Trials and tribulations of a student pilot
Student pilot Jim Kincheloe, AOPA 3567386, of Arlington, Texas, has completed 40 hours toward his private pilot certificate, but he's frustrated. His flight school "keeps changing the rules," he said, and the instructors go through the school like a revolving door; he's had four instructors in his 40 hours.
Kincheloe faces a dilemma that many student pilots face, and it's not necessarily the flight school's fault. Many CFIs instruct to build flight time for airline careers, and different instructors have different methods and styles of teaching. "If I wasn't so passionate about flying, I would have given up by now," Kincheloe remarked.
After earning his certificate, Kincheloe contacted AOPA to discover options for continuing his training. He'd like to eventually earn his commercial certificate and asked AOPA aviation technical specialist Keith Holt to guide him through the vast resources that AOPA offers on its Web site (www.aopa.org). A graduate of the University of North Dakota with a degree in commercial aviation, Holt is also a CFI. "I received good information and real helpful hints from Keith," said Kincheloe.
The technical specialists at the AOPA Pilot Information Center are aviation experts, and the AOPA Web site offers more than 30,000 pages of information on topics ranging from medical issues to FAA regulations and learning to fly.
"The Internet has become the preeminent search tool for everything from books to automobiles to travel destinations and, yes, information on learning to fly," said Mike Brown, manager of technical services for AOPA's aviation services department. "Although many FBOs and flight schools advertise their services on the Web, finding the perfect fit without guidance can be a daunting task. AOPA has numerous resources available to help you make an informed decision."
Using the information from the AOPA Web site, Holt suggests then contacting the school or college directly for references. "Getting in contact with a student who has used a school can be the best source of information about a school," said Holt. "Remember, though, that the turnover rate of instructors is great at any school, so try to get in contact with a recent student." The AOPA Web site also offers a section devoted to specialty courses such as accelerated programs. (See page 97 in this issue for information on one pilot's experience with an accelerated instrument course.)
There are three key considerations that Holt suggests for students looking into schools. First, determine how many aircraft are available at the flight school. "If the aircraft are only available occasionally and you need to fit instruction into your work schedule and the flight instructor's, you're going to have a hard time building time," said Holt.
Second, check the condition of the aircraft and other equipment, as well as the type of aircraft available. Newer aircraft usually rent for higher prices than older aircraft but may have higher availability rates. Third, make sure that you have the money and time for the investment in flight training. On average, if you fly three hours a week, taking two to three lessons a week, you should complete your training in five to six months and, with written instruction and materials, spend anywhere from $3,500 to $4,500. The average private pilot earns his or her certificate in approximately 70 hours, said Holt.
"Most flight schools offer introductory flights. Hang out at the airport fence and get comfortable," suggested Holt. "Staff willingness tells you a lot. If they are willing to talk to you and have a professional attitude, you've found a professional school."
As an AOPA member, you have access to the best resource anywhere for information and answers for pilots. AOPA Online (www.aopa.org) provides members with access to a wealth of information and resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The AOPA toll-free Pilot Information Center gives you direct access to specialists in every area of aviation. The center, 800/USA-AOPA (800/872-2672), is available to members from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
AOPA Web resources
Suggestions for student pilots, tips on finding a flight instructor, and how to choose a school are just some of the informative articles found in this section.
www.aopa.org/learntofly/startfly/
Informative and inspirational articles by pilot authors such as Stephen Coonts, Peter Kingsley, and Dan Namowitz on why they love to fly.
www.aopa.org/learntofly/whyfly/
Offers a database of instructors enrolled in the AOPA Flight Training Instructor program; find the perfect CFI for your specific needs and goals.
www.aopa.org/learntofly/findcfi/
Input information into this database and search for the school that best fits your financial, location, and size requirements.
www.aopa.org/learntofly/school/
Considering an aviation career and wondering if an aviation college is right for you? Check out this comprehensive article on how to chose an aviation college.
www.aopa.org/learntofly/startfly/whycollege.html
Learn about AOPA's Project Pilot program, enroll as a student, or mentor another student. Join the thousands who have learned to fly in this innovative program.
http://flighttraining.aopa.org/projectpilot/
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