Pilot License

Money Saving Tips for Obtaining Your Pilot’s License
by MICHAEL DEAVEN on SEPT 26, 2020 in EXPENSES, GENERAL AVIATION, TIPS, TRAINING

The following is a guest post by writer Michael Deaven, if you are interested in guest posting on our site please read the guidelines here.

ABOUT DAMN TIME! 11/52

Whether you plan on utilizing a pilot’s license for your career aspirations or to simply fly as a hobby, obtaining one is an expensive endeavor. As if it isn’t difficult enough worrying about progressing through flight school itself, the financial aspect presents itself as an additional headache. In order to minimize the costs involved with pursuing your license, consider the following tips and bits of advice.

Ground Work

While it is a pilot’s performance in the air that will determine whether they receive their license, it is what they do while they’re on the ground that influences their progression in flight school. Students who work diligently outside of their flight lessons and have an in-depth understanding of the equipment are much more driven toward success than someone who merely shows up to lessons.

Whether or not you are signed off to complete solo flights will hinge on how prepared you seem in the eyes of your instructor. This is where studying can mean the difference between saving thousands of dollars and needing to spend extra time in flight school pursuing your license, as cited by Yahoo Voices.

Instructor

Getting the most out of your instructor is another strategy that will allow you to quickly progress through this expensive process. Having a poor or disinterested instructor can cost you thousands of dollars in lost productivity. When you consider your instructor, ensure that they seem passionate about flying in general and show a strong interest in your progress.

If the instructor seems to be more concerned about logging his own free flight time, it’s time to find a new one. The old saying “time is money” is one that is extraordinarily applicable in flight school, so don’t waste yours with a disinterested instructor.

Chair Flight

One simple tip for getting the most out of your flight lessons is to mentally simulate flights beforehand. While seated at your desk or in your room, visualize the cockpit and go through your preflight checklists. Memorizing these habits and steps while you’re on the ground will spare you the expense of learning them all in the air.

Fly Frequently

Decreasing the time between your flight lessons will increase the rate at which you learn. If your lessons are too far apart, you are more likely to forget important details from one flight to the next, as cited by MzeroA.com.

Used Books and Equipment

In terms of studying for exams, purchasing used books is an opportunity to save some money. Also, make friends with fellow students and share materials. This will likely be a relationship that both parties will appreciate.

The same idea goes for equipment as it’s another expensive aspect of flight school. Buying a used headset or sharing equipment with another student is another way to be frugal.

Exams

Regardless of how you obtain your books and study materials, the most important factor is whether or not you use them. Exam retakes present themselves as expensive obstacles that should be avoided at all costs. This means studying for tests well in advance, creating study guides and ensuring that you are clear about what will be on each test.

Getting through flight school and obtaining a pilots license is an expensive and demanding process. In order to minimize its financial toll, utilize these tips and bits of advice.

Michael is a full-time blogger freelancer. He has passions in all corners of the world, and currently writes for Pedestrian Swing Gate. In his down time, Michael enjoys being outdoors, traveling, and blogging on everything from technology, to business, to marketing, and beyond. Follow him on Google+.