getting depresed
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: somewhere underneath 3rd rock
You may also want to take a look at gliding for a bit.
Many clubs run a cadet scheme which gives very cheap or even free flying to solo - you should still be young enough. Post solo, it is still cheap (I pay 20p /min = £12 / hour + £4 for a launch by winch normally to about 1500' - a 2000' aerotow costs about £20 at most clubs).
There are also a lot of uni gliding clubs again offering cheap flying.
The hours won't count towards a PPL (except for the NPPL once you get a Glider Pilots License), but you may find it an affordable way of keeping flying until you are earning properly.
The downside is you will really need to commit to being on the airfield ALL day for a total of about 30 mins flying (4 - 6 flights)whilst learning.
Many clubs run a cadet scheme which gives very cheap or even free flying to solo - you should still be young enough. Post solo, it is still cheap (I pay 20p /min = £12 / hour + £4 for a launch by winch normally to about 1500' - a 2000' aerotow costs about £20 at most clubs).
There are also a lot of uni gliding clubs again offering cheap flying.
The hours won't count towards a PPL (except for the NPPL once you get a Glider Pilots License), but you may find it an affordable way of keeping flying until you are earning properly.
The downside is you will really need to commit to being on the airfield ALL day for a total of about 30 mins flying (4 - 6 flights)whilst learning.
The Original Whirly
Joined: Feb 1999
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
Posts: 4,327
Likes: 2
From: Belper, Derbyshire, UK
What are you doing now, once a month? Flying. What will you do when you have your PPL? Fly. OK, you'd like to have that licence in your hand. You'd like to decide yourself about where to go and what to do, not have an instructor decide it for you. But in reality, it's not very different.
Reading between the lines (or guessing!) is it that you're getting caught up in the "How many hours did you take to get your PPL?" roundabout. Don't! It really doesn't matter. It took me 90 hours to get my PPL(A). It doesn't make me a worse pilot, or a better one for that matter. There were reasons for it taking me so long, as there will be in your case if it takes you a long time. Flying is not a competition or a race.
Being ambitious is OK, but not if it makes you depressed. Just enjoy your flying, and remind yourself that not many 18 year olds get airborne at all! Of course, you could try and get a part time job - or another one if you already have one - and fly a bit more. But getting into debt? Not worth it, as many have told you. I know many who've gone that route and regretted it.
Reading between the lines (or guessing!) is it that you're getting caught up in the "How many hours did you take to get your PPL?" roundabout. Don't! It really doesn't matter. It took me 90 hours to get my PPL(A). It doesn't make me a worse pilot, or a better one for that matter. There were reasons for it taking me so long, as there will be in your case if it takes you a long time. Flying is not a competition or a race.
Being ambitious is OK, but not if it makes you depressed. Just enjoy your flying, and remind yourself that not many 18 year olds get airborne at all! Of course, you could try and get a part time job - or another one if you already have one - and fly a bit more. But getting into debt? Not worth it, as many have told you. I know many who've gone that route and regretted it.
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: Over the hedge... just!
It's not a problem learning over a longer period of time, but you could think about getting your exams done now in the lousy weather, save up for the spring and fly every couple of weeks then.
You could try for a job at Woolies over Christmas, save every penny and learn in the US, but top up with some UK weather flights with an instructor.
Getting into debt is not a good idea, as later you'll have to find money to pay the loan off and to fly.
Good luck, and don't give up.
CC
You could try for a job at Woolies over Christmas, save every penny and learn in the US, but top up with some UK weather flights with an instructor.
Getting into debt is not a good idea, as later you'll have to find money to pay the loan off and to fly.
Good luck, and don't give up.
CC
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
From: Nottingham,UK
Patience is a virtue
OK, doesn't help with your initial need to get your PPL, but here's my 2p anyway. Try and look for a career that will end up paying good money quite quickly. You don't necessarily have to enjoy your job too much, but if it pays well and funds your flying then its worth doing for a few years. I know conventional wisdom is that you should try and work in an area that you're interested in, but I think that's a load of old cobblers. How many people really enjoy working? It is just a means to an end. Get a job in IT - it's generally quite easy and pays reasonably well.
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Oz
My story sounds similar to a lot of people on here. I started flying when I was 16 and still at school. Eventually got my PPL at 22 and my CPL at 23. Now I'm finally doing what I set out to do all those years ago..... getting paid to fly!!!
I started off working crappy jobs to pay for the flying (you name it I've done it!!) Then I got a job behind the desk at a flying school, which was the best thing that ever happened to me. I learn't so much being around the airport all the time. You didn't say if you were looking at a career in aviation, but one of the most important things is networking and getting to know people in the industry and I had the best opportunity to do this.
I guess what I'm trying to say, and what everyone else is saying is NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!! You'll get there in the end, and working hard to pay for it yourself will make it seem all the sweeter in the end. And most importantly HAVE FUN DOING IT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Another thing I've just thought of. There are numerous organisation out there that offer scholarships for all or various parts of your training.
The Womens Pilots Association is one I know of, anyone else know of any others?
I started off working crappy jobs to pay for the flying (you name it I've done it!!) Then I got a job behind the desk at a flying school, which was the best thing that ever happened to me. I learn't so much being around the airport all the time. You didn't say if you were looking at a career in aviation, but one of the most important things is networking and getting to know people in the industry and I had the best opportunity to do this.
I guess what I'm trying to say, and what everyone else is saying is NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!! You'll get there in the end, and working hard to pay for it yourself will make it seem all the sweeter in the end. And most importantly HAVE FUN DOING IT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Another thing I've just thought of. There are numerous organisation out there that offer scholarships for all or various parts of your training.
The Womens Pilots Association is one I know of, anyone else know of any others?
