5 Steps to Becoming A Pilot

Think you don't have the money or the time to learn to fly?
Training to be a pilot can mean expensive instruction fees, high
gas prices and maintenance charges, and it can require many
hours of flight time. But becoming a pilot doesn't have to be out
of reach. By planning ahead and making strategic decisions,
anyone can become a licensed pilot. Just follow these steps:

1. Research, research, research
Many aspects of the student pilot process require you to do
your homework, and with all of the information available on
the internet there is no excuse for you to spend a penny more
than you have to. By accessing free pilot resources online (at
FAA.org, for example) you will save on the cost of expensive
printed materials. And if you do enough studying on your own
you may not need to pay for ground school to pass the pilot's
test.

2. Explore every option
By investigating all of the ground schools and pilot programs in
your area and weighing all of the associated costs, you will get
the best possible instruction for the least amount of money.
Small, rural airports often give quality instruction and lower
rates than bigger airports. Also, flight schools in places like
Florida, Arizona, and Texas have good weather year-round that
will enable you to train two to three times a week. Consistent
training is crucial to making progress and will help you retain
new skills from week to week. If you go to Arizona or Florida
you can actually get your Private Pilot License for $5k to $8k
in 14 to 30 days. Choosing the right place to learn can save
you money, get you better instruction, and give you more
flexibility with flight schedules.

3. Become a part of the aviation community
Get engaged in the aviation world by visiting websites and
blogs online and participating in discussions. Join the Aircraft
Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) to stay informed about
the latest issues affecting the flying community. Get involved
with the Experimental Aviation Association (EAA), an excellent
source of information about homebuilts like the light sport
aircraft (LSA) so popular right now. Or join a local flying club.
Networking with other aviation enthusiasts both on- and offline
will create more flying opportunities.

4. Use a flight simulator
While practice flying a real plane is ideal, it's not always
practical. Flight simulators are a great way to keep your mind
in flight mode and to sharpen your aviation skills. Student
pilots who exercise their flight skills frequently using methods
like flight simulators often learn faster and perform better than
pilots who rely solely on actual flight time.

5. Buy an older airplane
Buying a brand new piston or jet aircraft is probably not
financially feasible for many would-be fliers, but don't let that
stop you. There is a big market for older, used aircraft, and
with determination and discipline, anyone can save up and
purchase their own plane.
AA-001

About the Author
Steven Styles is the President of SkyGeek.com, an online
retailer offering a huge selection of low-priced aviation parts
and material by the top manufacturers in the industry. Skygeek
based out of the Styles family's Sky Acres airport in upstate
New York. Visit SkyGeek today at http://www.skygeek.com
and view their products.

5 Steps to Becoming A Pilot