Private pilot's license

[PRO MO]

You flying out of whitehall? Or Three forks?

three forks

 

[westbranch]

I’ll be the outlier here. I picked up private/instrument/commercial/ME/CFI ratings for I think right around $100. The ATP was an extra $50 so I declined. I wish I would have sunk that $100 in apple, bitcoin, or google. After flying for 15 years and 3k hrs I had enough. It’s been 11 years now, haven’t flown since, and haven’t missed it for a half second. To me flying just doesn’t seem like a recreational activity, if someone’s not paying me to do it I sure wouldn’t be paying to do it myself.

If you don’t love it bail out immediately. I never cared for it one way or the other, it was just a job, so that probably explains my indifference to it.

I get that. I have several clients that are career pilots. Career military, then went to big commercial airlines or freight for the high income and padding retirement savings. They have zero interest in flying on their own time.

 

[RG300]

Being your own pilot seems pretty glamorous, all that freedom, cool shades & sunny skies..... but it comes with a lot of responsibility, tough work & baggage.
I work in the Aviation industry & thankfully i know my limits, I can build them, would not want to fly them.
Its like my dad says...... "Its not the fall that kills you..... its the sudden stop" LT.COL. USAF. Retired, Fixed Wing & Rotors, SAC/MAC, he is full of stories involving high pucker factor, & knows several top pilots that did not live to tell the tale.

 

[Labman]

OK, doesn't answer my question, but I'll leave it there...

USMC.

 

[Brad]

USMC.

Ah, ok. Now makes sense. Military pilots typically have pretty low hours.

 

[oxn939]

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.

Discovery flights are a great idea. While you're on them, pay close attention to the mannerisms and instructional style of your CFI. It's something like 80% of CFIs who are current have had their rating for less than a year. Not saying there can't be good fresh CFIs, but I personally wouldn't trust a kid who only knows how to regurgitate what their instructors beat into them at ATP to get me my ratings.

Once you get your private, definitely invest in a good tailwheel course of at least 5-10 hours with a reputable tailwheel instructor. Backcountry flying is awesome, but takes a lifetime to master and can be very unforgiving if taken too quickly.