Private pilot's license

[westbranch]

I am looking at doing a private pilot's license in 2026 - I have kicked this idea around off and on for years and it seems like this summer is the time to start. My wife just finished up a career change/school and is starting to work full time as a RN in March. Feeling like a good time for me to take on something new. My dad had a plane in the mid 70s thru 80s in MN but sold it when I was a toddler so I have no memory of it. Just the stories.

Anyone on here that has done it? Thoughts, tips, etc. are welcome.

I am 37 yrs old, married with no kids, good job. Making time to study for tests isn't a concern, I enjoy studying and taking tests. It can easily end up being a money pit but I can budget for that. Solid flying community in North Idaho from what have heard, I have a few people I can email/call to discuss.

Scenic day flights around North Idaho are definitely an interest. I would also like to fly into backcountry air strips for camping and fishing in the summer. Possibly hunting but weather in the fall would be a big variable. Instrument rating would be of interest to assist with that.

I visit family in MN a few times a year, so flying myself would be cool. But that's lower down the list.

 

[Lmartin5]

Following...wishing you the best of luck...sounds fun!

 

[RealMuddyboots]

I'm thinking helicopter, landlocked properties,

 

[westbranch]

I'm thinking helicopter, landlocked properties,

I like where you're head is at. But helicopters seem to be on another level.

 

[mxracer317]

I’ve gone down this path several times wanting to get my pilot license as well, but always come back with the idea that it’s cheaper for me to just hire a professional if I need to be flown somewhere remote… And more enjoyable to fly first class on a commercial plane.

To each their own and wish you success if you decide to go after it. One of my friends it has his license told me to understand that it’s something that requires constant upkeep in skills so you have to be prepared to spend a lot of time and money in order to do it safely.

 

[Coydog]

I have my private license. It’s been an amazing advantage in the travel. Never used it for backcountry access. Mainly dates with the wife anymore like weekend trips to deadwood. Tough thing is at a minimum budgeting the min to maintain your license. I was lucky and made good friends with flight instructor which I am now a co owner of a plane with. This has allowed us to be able to make trips more easily. Also of course added the maintenance cost. It’s been well worth the experience the wife and I have been able to have.

 

[westbranch]

I’ve gone down this path several times wanting to get my pilot license as well, but always come back with the idea that it’s cheaper for me to just hire a professional if I need to be flown somewhere remote… And more enjoyable to fly first class on a commercial plane.

To each their own and wish you success if you decide to go after it. One of my friends it has his license told me to understand that it’s something that requires constant upkeep in skills so you have to be prepared to spend a lot of time and money in order to do it safely.

No doubt it's cheaper. I haven't flown first class but on occasion I'll upgrade comfort plus. I was told years ago that if it floats, flies or f*cks it's cheaper to rent. But I am married and have been boat shopping as well

Having it be a hobby and something to do definitely appeals to me.

 

[kodiakisland]

As I'm approaching retirement and conserving money, my flying days are most likely over.
If you can afford it and have the time, go for it. It's a great hobby. I flew mostly supercubs and a P-PONKed 182 backcountry for years. Loved it. Burned a huge hole in my wallet though. I probably don't want to know how much i spent in a lifetime, but it was worth it.

Tailwheel and floats are where the enjoyment was for me. I had little desire to just fly to another airport for $100 burgers. Taking off and landing in the backcountry is where it's at.

 

[mtmuley]

I am looking at doing a private pilot's license in 2026 - I have kicked this idea around off and on for years and it seems like this summer is the time to start. My wife just finished up a career change/school and is starting to work full time as a RN in March. Feeling like a good time for me to take on something new. My dad had a plane in the mid 70s thru 80s in MN but sold it when I was a toddler so I have no memory of it. Just the stories.

Anyone on here that has done it? Thoughts, tips, etc. are welcome.

I am 37 yrs old, married with no kids, good job. Making time to study for tests isn't a concern, I enjoy studying and taking tests. It can easily end up being a money pit but I can budget for that. Solid flying community in North Idaho from what have heard, I have a few people I can email/call to discuss.

