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Hey all- so I would like to learn within the future near future that is, how to fly a plane. I believe you start with a single engine, and then like bi engine and then helicopter, commercial, provided you have your instrument license. Correct? Anyone know any good flight schools or how many hours are needed to be logged for a flight license?

Any pilots on here who enjoy it or have any stories to tell?

Thanks all !

Regards,

Breitlingfan2008

There are a few pilots on this board including at least one Boeing 747 driver.

Whatever your ultimate aim in flying, the first step is a Private Pilot's Licence which will initially allow you to fly single engined aircraft under VFR (Visual Flight Rules). You can then progress through multi-engine and Instrument ratings on the way to a CPL/ATPL if you have a spare £50,000 or so burning a hole in your wallet!

It was a long time ago I got my PPL so I can't remember if there were any minimum hours requirements or not. Basically, your instructor will not let you go solo or take your test until you are ready. I think around 35-40 hours is typical training time for a PPL.

As for recommending a good flight school, if you're in the UK, HM Queen Elizabeth II has a rather good one

Here, check out this link. http://www.tailwheelsetc.com/

It is one of many that can give you an idea of what you are looking at.

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I fly with the military and also hold a single and multi-engine private rating.

For your private, single-engine license in the U.S., it takes about 40-60 hours of instruction, depending upon your proficiency and your instructor. You can count on an at least twice that much time on the ground taking instruction as well. There is a written exam to pass, then a flight with an examiner at the end of the process. I received my single-engine about 15 years ago, and it ran about $4,000.

For my multi-engine, it was about 20 hours of instruction, followed by the examiner once again. This was about $2,000 in 1995. I know the prices have gone up since then with the price of fuel probably at least triple what it was back then.

Once you have the initial license, then you have to decide if you want an instrument rating (so you can fly when the weather is poor. There are many other ratings as well, for instance if you want to ferry passengers or instruct, those ratings are obviously more money, time and effort.

Flying is a great past-time/hobby! Good Luck!!

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Aerospace SE
Avenger Seawolf Blacksteel

Hi Breitlingfan2008,
I recently finished achieving my pilot licenses and ratings this summer. As most people have said, yes you do start off with a private pilot license. This takes a minimum of 40 hours, but realistically the average is about 60. After that you will want to jump into an instrument rating. This will allow you to fly in unfavorable weather conditions, and it also makes you feel like a real pilot! After that you will want to decide if you would like a career in aviation, and if so you will get your commercial pilot license. All this is is a glorified private license. Finally, you may want to get you multi engine rating to fly twin engine airplanes.
There are other endorsements you can get to add on to your private or commercial license, such as seaplane and tailwheel, but that's up to you.
As far as cost, with the way fuel is nowadays I would say all your licenses and ratings will run close to 30k. If you just want a private license and an instrument rating maybe around 10-12k.
Hope this helps and feel free to msg. me for any info.
Though the aviation field is not the most stable for a career, it makes a great hobby.
See ya,

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Nick


Rolex Datejust 18K + SS

Navitimer 01 L.E.

breitlingfan2008, I read your orignal post a while back, I was wondering how are getting on?
I am in a similar situation in that I am only just beginning my career. I have had just 2 lessons but can say that already it is an unbelievable experience!

Where are you from? I suspect your not from N. Ireland like myself so I cannot help you with flying schools sadly!
I found a good website with many different schools on it all over the world.


http://www.pilotcareercentre.com/TrainingHome.asp

Good luck with your career,

Patrick

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Previous watches: B2, Superocean, Super Avenger, Colt, Skyland.

Current: Yellow Emergency.