Interested in getting my PPL - help?

[CC268]

Hey guys,

I am interested in getting my private pilots license, but I am just not sure where to start or what the best way (and easiest on the wallet) may be. I live in Arizona (Cave Creek)(seems like an awesome place to fly) and I know there are quite a few different schools around here.

What are your guys' suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[retpd2001]

Where in AZ? If you are near Tucson, I would highly recommend Kelly at Kellys Flying School at KRYN. She is a pro.

 

[CC268]

Sorry I should have stated that...I am in Cave Creek (North Scottsdale). I work very close to Deer Valley airport.

 

[write-stuff]

Download the free ebook at www.FreeFlyBook.com. No signup needed, just click and download. It will answer just about any question you can have about becoming a pilot. And welcome to PoA.

 

[jordane93]

Take an intro flight if you haven't already to make sure this is something you really want to invest your time/money in.

 

[CC268]

Thanks for the feedback so far!

 

[AggieMike88]

Take an intro flight if you haven't already to make sure this is something you really want to invest your time/money in.

Intro flights are also a way to see if the instructor is a match for your learning style.

Good ones will use the discovery flight as lesson one and teach you with a good ground school lesson and a few items during the flight. Bad ones just give you a joyride.

In addition to Russell's e-book product, you can also find good resources at the following web pages.

http://flighttraining.aopa.org/
http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/

On the second one, check out the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge and the Student Pilot Guide.


One significant event in being a student pilot is obtaining your first medical certificate. Most folks can get this done with little or no problems, but if you have a disqualifying health condition, record of mental diagnosis (e.g. depression treated with meds, bipolar, etc), DUI's, and a few others, obtaining the medical certificate is going to take a bit more effort.

So before you go into the Aviation Medical Examiners office for the first time, make sure you know all of the aeromedical concerns that might apply to you and what you might need to bring as additional documentation. Your objective is to enter the office knowing that you will exit with the certificate in hand. No deferral, and no "we will let the docs in Oklahoma City make the judgement call."

If you need any help with the above, ask us and we can provide some "unofficial" guidance and/or refer you to a real top AME for the official info.

 

[mscard88]

Try GoFund, then post it on POA. Always good for a couple pages of posts!

oh, sorry 'bout that

 

[EJWall]

I know AOPA has a good database on flight schools (http://m.aopa.org/learntofly/school/index.cfm) and AMEs. You also want to do a lot of research on the school/instructor you plan on using. Before I started I emailed and called a bunch of schools around me about their program. It took me a few weeks to get my discovery flights done and a few weeks worth of research to find the right school.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Henning]

Hey guys,

I am interested in getting my private pilots license, but I am just not sure where to start or what the best way (and easiest on the wallet) may be. I live in Arizona (Cave Creek)(seems like an awesome place to fly) and I know there are quite a few different schools around here.

What are your guys' suggestions?

Thanks!

Just forget "easy on the wallet" no place is, flying is expensive, hookers are cheaper than planes to rent, and similarly to hookers, you don't necessarily want a cheap one.

The best way to save money on your training is to fly a minimum of twice a week, preferably more. The more frequently you fly the less muscle memory you lose between lessons. That and study hard, minimum of 20hrs a week. You also need to get a PTS, (Practical Test Standards book that lays out everything in the practical test, and keep track of how you feel you're doing and where you need work so you can take unassigned lesson time and use it productively. The best way to save money on flying lessons is to work hard and diligently so you finish training with 40hrs and not 60-70 that is now the 'average' for the average student who does a lesson a week or every two weeks, or the 90-120 hrs that the people who fly once a month report taking. It's not particularly difficult to learn, however the beginning seems like it because you are learning to operate in an extra dimension of motion, and sensations that are foreign to you. In order you need the toddler learning skills that you haven't used since you were three. The further you are from that number the harder it will seem, but eventually in the first 10-20 hrs it will 'click'.

