As a private pilot for over nine years I’m often asked if a pilot’s license is difficult to obtain. Like anything worthwhile, learning to fly has it’s difficulties, but none that aren’t surmountable if it’s something that you really want to do. I know pilots who took to flying quite naturally, but had trouble with the academic side involved in passing the written portion of the test. Others got through the book learning with ease, but required extra flight instruction to master the mechanics of flight. My biggest difficulty was just figuring out how to pay for it. All of us stepped up to the challenges though, because learning to fly was important to us.
There are many different options when it comes to learning to fly, and different levels of licenses offered by the FAA. But before spending much time on those details you must decide if flying is something you really want to do. If it is, the difficulties will be seen as a challenge. If not, the difficulties will turn into solid obstacles.
The best way to find out is to head down to your local airport and take a discovery flight. Flight schools are listed in the phone book or easily found by online search. Most flight schools are very friendly and eager to help you get started, in fact if they aren’t, go to another one. Tell them you would like a discovery flight. Most places offer an attractive rate for this first flight. Your instructor will give you a brief introduction to the trainer plane which will probably be an old, but safe and reliable two seater. Since training airplanes have two sets of controls, you will get to sit in the pilots seat and the instructor will guide you through starting the engine, taxing to the runway, and preflight checks. When you make the first take off you will probably know right away if flying is for you or not. After take off the instructor will give some lessons in the basics and let you get a feel for the plane and for what flying is all about.Â
By the time you land, you should have a pretty good idea if flying is something you want to pursue or not. If it is, get started. The difficulties will be no more than hard earned learning experiences, and the sense of pride that comes with meeting a challenge will be as valuable as your pilot’s license.
