Save Money on Flight Training with One Mindset Change
Have you checked how expensive it is to get your private pilot certificate? People who aren't familiar with the aviation industry are shocked to learn it can cost $20,000+ dollars. The minimum experience requirement is 40 flight hours, but on average it takes 75 hours for a pilot to meet airman certification standards.
"Though regulations require a minimum of 40 hours flight time, in the U.S. the average number of hours for persons without a hearing impairment completing the private pilot certification requirements is approximately 75 hours." FAA.gov
What if I told you there was one mindset change that has the potential to reduce your cost by nearly half, putting you closer to the 40 hour mark? This single shift in thinking will make a tremendous difference in your flight training. So what is the one mindset change?
The number one change that you can make is to take control of your flight training. A passive approach to your flight training is a sure way to progress slowly.
Do not let your flight training happen, instead make it happen.
Following this mindset, there are some 5 actions that you can incorporate into your routine to help you progress smoothly and efficiently.
Complete an online ground course and the appropriate FAA written exam before starting flight training. The information in the online ground course will accelerate your learning. Before setting foot in the airplane, you will know how basic systems work, which federal aviation regulations apply to you, weather theory, aerodynamics, and much more. Ask your instructor which online ground course they recommend. You must complete the FAA written exam before becoming eligible for the certificate you seek. Getting this done before starting flight training means there is one less thing to take up brain space while you are learning to fly. Ask your instructor the best way to study for the written exam and how to schedule it.
Become familiar with the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and the flight training syllabus that your instructor uses. The ACS is the document your designated pilot examiner will use to administer the practical exam. It lists all areas of operation and tasks required along with the knowledge areas, risk management, and skills/standards for each task. Knowing what is in the ACS will help you understand what the goals are for your knowledge and skills. You also need to know what is in your training syllabus. If you know what lesson is coming next, you can be prepared for every lesson and stay ahead of your training.
Fly regularly! This seems counterintuitive to pilots in training, but by flying often and consistently, you will ultimately spend less money. If you only fly twice a month, you spend over half of the lesson re-learning what you have forgotten from the previous lesson. I encourage students to fly at least twice a week. If you are serious about flying professionally and moving forward, at least 3 times a week is recommended while 5 would be ideal. If this means you need to save up the money before beginning your flight instruction, that is okay. Delaying your training before beginning is better than pausing in the middle due to lack of funds.
Chair fly. Ask your authorized instructor how to effectively practice flying in a chair at home. This type of self-training is free to you. The airplane is a horrible environment in which to learn. Flying the plane while trying to absorb and retain new information is difficult. Instead, learn and memorize simple tasks like checklists, configurations, and procedures on the ground where you can more easily process and store the information. Excel in your flight training by not having to ask, "What do I do next?" every few minutes. This is the best way to save money in flight training.
Consume aviation content. Study for your next lesson using FAA-approved and CFI-endorsed materials. Since you are now familiar with the ACS and the flight training syllabus, you should know what is coming next. Use a combination of the Airplane Flying Handbook and the maneuver description guide provided by your instructor. This will prepare you to walk into the next lesson with the knowledge necessary to move forward. You may also consume information in the form of podcasts, videos, and other FAA materials. Some podcasts worth checking out: Aviation News Talk with Max Trescott, Opposing Bases Air Traffic Talk, and The Finer Points with Jason Miller. Ask your CFI about other materials they would recommend.
How do I know these things work? Some of these strategies I implemented in my own training. As a single mom enrolled full time in university and also working full time, there was no margin for error. There were no minutes to be wasted. Every moment had to be productive.
Some of these strategies I didn't implement and wish I had. The only FAA written exams I completed before beginning training were those required for my instructor certificates. Looking back, if I had done so for the private pilot certificate, instrument rating, and commercial certificate, it would have quickened my progression.
Do you have any questions about information discussed above? If you need to know how to get your written complete, how to chair fly, or something more, please contact me and I'll help you take these steps to progress in your flight training.
Good luck, keep the blue side up, and use the above tips to save money in flight training!
Erica