Now, to fly that much can be difficult at a place that only has a plane and instructor or two, so when interviewing flight schools, you want to take note of how many planes and instructors in their fleet vs how many active students.

As for paying them, NEVER pay for the course up front. Either pay for each lesson individually, or many schools offer a "Block Rate" discount when pay for a block of hours up front, typically forthright schools offer blocks with a $500-$1000 payment. This is ok as a practice and doesn't indicate trouble, I have never seen a "pay up front" program that wasn't trouble, and there have been some real doozie of school foldings that left students out of the whole fee, or even worse, holding a student loan they can't get out even with a bankruptcy.

Remember, it's you're training, you are responsible for it not your instructor, so you need to monitor your own progress and syllabus so you don't end up wasting a bunch of time, or get milked by the instructor.

Go to the FAA website pilot resources publications page and download the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK) and start your reading there. All the materials you will ever be tested on by the FAA, the answers come from one of those books on that web page, because those are the books the they sent to the government test writing center to create them.

 

[CC268]

Thanks guys - I work full time, so I am hoping this is something I can do. I have wanted my PPL since I was a kid. For a long time I wanted to be a commercial airline pilot, but decided on becoming a mechanical engineer instead.

 

[JCranford]

And while we're at it, never take out a loan for flight training. This is a luxury item. If you cant afford it in cash, you cant afford it.

 

[Somedudeintn]

Thanks guys - I work full time, so I am hoping this is something I can do. I have wanted my PPL since I was a kid. For a long time I wanted to be a commercial airline pilot, but decided on becoming a mechanical engineer instead.

You are in the same boat as I was 2 years ago! Now I'm a mechanical engineer with my PPL! All good suggestions listed above. Once you find a good school try to schedule lessons as frequently as possible and study all the ground material and maneuvers before each flight. Don't spend unnecessary flight time on items you can easily study/review on the ground. Don't get frustrated when you don't solo in X hours or if you struggle with a maneuver that you knew how to do last week. It's all a part of the learning process and everyone goes through it.

But before all that find a CFI whose availability matches yours, that you can get along with, and that is a good instructor. I think that is the toughest part. Don't be afraid to ask potential CFI's questions about their teaching history, hours, etc. You are going to be paying a lot of money for their services (even if they only see a small % of it). Realize that a CFI close to 1500 hours may move on to the regional airlines soon. Oh and don't listen to anything you read on POA.

 

[Somedudeintn]

And while we're at it, never take out a loan for flight training. This is a luxury item. If you cant afford it in cash, you cant afford it.

Along these same lines, realize that after you pay for flight training, flying still costs money. A PPL with no money doesn't do much good.

 

[frfly172]

Take a moment to study your finances. Like others have said the private cN get costly,after the rating you will need money to enjoy the ppl.

 

[AggieMike88]

Thanks guys - I work full time, so I am hoping this is something I can do. I have wanted my PPL since I was a kid. For a long time I wanted to be a commercial airline pilot, but decided on becoming a mechanical engineer instead.

MechEng is for the longer term a better career.

Working full time and doing flight training is still possible. You will just need to work with your bosses to schedule the time during the day. And keep some flexibility for when the weather prevents you from training that day.


Adding to John's comment about not taking out a loan and "paying cash" for training, one of the best ways to get the license on a budget is to have enough funding to complete it once you start. One of the most expensive training mistakes is stopping. Aviation skills are perishable, especially as a student. So keeping the training budget alive is a smart move.

Many sources say a PPL takes about a $9000-ish budget. I tell folks that if they can get busy saving up two-thirds of that, they can start training, and continue to earn the remaining third.

