Help from the wise!

[Dustin Reoch]

Hi, I’m new to the forum and hoping to get some help. I have been wanting to get my pilots license for a long time. I live in Indianapolis and have a couple training/school options in my area. However, as most know they are pretty expensive. Are there alternatives? I guess I’m wondering/hoping for opinions from all of you for the following- Knowing what you know, if you had to go back and start from the beginning, would you pay to go through an actual course? Are there better or less expensive routes? I know this is probably a pedantic question. I just feel like I’m forced into only one option. Can I learn from another pilot, obtain flight ours, and then just take tests and check rides without going through “the system”? Thank you for any and all help/opinions.

 

[PeterNSteinmetz]

If there's a glider operation near you - I'd start FIRST with gliders, and get a PPL Sailplane rating.

THEN transition to PPL Airplane.

Might cost a lot less in the long run, and you'll be a "better stick".

You spend the expensive $ in the airplane - learning to handle the power - vs. learning airmanship as much.

I agree completely. The only reason I did not learn gliders first is that I heard the training is slow in glider clubs. Which is true.

BUT there are lots of commercial operations where you can do your private in about 2-3 weeks of full time training and these weeks can be split up like 1st week to solo, then come back and work to nearly ready for checkride. Take the written then come back and brush up and do the checkride.

Major operation here in Phoenix AZ and in Moriarity NM if you like the southwest. Others around the country.

Flying gliders first is what I usually recommend to new students these days. You really learn how a set of wings and controls handles in the air. This is how the Wright brothers first learned to fly.