Way off topic

[Dearth]

I recently decided to follow up on something that I have been wanting to do for 20+ years and decided to enrol in Flight school for a PPL.

This actually scares me a lot as there is a ton of stuff to know and learn and because doing classroom work unfortunately is not feasible for me I am doing the online classroom which in itself is daunting. Now take a guy that has not had to study or do homework for 26 years it becomes even scarier.

The end result is though if I carry through and pass all the TC exams I will be one more person to watch out for in the skies.

[WarDog]

Congrats.. I'll keep my head up!

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by Dearth

I recently decided to follow up on something that I have been wanting to do for 20+ years and decided to enrol in Flight school for a PPL.

This actually scares me a lot as there is a ton of stuff to know and learn and because doing classroom work unfortunately is not feasible for me I am doing the online classroom which in itself is daunting. Now take a guy that has not had to study or do homework for 26 years it becomes even scarier.

The end result is though if I carry through and pass all the TC exams I will be one more person to watch out for in the skies.

Do it. It's a bit of work, but the reward and satisfaction is more than worth it. Then you can do this... Here's a youtube of a flight I did just 2 weeks ago.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keP5ECKgQaY

[Dearth]

Finding out the government really really likes to nickel and dime you to death

Also finding out plane ownership is entirely achievable however you need some fairly deep pockets too

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by Dearth

Finding out the government really really likes to nickel and dime you to death

Also finding out plane ownership is entirely achievable however you need some fairly deep pockets too

Good news about airplanes, is that they are a bit like real estate, if you get the right one. They go up in price over time. Don't think about them like cars or boats with huge depreciation. But yes, initial entry costs are high (incl getting your license), which is what holds so many people back from getting into flying.

And ongoing costs (incl maintenance and insurance) are not bad either (again need to get the right plane). My ongoing costs are less than my car (and truck).

[Ross]

Ownership definitely has its merits, but the typical cost savings isn't seen until you fly around 100hrs a year.

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by Ross

Ownership definitely has its merits, but the typical cost savings isn't seen until you fly around 100hrs a year.

Again, depends entirely what plane you choose and how it is certified. A small Cessna or Piper might cost 30 to 40K to buy, and 2 or 3K per year for maintenance if no major repairs or parts required. But a high quality amateurbuilt like a Vans RV or a Murphy Rebel (like mine) costs next to nothing to maintain and parts are a lot cheaper, too. The initial costs may be higher for an amateurbuilt, but you get a much better plane (newer design and technology) so the total cost of ownership is less in the long run (incl appreciation) for what you get and what you can do with it.

For example, I have been flying my plane for 14 years now, and have not spent more than 2K over that time on parts and maintenance (excludes discretionary upgrades). And in my case, it is worth at least 30K more than I have put into it (incl discretionary upgrades).

Oh, and hangars also appreciate like real estate, so that cost can be very minimal as well. That cost or rental is very dependent on where you live.

100 hours a year is quite a bit actually for a non commercial pilot. Most fly 50 hours or less. But for sure, ownership can still be very cost effective at 50 hours and less. And if less than 25 hours, not sure anyone would even rent you a plane (would need more recurrent training).

Another option that is becoming more popular, too, is fractional ownership.

But your first challenge will be to get your PPL. It's good that you are not underestimating that effort. Too many do, and quit because of their very unrealistic expectations.

Best of luck.