Other general tips (in no specific sequence)

• Train at least twice a week
• Good instructors work with a written syllabus and keep written records of progress. Others don't, and you run the risk of spending more money since progress isn't tracked
• You don't need an expensive headset to start. You will want a good set, but hold off spending for the Bose or the Lightspeeds until you are sure you're going to finish your training. Lots of good budget models out there, and check in with our own Pigpenracing to see what he has in inventory.
• Don't go crazy spending on aviation gadgetry. Very few help your flying, and most becomes flight bag trash.
• A good $40-45 computer backpack is a good flight bag. No need to spend $100+ on something with a pilot label on it.
• Be well prepared for your flight lesson by doing your assigned ground homework (reading) the night before. Knowing the theory ahead of learning the practical saves lots of time.
• Get the medical done early. If there are challenges, you have time to get them addressed before you spend lots of money training. Bad scene to have spent $2000 training to only discover it's going to be weeks/months/lots-of-cash before your medical is issued and your solo flight is severely delayed.
• Find a pilot mentor. Your CFI will do his best to teach you what you need to know. But often hearing another pilot explain a concept makes it that much clearer.
• When training, learn what the trim wheel does. This becomes one of the most important tools when aviating.
• Death gripping the yoke is a bad thing. You only need fingertip force to make the plane do what you want.
• Don't get sucked into the new tech of training on a G1000 or "glass equipped" aircraft. While many students do train in those, IMO round dial (or steam gauge) aircraft are better suited for new trainees.

These will be a good start... and I'm sure other PoA members will add to the list.

 

[eman1200]

1) read the PHoAK
2) read the AFH
3) take discovery flight
4) report back to PoA

 

[EJWall]

Other general tips (in no specific sequence)

• You don't need an expensive headset to start. You will want a good set, but hold off spending for the Bose or the Lightspeeds until you are sure you're going to finish your training. Lots of good budget models out there, and check in with our own Pigpenracing to see what he has in inventory.

Most instructors will have a set in the plane for you to use, so its not an immediate requirement, but once you get your PPL you will need one if you want to take someone else up.

EDIT: Also most instructors will do ground lessons or review on bad weather days so that your still learning, even though your not in the air.

 

[CC268]

Thanks guys - I am young (22 years old), so I guess I would like to do it now (get my PPL) early. I have about $4,000 saved in the bank right now. I don't have any debt or any housing expenses right now (live with my parents). I make great money as an engineer (and especially so for a 22 year old), but it is still expensive!

It looks like the next steps are going to be reading the Pilot Handbook, AFH, and finding a good school/instructor. I think flying twice a week wouldn't be a problem. I work 7:30 - 4 (although I can work whatever hours I want, I have an awesome boss!).

 

[CC268]

You are in the same boat as I was 2 years ago! Now I'm a mechanical engineer with my PPL! All good suggestions listed above. Once you find a good school try to schedule lessons as frequently as possible and study all the ground material and maneuvers before each flight. Don't spend unnecessary flight time on items you can easily study/review on the ground. Don't get frustrated when you don't solo in X hours or if you struggle with a maneuver that you knew how to do last week. It's all a part of the learning process and everyone goes through it.

But before all that find a CFI whose availability matches yours, that you can get along with, and that is a good instructor. I think that is the toughest part. Don't be afraid to ask potential CFI's questions about their teaching history, hours, etc. You are going to be paying a lot of money for their services (even if they only see a small % of it). Realize that a CFI close to 1500 hours may move on to the regional airlines soon. Oh and don't listen to anything you read on POA.

Very cool! Thanks for the tips!

 

[mscard88]

Ever think about the military? Excellent if not the best training, all paid for, well, by us.

A guard or reserve unit flying job probably one of the best deals going. Plus you can keep your day job.

 

[eman1200]

....I work 7:30 - 4 (although I can work whatever hours I want, I have an awesome boss!).

I tried to get a lot of flights in before work, but I also have a flexible schedule. we'd be up by 7 or 7:30 if possible and I'd be online by 9 or 9:30, which is really when most of the other slackers got to work anyways so I blended right in. of course I also did plenty of after work, evening flights, so clearly it can work with a fulltime schedule, as I'm assuming most people have.

 

[CC268]

Ever think about the military? Excellent if not the best training, all paid for, well, by us.

A guard or reserve unit flying job probably one of the best deals going. Plus you can keep your day job.

