Hi All -
I'm as new to flying as one can be. Well, maybe I've got one toe past the starting line in that I took my discovery flight yesterday. If was very awesome and I'm certainly interested in moving forward with the license. The flight school instructor seemed very knowledgeable and honest but I have a few questions that I'd like to get feedback on from a variety of pilots because I know the answer may vary based on a few factors.
1. Is the "initial license" a license to fly single propeller planes? The instructor mentioned getting an "instrument license" at some point. Can someone lay out the progression of licenses (single propeller, instrumentation, ...?) for someone who is interested in being a pilot only for his/her own recreation and not commercially?
2. I understand that after getting the license it is possible to use private planes for transportation but is it feasible? In other words, what sort of range is realistic (safe)? What sort of cost do most of the non-commercial pilots incur for a flight (say for a weekend)?
3. How often does one need to fly to maintain their license after it is obtained?
Thanks in advance, guys. I hope to be part of the elite group of pilots soon!
-Dan
I'm as new to flying as one can be. Well, maybe I've got one toe past the starting line in that I took my discovery flight yesterday. If was very awesome and I'm certainly interested in moving forward with the license. The flight school instructor seemed very knowledgeable and honest but I have a few questions that I'd like to get feedback on from a variety of pilots because I know the answer may vary based on a few factors.
1. Is the "initial license" a license to fly single propeller planes? The instructor mentioned getting an "instrument license" at some point. Can someone lay out the progression of licenses (single propeller, instrumentation, ...?) for someone who is interested in being a pilot only for his/her own recreation and not commercially?
2. I understand that after getting the license it is possible to use private planes for transportation but is it feasible? In other words, what sort of range is realistic (safe)? What sort of cost do most of the non-commercial pilots incur for a flight (say for a weekend)?
3. How often does one need to fly to maintain their license after it is obtained?
Thanks in advance, guys. I hope to be part of the elite group of pilots soon!
-Dan