Question about PPL and budgets
 

Hello,

I posted on this forum about 3 years ago; I have always wanted to be a pilot. I am disheartened however by how many barriers seem to be in the way and how hard it seems. But because I love it so much, I'm continuing to try and that's why I'm posting here now again, after about 3 years.

I've done research into how to become a pilot, I'm aware you have to be pretty damn 'minted' to be able to get into a flight school. I'm aware you can take out loans, but now just want to ask advice from the actual experts and pilots themselves, who have the experience I don't. I really have hardly any money myself, but my family is not poor and have some money. They're not rich either though however. I'm not sure how willing they would be to help me out. Sorry for the 'rambling', I'm not even sure where to start or what to ask to get the most concise answer that will help me as much as possible, because that's what I'm looking for, to move forward.

​​​​I have an offer from my bank to take a loan of £5200 (I'm in UK), and I'd like to take it but really don't think it would be enough to cover me to start training for a PPL, or am I wrong? I am open even to train in Europe if it would be cheaper, if thats what it takes. Even if the £5200 is not enough, how can I spend it smartly and wisely with regards to getting a PPL? I really really want to pursue this. Apologies if I have repeated what other people have asked again and again, although my case is specific as is every case (for example the amount of money I stated etc). I would very much appreciate some well meaning and helpful advice. I also have a diagnosis of high functioning autism if that helps anything.

Thanks

Do not borrow money for a PPL. Concentrate on saving money. That means earn more and spend less, so give up Amy vices and get a second job. Borrow no more than 50% of your entire budget, and only having spent (ironically) about 3 years a saving the other 50%

Just to add, you may or may not have seen already, before investing in the journey, go and get your class 1 medical if you haven't done so already. Once you have that, you know you're financially good to go.

I would also seriously consider looking at getting loss of training expenses insurance. This will pay out in the event you lose your medical before you get a job.

Get a strict medical first and find out if there is anything limiting a pilot's career later on, like eyesight.

If you really want it then getting a job that can pay you the money might help.

Becoming a pilot in the UK is attainable to anyone as there are jobs that pay well and require little entrance but are hard graft and require a lot of hours.

I don't know your circumstances but if you are living at home with parents you could easily put 20-30k away a year towards flight training.

After three years you could easily have done your fatpl going the modular route.

​​​​​​Do you really need a class 1 medical licence to get a PPL? I thought it was only if you wanted to be a professional pilot, which I would prefer, but I don't know if they'll even accept me with the medical for a professional pilot (but this is just a guess, I don't know for sure) because of my long standing history of mental health problems and admissions to mental hospitals under section. Is this accurate, is it impossible I can be a pilot if this has happened with me? Please can somebody advise me on that.

Also ​​​​​I am on benefits because I really don't have alot of money right now. What job would you suggest that would be the easiest to do that would be most well paid and suited to my goal? I have a bachelors degree in the creative field. I'm willing to put the work in if I know it will achieve parts of my goal and will help me. I've attempted to study the basic aspects of flying on a PPL app. I would like to know what is available for me and what is possible with regards to starting to fly and how to achieve it. Can you advise me further? Thanks very much

If not from a bank, I thought there are loans you can take out from other places to pay for your training? Does this include PPL training or mainly for professionally flying? I suspect it's only professional flying but I'm asking anyway. I know I sound quite a bit clueless, but I'm just trying to look for the best advice possible. Thanks very much

A class 1 medical isn't required for a PPL, but if you plan to fly professionally, it's best to make sure you can get the medical. If you only want to fly for fun, then there really is no need.

In terms of your medical history, I'm certainly not qualified to comment, but it sounds like your case may not be quite so straightforward. It might be worth making a short appointment to discuss with an AME to see if they can offer you an opinion as to whether or not it's sensible pursuing a class 1 medical. I haven't checked the price for an initial medical recently, but I think it's over £1k now assuming you don't need any referrals.

As for work, I don't know what your skills are so can't comment on what you should be doing... That's for you to work out, but I would certainly get off benefits asap. That won't look good if you're doing that long term.

Pretty much, yes. Unfortunately it's unlikely you will be allowed to fly professionally.