I did...my dream was the Airforce Academy, but I was born with asthma, had it my whole life. I am in great shape as I workout 5 days a week, but the asthma automatically kills my chances of any military. Also have allergies.

Anyways...I guess you gotta work with what ya got haha

 

[CC268]

I tried to get a lot of flights in before work, but I also have a flexible schedule. we'd be up by 7 or 7:30 if possible and I'd be online by 9 or 9:30, which is really when most of the other slackers got to work anyways so I blended right in. of course I also did plenty of after work, evening flights, so clearly it can work with a fulltime schedule, as I'm assuming most people have.

I work really close to an awesome airport for training here in AZ...I think I could go fly right after work and that would work really well.

 

[mscard88]

I did...my dream was the Airforce Academy, but I was born with asthma, had it my whole life. I am in great shape as I workout 5 days a week, but the asthma automatically kills my chances of any military. Also have allergies.

Anyways...I guess you gotta work with what ya got haha

You'll do fine then. Go for it!

 

[AggieMike88]

I did...my dream was the Airforce Academy, but I was born with asthma, had it my whole life. I am in great shape as I workout 5 days a week, but the asthma automatically kills my chances of any military. Also have allergies.

Remember my mentions about obtaining your medical? What you have revealed above is an important thing....

From the form you fill out to obtain your medical certificate:

18.f. Asthma or lung disease. The applicant should provide frequency and severity of asthma attacks, medications, and number of visits to the hospital and/or emergency room. For other lung conditions, a detailed description of symptoms/diagnosis, surgical intervention, and medications should be provided.​

Fortunately, if you are stable, your attacks are infrequent, you are on an approved medication, and your need of urgent care is small to none, this is a health condition that an AME can handle in office without deferring to OKC (which can cause a long delay). See the attached worksheet.

To make this work, have your treating doc write up a simply worded letter on his letterhead and over his signature providing the information the worksheet asks for. This should be all the AME needs.


This is a great example of knowing everything about aeromedical issues before you go to the AME.

 

[AggieMike88]

More info on Asthma from the AME Guide:

[row][cell]DISEASE/CONDITION[/cell][cell]CLASS[/cell][cell]EVALUATION DATA[/CELL][CELL]DISPOSITION[/CELL][/ROW][ROW][CELL]Mild or seasonal asthmatic symptoms[/CELL][CELL]All[/cell][cell]Review all pertinent medical information and
current status report,
include PFT’s, duration of symptoms,
name and dosage of drugs and side effects
for special issuance consideration.[/cell][cell]See Asthma Worksheet below.
If airman meets all certification criteria – Issue.

All Others require FAA Decision. Submit all evaluation data.

Initial Special Issuance - Requires FAA Decision.

Followup Special Issuances - See AASI Protocol[/cell][/row][cell]Frequent severe asthmatic symptoms[/cell][cell]All[/cell][cell]Submit all pertinent medical information
and current status report,
include PFT’s, duration of symptoms,
name and dosage of drugs and side effects
for special issuance consideration.[/cell][cell] Initial Special Issuance - Requires FAA Decision.

Followup Special Issuances - See AASI Protocol[/cell][/row]

 

[CC268]

Interesting...my asthma is well under control, but thanks for the headsup

 

[AggieMike88]

Interesting...my asthma is well under control, but thanks for the headsup

Awesome! But if you had bombed into the AME's office without knowing this stuff, you could be experiencing an unpleasant surprise and a grouchy AME.

Now take a look at the remainder of the medical history items in question 18 of the 8500-8 form. (see the attached PDF and page 20)

Question 18 has a pre-amble of "Medical History - Have You Ever In Your Life Been Diagnosed With, Had, Or Do You Presently Have Any Of The Following:"

If you answer yes to any of the questions, it will become something the FAA wants to know more about. And if you answer yes, let us know and we can provide some unofficial guidance, or tell you who to talk to for official help.

