I want to do my Private Pilots License!

matt1987

I would absolutely LOVE to do my PPL! Ever since I was a little kid, I have always dreamt of becoming a pilot for a commercial airline, but the costs involved are huge!!

I know its going to take a lot of my hard earned money to do it! Are there any Pilots on here that have been successful in doing their PPL as and when they can afford to do hours? It is something that I am passionate about, and once attained the license, I would want to go on to other things such as night ratings, IMC ratings and also work towards a CPL and ATPL.

I am 22 years old, and I think I have a fairly decent paying job. I dont have many outgoings at the moment as living with partners mom, but I am saving for a property. I already have savings that could pay for half of the PPL at the moment, but I dont want to use it for this purpose.

I have started putting £50 a month away in a separate savings account to get a little money together to start my PPL.

My dream is obviously to become a commerial airline pilot, but I just keep thinking how realistic are my chances? I think if I didnt do my PPL at the very least I would go through life regretting it!

n90bar

Hi Matt

I sat and read your post and it sent me back to 4 years ago when I was in your position - how on earth to start training! Its a very daunting but exciting time!!

As far as costs are concerned as you are aware it is very expensive. A few of my peers have done flying out in the states - it is far cheaper and you have some certainty over the weather...but its not for everyone and I know that the quality of training can be variable.

I would say its probably a fairly good time to be starting training - airlines will no doubt start to hire again if things continue to show an up turn - but equally in my opinion its important to have some cash behind you when you start. Consistensy is the key - regular lessons and studying I think is far better than doing a few hours then running out of cash for a while and then restarting. I find even now if I havent flown for 2/3 weeks I'm a little rusty!

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions etc at all....I could talk about flying for hours.

Barry