How do i afford a ppl?

[Oliver787]

I imagine its been asked alot on here but the search function is a bit buggy so….

I turn 16 tomorrow, live in the UK and as you can imagine, I want to be a pilot, shocker. Im just wondering if there is anyone with any tips on the finnancial side of the ppl. I’ve thought about a job but im going to try a business with my friend, is there anything I can do in aviation for the money (literally anything, cleaning air feild toilets for all i care) or other things people recommend to get the money like sponsorships. Also, any other advice about ppl training is appreciated.

Thanks.

[IreallyLikePotatos]

I'm not from the UK... but the UK is quite famous for allowing young people to get their way into a PPL at very affordable rates. Google for Air cadets. Find local air clubs. Ask for scholarships or support programs. Putting a lot of work into finding a more affordable path to a PPL will get you better returns than finding a low paying job.

You probably still have school to attend so juggling a Job + PPL + school would be too much. Don't de prioritize school at such an early age. Getting your A levels will help you later on with your theory studies, as you will need both the discipline and the basic maths and physics knowledge to get through those. It also keeps the door open to alternative career paths in case you change your mind.

Regarding PPL training, it won't feel like that at first, but it's the most relaxed training you will ever get. So the most important advice is, don't forget to enjoy it. Also, avoid the urge to min-max your path. Don't feel pressured to get to an exam by the 45 hour mark. Ask your instructor to take you to a few extra fields, do a few more landings, and show you a few extra things. You really want to leave your PPL with a solid foundation of flying, as well as leaving a good impression as a responsible, interested pilot at your local Aeroclub. This might come in handy if they are ever looking for someone later on to tow gliders, ferry flights, or something small like that, that can help you build hours at a lower cost.

[rudestuff]

Think and plan long term (which you won't!).
Get the best grades you can for A level and apply for jobs. Preferably airline or airport related but it doesn't really matter for the first one. What do people do when they find sonething they've lost? They stop looking. The same goes for jobs. Most people get a job then stop looking. Don't do that. Make it your mission to apply for one job every week no matter what and accept anything that gives you at least 10% more. If you do that you'll be able to save up for flight training and you'll be a commercial pilot in your 20s. (Which is better than most of us managed!). Save half borrow half is the safest option. How long it takes depends more on your expenses than your income. If you drink a lot, buy a nice car and have kids then it'll never happen. If you live at home during your 'uni' years, work two jobs and live like a monk then it'll take 2 years and you'll by flight training by 20. That's not even including the money you could save in the next 2 years working at weekends. Make it happen.

[hobbit1983]

Originally Posted by Oliver787

I imagine its been asked alot on here but the search function is a bit buggy so….

I turn 16 tomorrow, live in the UK and as you can imagine, I want to be a pilot, shocker. Im just wondering if there is anyone with any tips on the finnancial side of the ppl. I’ve thought about a job but im going to try a business with my friend, is there anything I can do in aviation for the money (literally anything, cleaning air feild toilets for all i care) or other things people recommend to get the money like sponsorships. Also, any other advice about ppl training is appreciated.

Thanks.

There are/were scholarships (google GAPAN, the Air League, others) for PPL. Go to your local airfield and get known - get a cafe job, cleaning job,etc. Get in the environment and talk to people. +1 for the advice on the previous two posts.