 

[CC268]

So do I need to get this medical certificate before I contact a school/instructor?

 

[EJWall]

So do I need to get this medical certificate before I contact a school/instructor?

Nope, but you need it before you take your first solo (if i remember correctly)

 

[AggieMike88]

So do I need to get this medical certificate before I contact a school/instructor?

Not necessarily. You do need it before your solo flight.

So we can say, get it as early as feasible. And only after you know with 100% confidence that you're leaving the AME's office with the certificate in hand.

For now, I'd do your first 4-5 hours to see if you want to continue training and your work schedule lines up with the training schedule. Then go to the AME.

This should provide you plenty of time to obtain anything you need for the question 18 items.

 

[jordane93]

So do I need to get this medical certificate before I contact a school/instructor?

I would get it as soon you as you know you can pass your medical. Wouldn't want to spend all this money on flight training only to find out you can't get your medical

 

[CC268]

Alright...so the AME guide can be downloaded and that will provide me with all the details needed for this medical certificate...

 

[AggieMike88]

Alright...so the AME guide can be downloaded and that will provide me with all the details needed for this medical certificate...

Yes and most likely. There are some situations that need a bit more detail than the printed guide provides. But that's the realm of the really good AME's.

On that note, the definition of a Good AME:

• Is a pilot himself
• Isn't an AME just because it sounds cool to have the additional accreditation on his shingle.
• Is a Senior AME (with a closet full of BTDT T-shirts) who will be a true advocate for his airmen.
• Has the OKC Offices on speed dial
• Knows the all of the Senior examiners (the 5 or 6 big swinging Docs) by first name.
• Prefers to take charge and issue the more challenging certificates "in office" rather than defer and let someone else "deal with it".
• Is not afraid to use said speed dial to reach out to said senior examiner and obtain any needed guidance to complete the said "in office" issuance.

If you have any inkling of a smidgen of a doubt of an uncertainty that you can be issued in office, then you need to do a consultative visit first.

The required medical certificate form is filled out online using http://medxpress.faa.gov . Once you're finished entering the information and save it, you're given (1) a confirmation code and (2) an option to print the completed form with the confirmation code at the bottom. A very good idea is to print the form as a PDF and save it to your hard drive. This will aid help you recall what you informed the government (aka the FAA) when you go back for the renewal. You also want to print the form to take to the AME's office.

But before you go, cut off the confirmation code at the bottom and keep that in your wallet.

This code is used by the AME or his office staff to retrieve your submission from the MedXpress system. But when they do, the exam is now live and official and the AME can only issue, defer or deny. He cannot act in consultative manner and doctor patient privilege does not apply. So keep the code in your pocket. If the doctor or staff says "No code, no review", then go find a different AME.

We want you to get a consultative visit first if there is any questions or not yet resolved issues that the AME can help with BEFORE you go live.

Without the code, the AME should be willing to meet with you (expect to pay the office visit fee) and review your case. With the printed copy, he can see what you submitted, ask you any questions, perform a simple physical exam, and render an opinion on if he could issue you right then and there, or if more needs to be done.

If he says he can issue right then and there with no future complications, then and only then hand over the code.

By not handing over the code, if a small speed bump is discovered, then you still have time to deal with it. And by not handing over the code, if a major showstopper or roadblock is found, you are not at risk of having your first medical exam become a denial. You need to know that once you are denied, your opportunity to be a pilot, private or commercial or otherwise, is gone. And there is very little recourse to get it back.

The advice here and above is to avoid that. Typically it's no big whoop and easy to get. But we have many visitors to PoA who share stories of "I bombed into the AME's office not aware of SSRI's or DUI's or something else. I got deferred then denied and I'm pizzed off that I cannot realize my dream of flying". Again, we want to help you avoid that.

You are asking some good questions. All a good sign of a quality future pilot. Keep them coming!

 

[docmirror]

Since you mentioned a potentially disqualifying condition, get an aeromed consult FIRST before filling out any forms, or signing anything. You need to know what you need to know or it can get ugly fast.