Scenic day flights around North Idaho are definitely an interest. I would also like to fly into backcountry air strips for camping and fishing in the summer. Possibly hunting but weather in the fall would be a big variable. Instrument rating would be of interest to assist with that.

I visit family in MN a few times a year, so flying myself would be cool. But that's lower down the list.

Gonna buy a plane? mtmuley

 

[schmalts]

Just know it is more costly than you would think. I did it, but hung it up a few years after the Son was born. Just no time and spare change to stay current and get my money's worth out of the yearly hanger, and insurance costs. Part owner isn't all bad, that is where I was at. Finding the right people is the key.

 

[Islander]

It's a great accomplishment. Whether you use it or not, you have it for life. You're in a good position to do it. Definitely go for it while you can.

Got mine at 19. Flew till age 40 or so. May fly again someday (64 now). I never regretted it and was super proud of the accomplishment. Oshkosh and Sun-n-Fun are great too! Lots of opportunities to fly cool air machines.

 

[jrabq]

It was a dream of mine when I was younger, but getting married and having kids blew that up, mostly for financial reasons. Now I'm older and probably could afford it, but occasional spells of vertigo tell me to just enjoy my feet on the ground.

Good luck if you decide to go for it.

 

[westbranch]

Gonna buy a plane? mtmuley

I like the idea of owning my own. But that's 5+ yrs out.

 

[cedahm]

Dad had a 1/8 share of a 206 when I was a small kid. It was awesome to zip around MN, WI and Ontario a few times. When the primary owner passed, the rest of them all sold out their shares to the widow (no brainer for a bunch of middle class guys that really had no business owning an airplane) and dad never flew again.

I took ground school and a Few flight hours in High school but then college, baseball and girls got in the way, then work got in the way and I’ve never finished.

I will say that my friends that fly, the ones that do it consistently and passionately own at least a share of their own plane, as well as some serviceable but rough vehicles parked/stored in towns they frequent. Renting is really not bad cost wise, but the real freedom is just deciding to go somewhere when you want.

Tldr; just Go for it. Figure out the ongoing operations later

 

[David58]

I've had too many close calls in a car...without the involvement of altitude. True, less traffic to deal with, but I decided long ago to keep it two dimensional.

 

[Brad]

Man, if it’s in you to do it, absolutely do it. But get your IR.

 

[IDiot]

I have my private pilot and was working on an instrument rating and commercial license when we moved across the country. I haven't flown in 2 years and to some that would seem like a waste but I have no regrets about it. Aviation always takes more time and money than you anticipate.
But it's like anything on a bucket list, you won't regret doing it, but thinking, what if, will nag at you. If you do, try to fly 3 times a week or more. You will pick it up so much faster, and save money by making it your sole focus for a while. Good luck!

 

[Wildabeest]

As others have said, it’s a long term commitment. Got mine in my late 20’s. Before kids. My work at the time was military aircraft, so all was aligned. Then life took me in other directions and it was hard to stay current and became more of an obligation than a hobby. I don’t regret doing it - learned a ton and feel like I could still fly and land a plane if needed. But also don’t regret not sticking with it. I know a lot of people who own or co-own small planes - they seem to do a lot of mental gymnastics to justify it.

 

[kodiakisland]

Time is what I had the biggest problem with. I had several currencies I was trying to keep up in several air frames as well as do my own fun flying. Doing that around work, weather, maintenance, etc. was trying at times having a family and grandkids to keep me busy.

The money, I think most people figure out they either do or they don't have enough pretty quick. The cost is what keeps most from starting or finishing. I'd say if you can't reasonably see spending $100K over the next 5 years, it's going to be tough financially to get the ratings and do your own flying, owning or in a club.

It's been a little over a year since I was in the seat. I do miss it, but I don't want to work more just to have the money to fly, and I don't want my wife to work so I can fly. It was great while I had the time and money, but one rarely has both at the same time.