Welcome!

2011-02-17T13:30:00.000-08:00

Allow me to take a second and welcome you to my blog. For those of you out there that are passionate about general aviation, then this blog is for you!

I want to share with you my stories of trials, successes and entertainment as I take you along the journey from being a guy who watched the planes fly overhead to a guy who is flying those planes. I would love to hear your comments as we trek from student to certificate, and by all means, offer up advice if you have it!

My hope is that this blog provides insight into the process of obtaining a private pilot certificate as a student sees it and allows those who are aspiring for their wings more motivation and excitement. Additionally, for those of you who are already masters of the sky, I'd like this to remind you of the good ole days from your flight school history.

So let me start! I live in Northeast Pennsylvania and decided only two short months ago to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. I was finally at a point where I had the time and money to make the dream come true. I had the support of my wife and the focus and dedication to succeed. But let me take a few steps back...

When the idea first crossed my mind to pursue my wings, the first hurdle I had to overcome was the financial obligation. Allow me now to lay it all out in black and white for those of you who are struggling with the same conundrum. I went to all the websites and did all the research for what the "typical" cost would be for earning the priveledge to fly, but it doesn't hit home until you are handing out the dough.

So Cody, how much does it cost?

I pay about $250 per 2 hour flight lesson. My FBO (fixed based operator) offers an incentive to create a pre-pay account, and I pay $1000 per deposit and get a $70 reward for doing so.

So there it is, black and white. As most of us familiar with the process know, it takes at least 40 hours of flight time to earn your wings. So at this rate, I'll be at least $5000 in until I'm eligible to take my check ride. From the research I've done, this price is pretty typical.

So I swallowed that committment and took the next step. I researched flight schools in the area and decided to give one a shot. My secret to picking one was proximity to my home. I figured the further I had to drive to take the lesson, the more likely I was to make excuses to miss lessons or be prevented in one way or another from going. So I chose Fowler Aviation out of a small, uncontrolled airfield in Quakertown, PA.

I started my lessons in mid-December and anyone familiar with Pennsylvania winter weather will tell you that it probably isn't the best for flying conditions. I'll talk more about that in future postings, but for now, I'll share with you my pride and joy...my trainer. I am certain every pilot will be able to tell you each minute detail about the trainer they used to earn their wings. I say this because I have become very familiar with mine so far, and I only have about 10 hours!

My trainer is a Piper Cherokee PA28-140. I have already come to love this plane and will no doubt create more fond memories as my training continues.

So here's the short of it. As I decided to turn my dream into reality, I had to come to terms with a couple of truths. Could I afford it? Could I work out the logistics? I was able to surpass these initial challenges and am now gleefully punching holes in the sky with a very skillful and dedicated flight instructor.

Next posting I will talk more about my flight school, flight instructor and the beginning steps I took to get into the sky, but for now, let me leave you all with a question:

Is/was the financial aspect of obtaining a private pilot certificate a major factor in your pursuit of your dream?

Feel free to post your answers in the comment section. Additionally, if you don't already know about it, take a second and visit my current favorite aviation website: www.aopa.org

See you next post!

Adventures of a Student Pilot

Welcome!