Next, here's an alternative for training that you may consider. Go to barnstormers.com, and do a search in your area for a cheap plane to train in. Then, go to a couple airports and ask around for the oldest, crustiest, flight instructor you can find. Also ask around for a mechanic, preferably and independent guy that can inspect a plane for you. Save up enough for a crusty plane and buy it to train in with said crusty instructor.

Just one man's opinion.

 

[RobertSubnet]

Hello "CC268!" I am a little late to the party but hopefully I can help - although you have gotten some excellent advice so far.

Me: 49 years old, Phoenix resident. I live just off of I17 so you are east of me. But I enjoy the restaurants in Cave Creek especially El Encanto! (That duck pond is really neat)

I fly out of the Deer Valley airport with "Westwind School of Aeronautics." The two schools at Deer Valley airport (KDVT) are Transpac and Westwind. Both schools are really geared toward "professional pilot programs." However only Westwind accepts "custom students." That is people like you and me who want to get a PPL and have time to train one or two times a week. Despite my repeat requests to train with them Transpac more or less told me, the "custom student/customer" to go pound sand.

In addition to a "discovery flight" you can meet with a representative at Westwind who will go over their (custom) program and what they offer. I met with a helpful woman name "Alexi" who answered all my questions.

Just forget "easy on the wallet" no place is, flying is expensive, hookers are cheaper than planes to rent, and similarly to hookers, you don't necessarily want a cheap one.

Unfortunately iHenning is correct - flying is expensive.

Don't get sucked into the new tech of training on a G1000 or "glass equipped" aircraft.

I agree with this and so does Westwind. I train in a 172 using "steam gauges." While G1000 cockpits are available for the PPL student Westwind does offer and suggest the steam gauges - "steam gauge" aircraft also cost less to rent.

I do not own an iPad and thus far do not feel the need for one. There is PLENTY to learn without electronic distractions.

Good instructors work with a written syllabus and keep written records of progress. Others don't, and you run the risk of spending more money since progress isn't tracked

This is very good advice. I do not mean to sound like a sales person for Westwind but we work off of a syllabus. I know exactly where I am in the training and what is expected of me.

read the PHoAK

Pronounced "Pee-Hack." You can download a free copy from the FAA here:

http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/pilot_handbook/

So do I need to get this medical certificate before I contact a school/instructor?

As other posters said, get the medical done first. I also have a medical condition relating to range and motion issues with my hands and arms. I got the medical done first - and there was no problem.

The required medical certificate form is filled out online using http://medxpress.faa.gov

^^This. You will need to create an account to do this so be sure to save the login credentials someplace.

You cannot see any doctor you want for the medical certificate. You need to see an "AME" or Aviation Medical Examiner. The FAA has a helpful tool for locating doctors in our area. The URL

https://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/

The doctor I went with was Dr. Bryman. He is a pretty laid back guy. They specialize in aviation medicals so they know the procedure very well. For more information:

http://www.drbryman.com/index.htm

I would strongly suggest you get the medical done first. If nothing else for your own peace of mind.

Knowing what I know now I would recommend Westwind. My instructor's name is Stephen Frisch and I like him. He is easy going, friendly and very knowledgeable. He goes out of his way to schedule training when I am available. Stephen looks out for me (the "custom student") and has no problem bumping the "professional pilot program" students in order to make room for guys like you and me.

Good luck with your decision. If you do decide to go with Westwind please feel free to reach out to me: robertfippinger@hotmail.com and perhaps we can meet up for margaritas.

Ohh and to whet your appetite, if you did not already know this, there is a restaurant in the Deer Valley airport. There is an open air patio above the restaurant where you can sit and look out at the airport. There is a speaker where radio communications (ground and tower) is played and you can listen to what is being transmitted. A nice place for lunch, to study, etc., when it is not too hot. You access the patio from outside stairs.

