Learning To Fly Brings Up Hundreds Of Questions And Here Are Some That Relate More Often To Recreational Pilots

The problem with learning to fly is knowing how much you don’t know before you start. Many of these questions deal with why you ultimately want to become a pilot, but here we are going to deal with some common questions that show up when people are really just interested in flying for fun.

What Is Best, Learning In Your Own Aircraft Or Renting First?

Renting provides one huge advantage; you are not committed to the aircraft. However if you purchase an aircraft to learn in, you can come out ahead monetarily if you chose an aircraft that has a proven value record. The answer also depends on the suitability of the aircraft you choose to buy for primary training. Not every airplane is designed to take the wear-and-tear of student training, and some aircraft may have handling characteristics that require additional skill. Ask for expert advice about these issues before you buy.

Can I Receive Training In An Experimental Amateur Built (E-AB) Aircraft?

Yes, but find a committed instructor before you build or buy an E-AB. All flight instructors are allowed to instruct in certificated E-AB aircraft, but not all will do it. Remember nuances like, does the aircraft have full dual controls for the instructor? Two identical looking EABs, of the same make and model, could be parked on the ramp; one with dual brakes, and the other without the dual system. Don’t make a decision like this without expert advice, and the seller of the E-AB may not be the best person for the advice.

Can Money Change Hands For Taking Lessons In An E-AB?

If you own the aircraft, you may pay the flight instructor for providing you with dual instruction. An E-AB may not be used for commercial rental, but there is one exception for this. Owners of E-AB aircraft may obtain a waiver from FAA to charge for transition training in their E-AB. However, the waiver does not allow the owner of an E-AB to provide training for the purpose of obtaining a pilot certificate or additional pilot rating.

Should I Receive Primary Training In A Taildragger?

Sure, why not? If it is the plane you plan to fly, it’s better to receive your initial trailing in the taildragger. However, it still depends on the plane. It’s up to you, and your instructor, to determine if the plane is suitable. Because it’s getting harder to find taildragger instructors, plan far ahead for the training. You may even have to plan ahead on finding an examiner to give you a check ride in a taildragger.

What Minimum Equipment Must The Aircraft Have For Training?

Training aircraft have no minimum equipment requirement, but aircraft used for the practical test (checkride) do have minimum requirements. There have been cases where a student learned the basics in their own aircraft but had to checkout in a different aircraft for the checkride. Check the appropriate Practical Test Standards (PTS) for the certificate you are seeking to locate the equipment requirements.

These questions and answers just touch the surface but hopefully it will make you think of the importance of looking at the big picture and asking lots of questions. Get the facts and don’t rush into anything blindly.

And most importantly, if you are primarily interested in recreational flying, be sure to choose a flight instructor with the same interests.

(Images from file)

FMI: www.eaa.org   www.aopa.org