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well, don't even try to prepare for the first flight. there is no way you can. you do well enough in the sims that we play, but it is nothing like actually doing it. there is so much to do that you will wonder how one person can do it all... you can, it just takes time and exerience. i think ms2002 can help with instrument training, and maybe procedures, but that is about it. you already know the basics of flight so it will not be any help there. just go do it...as soon as you can arrange it.

do be prepared for a lot of work. PPL IS a lot of work, and time, and money. that is why it takes most folks a good two years. now if we could fly and do nothing else... ;)

Hazy and Muggy is New England in the summer time, tough to get around that one. But it would make you a better pilot dealing with that challenge on a daily basis.

Advice on the PPL: I'd save up (I'm not a loan kinda guy) and pay up front for the total amount, including checkride and books. Nothing gets more frustrating or expensive than running out of funds prior to finishing your training. Schedule yourself to fly at least 3 times a week, and plan on getting cancelled at least once per week.

Having MS2002, get your instructor's lesson plan and "chair fly" the lesson on the computer before going out and doing it in the plane. Practice all checklists and make it as real-time as possible. MS2002 is a great instrument trainer, but the one view makes it a little hard. I remember when I was learning to fly, I used Chuck Yeager's Air Combat in the F4 to learn my patterns and spacing, toggling between front/side/rear views; so I know the computer is an excellent tool no matter what you're using.

Here's my estimated cost for the PPL:
Aircraft C172* 40 hours, (typically takes 55 hours) ---> $3000 ($4125)
Instructor** ---> 30 hours ($750)
Books ---> $100 (find them on Ebay for less?)
Written Test ---> $50
Practical Test --- > $150

Total ---> $4,050 ($5175)
*C172 rate based on $75/hr
**Instructor rate based on $25/hr

I haven't checked the rates lately but I don't think you'd have to pay any more than this.

On this schedule it should take between 13 and 18 weeks to complete
So if you start today, you'd be a Private Pilot by November.


If you have any more questions I'd be happy to help.

I strongly agree with Chowda. i paid for all of mine up front. i completed in about 3 months. alongside of me were guys paying as they went and some were still working on their license months (and in a couple of cases, a year or more)after they started. save up first then go at it hard and fast. taking a long time eats up money and you have to relearn constantly which wastes your ground and flight time.

no argument there - taking more time costs you more... sometimes it just can not be helped though. if you are going to work two jobs, i would do just that and get enough to pay, then quit the second job and just fly...

with my jobs i just do not always have the time to devote...so it is just going to take me longer - which is pretty typical actually.

also count on it costing a bit more that what they say... if it does not you can always go flying!

Check out Ebay for "David Clark" headsets

I like the H10-13.4 for the price and flexible boom (great feature)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 2419478716

Safer bet might be to browse the boards at the airport and see if anyone's willing to sell. I've had students with bad experiences with other headset brands (except BOSE) so I'd stick with the David Clarks.

I have a H10-60 and it's lasted me 11 years so far, only having to replace the foamy part on the microphone 2 times...coming up on 3.

You should be able to find good condition used DC's for under $100 bucks.

Weekend job ---> pump gas, or wash planes at the airport (PSM or Skyhaven), fill the guys plane....get to talking....blah, blah, blah....wanna come along for a ride sometime? CHA-CHING!!


Taylorcraft, taildragger I'm guessing, great for developing your skills and you have to fly it all the way to back to the blocks. The only problem is that it might be a little cramped. If that's the case I'd recommend the not-so-new C172, lots of room without all those fancy do-hickeys that come with the 2001 C172 model (you wouldn't be allowed to use them anyway)

Books - see what books are required, pick them up used. Try www.dwc.edu (nashua, nh), schools off for summer but the bookstore might have some used aviation books kicking around that fit the bill. When in doubt, Ebay.

Charts - AFD (airport/facility directory)...$3.00 I think, might have gone up
I think it's good for 3 months (memories stretching on this one)
VFR sectional (New York, I believe). As long as you don't go any further Northeast than Portland, I think you're covered; but always check the chart before you buy. $6.00 there, good for 6(?) months.

medical test - 1st, 2nd, 3rd class should be all the same price, over 35 years old might need an EKG, in that case stay with 3rd to avoid the EKG fee. Shop around!!! The guy I go to gives me a first class for $35, ask around for the closest/best deals. Medial is one of the first things you should do.

written - 70 might be on the high side, shop around here as best you can.

check ride - $250 would be high side, I know I've paid it before, if you can find it for 100 - 150 I'd take it.


The more money you can save the quicker you'll be done.

totally up to you. your license never expires; just your medical. no requirement other than recent landings etc when you take passengers and a biennial flight review. but for me, if i don't fly at least every couple of weeks - and even then it depends on what kind of flying you do. i like to fly a 2-4 hour trip every two weeks, and that is preceded by about an hour of ground and touch and goes.

Three takeoffs and landings within 3 months to be able to take passengers

A Biennial Flight Review every 2 years; or completion of one phase of the "WINGS" program.

I'll say that flight sims (whichever) will mostly help with learning the instruments, and learning to scan your instruments and absorb the information quickly. I like to attribute my (so far) excellent hood work due to the flight sims, and how much easier it is to read the gauges.

I spent about $7,000 on flight training.

I just got my recency requirement yesterday by flying my mom and grandfather (first passengers) around Annapolis, they loved it!

I'm currently working at the desk of my local airport, the stories I hear are not only entertaining, but also highly educational- I recommend getting a job at the local field.

Most of all- study, study, study! Almost anyone can learn the physical part of flying, but it takes studying to become a pilot.

Good luck, and always have fun!