What is the most challenging aspect of flying a plane?

Answer 1

Too many variables to answer that plainly. What type of plane do you want to fly? What conditions? There are many things to consider when flying a plane, and much of that begins before you ever get off the ground.

Safety is the biggest and most important consideration and easiest for people to foul up. Knowing good and thorough safety habits early on is essential to a safe and positive experience. That includes getting a good weather briefing, doing a thorough pre-flight inspection, etc.

But the hardest thing to learn and feel comfortable with is probably landing the plane. Taking off and flying is relatively easy, but landing can be difficult. You need a good glide slope, and at some airports your approach is aided with PAPI or VASI lights but others it is not. But then knowing when to put the flaps down and to what degree, what speeds to use, and then at the end you need to flare just a tad (if using a tricycle gear aircraft)... all that can be intimidating and so much to do and think about in a short amount of time.

Some people find talking to air traffic control a little intimidating, but if you start off right away it becomes very easy to do. Even so, Class B airports are still a little overwhelming at first! (Lots of traffic)

Beyond that, the checkride (when your abilities are checked by an examiner) is probably the most nerve racking part of obtaining your license. It's also an expensive hobby, which in and of itself is a challenge for those with limited resources.

If you're looking into obtaining a private pilot's license (generally the first one most people get- I think you can get a sport pilot instead though... not entirely sure) you can usually find a place offering an introductory lesson for about $39. That's about 30 minutes, when all said and done 15-20 min in the air, but it's meant to wet your appetite.

Minimum time needed for your license is 40 hours, most people take more than that and around here for a trainer and instructor runs about $150. Some areas are cheaper, though.

I hope this helps. Good luck!

Answer 2

Aviation is not that hard. The hard part comes in getting your license. Then, the real hell of dealing with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) on everything you do thereafter involving a plane.

Answer 3

The most technical knowledge is required during take off and landing. In the air on a clear day it is possible to go on autopilot.