Common Student Pitfalls
1/25/2011
Posted in
Flight Training
Tags: common student pitfalls, time and opporunity, cost, learning plateaus, medical
Learning to become a pilot and enjoying the freedom of flight is one of the most rewarding experiences a person will ever go through. However, as a flight instructor I’ve unfortunately seen a few pitfalls that will hold an individual back from attaining their goal of becoming a pilot. Below I’m going to outline the most common in hopes that it will help you avoid the same misfortune.
Common Student Pitfalls
Written by: Jacob Kasprzyk (Gold Seal CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP)
Learning to become a pilot and enjoying the freedom of flight is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can ever go through! However, as a flight instructor I have unfortunately seen a few pitfalls that can hold back even the most gifted of students from attaining their goal of becoming a pilot. Below I’m going to outline the most common in hopes that it will help you avoid the same misfortune.
Time and Opportunity:
Learning to fly is a time consuming process. At an minimum you need to receive 35 hours of flight training (40 hours for a Part 61 school). I have always strongly recommend to my students that they fly at least twice a week to maintain what they have learned and hopefully offset the inevitable lesson cancellation due to weather. Most flight schools will offer instructional periods between 2 and 3 hours. This means you should expect to commit about 4-6 hours at the airport each week. This does not include home study and travel time. It may be difficult in many of our busy lives to find that much time each week for the next few months or so. If you’re struggling to find enough time to complete all your tasks each day, then maybe it isn’t the best time to add flight training to the mix.
Cost:
Flying is not cheap by most people's standards. Do not get lured into set prices or guaranteed costs! Every individual is different and learns certain skills at a different pace. Don’t assume that just because you meet the minimum hours that you are ready to be a safe pilot either. The national average for students to become a private pilot is approximately 70 hours of flight training. Combined with additional instruction on the ground from your instructor, supplies, medical exams, knowledge exams, and flight exams can significantly increase the cost of training. Expect to pay at least $10,000 and easily upwards towards $15,000 for your private pilot certificate. It can be done cheaper, but don’t count on it. Nothing is worse than nearly finishing your goal and not being able to due to insufficient funds. Also remember that once you do become a certificated pilot you’ll want to take advantage of your new found freedom and maintain your flying skills and currency. Budget accordingly. Many flight schools offer financial aid through various financial lenders and often offer pre-pay incentives or discounts.
Learning Plateaus:
Flying for most people is not the easiest thing to do. There are natural points in your training where it appears that little progress is being made. It is important to know that everyone experiences these to one degree or another. The important thing to realize is that it is natural and with enough practice, hard work, and helpful instruction from your flight instructor, you will get through it. I sincerely believe that everyone can learn to fly, no matter his or her age, gender, or background. If you’re dedicated, you will succeed. It may be helpful to fly with another instructor for a flight or two. Every instructor has their own bag of tricks and ways of explaining different techniques. It may be that different set of eyes to point out what you’re doing wrong that provides you with the needed insight. I promise that if you work hard, study hard, and remain focused, that you will get over your natural learning plateau.
Medical:
It is hopefully not a surprise that you need to pass a medical exam to become a pilot (except Light Sport which has a number of other strict limitations to flying). What probably is a surprise is that a medical is actually very easy to obtain. To become a private pilot you’ll need to pass a 3rd class medical exam performed by an Aviation Medical Examiner. You do not need perfect eyesight; it just needs to be corrected to 20/20. Some Laser eye surgery is accepted. You’ll need to pass a color blindness test, a hearing test, and a diabetes test. If your heart is in good shape, you’re not on any medications that are not approved (ask an AME), and you don’t have any other serious medical conditions, then you’re pretty much good to go. Here’s some more good news; if you don’t pass the medical exam you can pursue a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SoDA), which will allow you to become a pilot. I’ve personally known pilots who have had quadruple bypass surgery, who are color blind, or who are paraplegics and have still become pilots. Its best to talk to a flight instructor and an AME before starting your flight training if you know of any pre-existing medical conditions.
In conclusion, it is important to remember that these are pitfalls and merely that. With enough hard work, dedication, and due diligence you can avoid all of these setting you back in your training. Remember I believe that everyone can learn to fly! Don’t let something that you can prevent, prevent you from accomplishing your goal!