"Flying once a month" syndrome

[Goose Egg]

Cool. 9' longboard myself. I'm still a bit of a gremmie so I picked it up used with some fixed dings, but I love it just the same. Got a pretty good deal on it too. I've always been more interested in the longboarding side of things, so we'll see how it goes--my next board might be another longboard.

-Goose

 

[Savate]

Thanks for all the advice.

I think my plan for now is to fly when I can but continue to put money aside for a future marathon summer of flying. I don't want to just shelve my training for now because I'm not getting any younger (I'm 40) and hope to be able to work towards my CFI and maybe commercial.

The college scenario doesn't work for me since I already have enough student loans to finance a 3rd world country (2 BA's and an MA). I am taking a ground school now at the local college though.

I have considered financing my PPL but like some have said, then I'll be so broke paying back the loan that I won't have any money to continue flying post-PPL.

 

[dabandermac]

save $

ya bro, save your money till' you can pay for ppl practically up front. training once a month can be compared to paying the minimum on your credit card. those interest payments that are building up is exactly like the extra time (and when i say time, understand time = money in flight training) it is taking you earn your ppl. if i was in your situation i would save, and study for your written in the meantime so once you have saved you can take the written and focus solely on flying.

 

[414Flyer]

I agree...flying once a month is just going to be spinning your wheels, all you will be doing each time is just review the last flight.

Save up until you have a lot more money to knock the rest of it out, or get pretty close. It will save you money and you can actually get your certificate

 

[B767Inst]

If you don't count the two flights I had in 1978 (I don't, my wife does), it took me nearly 4 years to get my PPL. From Nov 99 - Aug 03. Like you, I flew when I could afford it/find time. My total logbook time was 55 hrs when I took the check. I stopped in 1978 because I couldn't afford to finish. Thinking at the time I'd save the money and do it all at once. So, I'm going to go against the grain and say keep flying! It may take you longer, but every flight is a learning opportunity. Personally, I'd rather keep plugging away and stay in the game versus standing on the sidelines.

 

[Goose Egg]

Yeah, I think I'm with B76 on this one. Since the college thing isn't going to work out for you, I'd just do what you could lesson wise. It gives you something in your life to look forward to. Sure, it may turn out to be a little more expensive this way, but we should all know by now that saving money isn't what flying is all about!

-Goose

 

[comander]

I was like that 1 or 2 a month then sold my motorcycle and got a cheaper car,also my dad helped me at the end so then I got like 1 hour a week , but some instructors get scared to let u solo if u only fly once a month even if u are ready , better save some cash and then get it on ,so that they will feel ok and give u permition to fly solo. I got my ppl almost 3 years after I started. and was so pi$$sed off, with some of my instructor cause they wouldnt let me go solo cause the last time I had flown well, but like a month ago.