Discovery Flight this week, first step towards PPL

Posted by SunMountain9842@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 11 comments

What can I / should I expect during this experience? Taking the flight at a small, local shop, east-coast based. Hoping to have a discussion after on furthering my training towards PPL. I have flown in Cessnas several times before, just want to know if there are certain "things" I should expect or ask to be shown, knowing that my ultimate goal is to earn my PPL...other ratings in the future if that approach makes sense. 34 yo in a stable, good paying job. Goal would be to pay as I go and get the hours in my off-time. No loans at a "big box" type school.

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11 Comments

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Squawk_0877@reddit

Two things, sit in the left seat, not the right, most schools default you to the right on discovery, just ask up front, and ask the average hours to checkride for last year's grads, schools quote 40 hrs $8-10k, real number is 80-90 hrs $14-18k for almost everyone

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Iancshafer@reddit

I’d recommend getting your medical as the next step, too many ppl have learned they’ll never get their PPL after they start.

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Ok-Mention-3310@reddit

It’s really not the first step

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grumpyoldman10@reddit

My flight instructor let me takeoff and land. Of course I didn’t realize the ailerons had very little to do with that process. He ran the rudder. But I was at the controls the whole time. Really shocked me.

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Aggressive_Staff_982@reddit

Just ask any questions you have. Such as lesson and schedule availability, transparent costs, any type of curriculum they offer, and make it clear your goal is to get a PPL. Good flight schools should prioritize safety and be willing to work with you to find an instructor that suits your needs.

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HighVelocitySloth@reddit

It’s a sales pitch to get you to enroll in their school. Ask any questions you want. Communication is a huge part of training. Don’t be afraid to ask questions

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AlexJamesFitz@reddit

Tell the CFI ahead of time if you want a more instructional flight or a more sightseeing flight. Sounds like you want the former.

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SunMountain9842@reddit (OP)

Was unsure how much influence I had over the experience. Good advice thank you

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Disastrous-Trash1025@reddit

You’re a customer, you can ask for what you want, worst case they say no

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AlexJamesFitz@reddit

That's a good lesson for, uh, lessons in general. Always be communicating your expectations and goals.

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rFlyingTower@reddit

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