~Robert

 

[Henning]

Thanks guys - I work full time, so I am hoping this is something I can do. I have wanted my PPL since I was a kid. For a long time I wanted to be a commercial airline pilot, but decided on becoming a mechanical engineer instead.

I worked full time on an Island with 2 days off a week. The CFI would pick me up at the Island, we'd fly a lesson on the way back to Long Beach, I'd have lunch, hang out, fly another lesson, then head to my buddy's to spend the night, and reverse the order the next day getting dropped back off. Not the cheapest way to do it because I ended up paying an extra half hour a week that I was not in the plane, but the sealions were paying for it so what the hell, I probably saved more by having a free safe place to keep my car when I was on the island there at the FBO.

If you have the will, desire, and money, you will create the time you need. It's way easier if you are single, but even family people make it.

 

[Henning]

Hello "CC268!" I am a little late to the party but hopefully I can help - although you have gotten some excellent advice so far.

Me: 49 years old, Phoenix resident. I live just off of I17 so you are east of me. But I enjoy the restaurants in Cave Creek especially El Encanto! (That duck pond is really neat)

I fly out of the Deer Valley airport with "Westwind School of Aeronautics." The two schools at Deer Valley airport (KDVT) are Transpac and Westwind. Both schools are really geared toward "professional pilot programs." However only Westwind accepts "custom students." That is people like you and me who want to get a PPL and have time to train one or two times a week. Despite my repeat requests to train with them Transpac more or less told me, the "custom student/customer" to go pound sand.

In addition to a "discovery flight" you can meet with a representative at Westwind who will go over their (custom) program and what they offer. I met with a helpful woman name "Alexi" who answered all my questions.



Unfortunately iHenning is correct - flying is expensive.



I agree with this and so does Westwind. I train in a 172 using "steam gauges." While G1000 cockpits are available for the PPL student Westwind does offer and suggest the steam gauges - "steam gauge" aircraft also cost less to rent.

I do not own an iPad and thus far do not feel the need for one. There is PLENTY to learn without electronic distractions.



This is very good advice. I do not mean to sound like a sales person for Westwind but we work off of a syllabus. I know exactly where I am in the training and what is expected of me.



Pronounced "Pee-Hack." You can download a free copy from the FAA here:

http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/pilot_handbook/



As other posters said, get the medical done first. I also have a medical condition relating to range and motion issues with my hands and arms. I got the medical done first - and there was no problem.



^^This. You will need to create an account to do this so be sure to save the login credentials someplace.

You cannot see any doctor you want for the medical certificate. You need to see an "AME" or Aviation Medical Examiner. The FAA has a helpful tool for locating doctors in our area. The URL

https://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/

The doctor I went with was Dr. Bryman. He is a pretty laid back guy. They specialize in aviation medicals so they know the procedure very well. For more information:

http://www.drbryman.com/index.htm

I would strongly suggest you get the medical done first. If nothing else for your own peace of mind.

Knowing what I know now I would recommend Westwind. My instructor's name is Stephen Frisch and I like him. He is easy going, friendly and very knowledgeable. He goes out of his way to schedule training when I am available. Stephen looks out for me (the "custom student") and has no problem bumping the "professional pilot program" students in order to make room for guys like you and me.

Good luck with your decision. If you do decide to go with Westwind please feel free to reach out to me: robertfippinger@hotmail.com and perhaps we can meet up for margaritas.

Ohh and to whet your appetite, if you did not already know this, there is a restaurant in the Deer Valley airport. There is an open air patio above the restaurant where you can sit and look out at the airport. There is a speaker where radio communications (ground and tower) is played and you can listen to what is being transmitted. A nice place for lunch, to study, etc., when it is not too hot. You access the patio from outside stairs.

~Robert

Huh, I always heard it pronounced FAK

 

[RobertSubnet]

Huh, I always heard it pronounced FAK

I suppose that works as well. "Pee-Hack" is how we say it. We also say "far" as in far away and "aim" as in to aim a gun rather than F-A-R/A-I-M.