ouch!)
Flight time is about 50-70 hours depending on how often you fly.
If you fly more often than once per week you will learn faster.
It took me 8 months (I wasn't in too much rush), but I saw some people get their private and commercial ratings in the same time but they were at the airport EVERY DAY!

I recommend the RAF for flying training. I was a captain in the Canadian Air Force (not as a pilot) and I saw a bunch of pilots finish their service then walk right into cushy civilian pilot jobs. GREAT training and experience that just about any commercial operator would want.

Is it hard? Don't really know. I've been into aircraft all my life and I was an aerospace engineer - it all helps. Some people pick up the flying really easy but the navigating and planning is hard, or the other way around. It depends on you.
I recommend you go to a local airfield and take a familiarization flight with an instructor. It'll cost you about $75 and you can find out if you like it or not and if you think it's too overwhelming.
They often let you sit in on some of the ground school classes to see if it fits you or not.

If you're worried about cost, dont even THINK about helicopter training! It's about 5 times more expensive. If you want to do helos, I would really recommend the RAF.

Answer 3

I am assuming you are a Brit. Training costs £100 per hour and you'll need minimum 38 hrs to pass your GFT. (general Flying Test) get used to that nobody uses sentences when and abbreviation will do. You need a CAA medical which cost £140. About £200 in books although you might pick these up secondhand, about another £400 for navigation aids and you own personal headphones, although some schools supply these but they get stolen a lot and there is nothing worse than trying to communicate with the ground when you can't hear what the controller is saying. Go along to your nearest flying school. They will be very happy to see you and run through it with you. Some have an easy payment scheme. Take a trial lesson for £50. You'll fly the plane for about half an hour and then you will know if this is what you want. If the costs daunt you, join the RAF cadets and fly for free. There is nothing so thrilling (sex excluded) than flying your first solo.!!

Answer 4

From your question I take it you are a Brit. Well, it's expensive in the U.S. and I know it's even worse in Europe. It's unfortunate but flying has become a rich man's hobby because the socialist governments have taxed and regulated it to death. Flying is a wonderful pursuit and certainly a great career however unless you have access to a large amount of cash (not only the cost of getting your license but you MUST pay to fly regularly to stay current), then just about the only way is to join the military or take advantage of the Sport Pilot license. In the U.S. It allows you to fly two seat aircraft, during the day, at 10,000 ft or lower but it costs only about half of the private pilot license and takes about half as long. Its a great help to aspiring pilots and I believe you folks across the Atlantic have something similar. Although it's expensive, if you are determined you CAN do it. Perhaps you have relatives in the States, then you could train here cheaper. You don't need to be an Einstein but you WILL need discipline and study. It's not easy but if you read and pay attention you WILL pass the tests. Don't get discouraged, get determined. MAKE it happen for yourself. Someday, perhaps you'll be flying me back to your country. Best of luck!

Answer 5

If you really want to learn, you won't find it expensive!!! What a crock of horse crap when people say it is expensive. Sure, it costs a big chuck of change but it is not comparable to the joy and benefit of finally becoming an airline pilot. Sure, there are a lot of poor flight instructors around and paying off the student loan. But no real pilot who are really committed will complain. The cost is an investment into a great future! Aviation education is worth every bleeding dime!

Answer 6

Yes, I learned while I was in High School/College. It is not hard, just pick out a flight school and instructor and go for a single flight lesson to help you decide. Your first license, Private Pilot, costs several thousand; many thousand more to become an airline pilot (10-20k). It (Private) will take you 2-3 months, more or less depending on how busy you are with work, school, finances, etc. Good Luck.

Answer 7

Yes it is expensive, and the military is a great option if it's available. Also check out airlines - some offer sponsorships and will train you from scratch for a minimum commitment from you.
The US is definately cheaper, but bear in mind you will have to convert your licences when you return to UK - more money but still less than training in UK.
Whatever happens, DON'T give up. I was 34 before I finally had the money (I had to sell my house and car in England) and came to the US with about a 95% chance of having to return to the UK with worthless licences and no money left to convert them. I made it, got to stay and now have 4,000 hrs, an ATP and fly for a living!

Answer 8

Figure about $3,000 for your Private Pilot License. That's the first thing you will need. Why not go to a college and major in aeronatutics? Then you can get the IFR, Commercial, Multi-Engine, ATR, that will qualify you to get a job as a pilot. Least expensive way is to take AFROTC at college, take your commission as a 2nd Lt and have the gov't train you at their expense.

Answer 9

You might want to subscribe to this blog: http://360.yahoo.com/private_jet_charter as it will follow every step in becoming a pilot from your first flight to your check ride to obtaining a commercial certificate. New entries are added weekly.

Another site to check out is http://www.aopa.org and click on the "learn to fly" section where you can locate flight schools and get some frequently asked questions answered.

Good luck with the flying!

Answer 10

Unless the military is an option, or your very well to do I would consider another field. The cost is sky high and very hard to find a decent flight job. However chase your dreams and see what happens.