how does one become a pilot?

christian623 · April 25th, 2008, 10:22

I'm interested to learn what the best way to become a pilot. I have done a lot of research, but I also like to ask current pilots what there point of view is. I also looked at the flight school in Florida which is a subsidiary of Delta. Can anybody tell me what they think about this flight school? Any pointers, tips, or general information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

sixoneseven · April 25th, 2008, 11:01

Not by going to Delta Connection Academy. Go to your Local hometown FBO and start there. Don't sink tens of thousands of dollars into these pilot mill places. I see your location says Boston, Why not try Horizon Aviation down in Norwood.

the_dmn8tr · April 25th, 2008, 11:03

Welcome to the forum!

I think if you do some searching around, you will find that Delta Connection Academy is not very highly regarded around here. Have you done any fliying yet? I would highly recommend going to a local FBO, fixed base operator, somewhere in your area and taking an intro flight. Not only will you get a feel for what a light airplane is like, but you can always ask about the flight training there.

phoenix 23684 · April 25th, 2008, 11:15

Welcome,

This is a good place to find information about the profession, you are going to get many different ways about it, you just have to pick the best in the end. I will second that the best way to get started is at your local FBO/airport where you can take a discovery flight and then if you like it, get your private pilot's license, this is your first license.
Basic pilot skills in a small aircraft typically a Cessna 152 or 172. The minimum requirement is 40 flight hours but it usually takes an individual 2-3 months and about 50-60 hours to obtain, not sure about current cost for one.
In the end if you decide you love to fly you can get your other ratings, Instrument, Commercial, Multi-Engine, Flight instructor, or at the very least you'll end up with your ppl and can just enjoy flying around, it really is a magical thing to simply go up in a small aircraft with family and friends.
If you decide that you want a professional career make sure you get/have your college degree in something that you can fall back, this industry is very rough at times and avoid the pilot mills, too much cost for something that you can do at half the cost and just about the same amount of time, plus at the local FBO you are usually treated more than just a number.

Hope this helps

Can you tell us a bit more about yourself

moxiepilot · April 25th, 2008, 11:41

jc homepage is also a good spot to start with browsing information

Kristie · April 25th, 2008, 11:46

Just to clarify... DCA is not really owned by Delta. Make sure you continue to do your research.

They were always owned by Comair and when Delta bought Comair, DCA came with it. so they use the fact that they're "apart of Delta" as a marketing ploy to get people in the door and charge them excessive fees because after all "being owned by Delta is everything". Delta actually has nothing to do with the flight school, nor do they have any folks of Delta that work there or help with admin or what not... in fact, Mother Delta would like to do nothing but sell it since it's a cost that comes out of their books.

again, make sure you continue doing your research.

Clocks · April 25th, 2008, 11:46

The "best" way? Go to college, major in Business or some wildly usable degree. Meanwhile do your flight training at a local and well respected FBO and become a CFI until you graduate. Who cares if it takes you 2+ years to get your CFI if you're going to be in school for 4 years anyways?

You should be ready to go right when the industry starts its next normal upswing.

Hckey2477 · April 25th, 2008, 13:03

As a current student of Delta Connection Academy I will give you "a little" insight on my current situation and my perspective. If you are interested to learn more p.m. me.

The Good.

1. training is top notch

The Bad.

2. There are not enough instructors at this time for the load of students, so they are packing in students with the time given. The result... maybe a flight a day. and perhaps waiting weeks or months for a stage check.

i.e. it is not uncommon that you will be waking up at 5:00 a.m. for a 1 hour block in a flight simulator.

The Ugly.

3. I will not own a home for at least 20 years, due to the excessive cost.

Like everybody else said. do some research before making a decision, if you have any questions p.m. me.

unclenobby · April 25th, 2008, 14:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixoneseven

Not by going to Delta Connection Academy. Go to your Local hometown FBO and start there. Don't sink tens of thousands of dollars into these pilot mill places. I see your location says Boston, Why not try Horizon Aviation down in Norwood.

You also should check out executive flyers and East coast Aero at Hanscom Field (Bedford). There's a flight school at Beverly Municipal too called Beverly Flight center. 3 schools all about the same price wise, a little on the high side, but that's run of the mill so close to Boston - you should visit the schools/FBO's and check them out for yourself - schedule an introductory flight, talk with students if they are hanging around (most people are more than willing to give an opinion!)
Good luck.

jspeed87 · April 25th, 2008, 14:24

As Tempting as a academy looks from the outside, don't do it. Just get your training at a local FBO. If everyone is telling you to go that route, it's because it makes sense.

Kristie · April 25th, 2008, 14:30

but why does it make sense?

jspeed87 · April 25th, 2008, 14:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kristie

but why does it make sense?

lol cause it's way cheaper, and you don't have to wear those cheesy uniforms.

Kristie · April 25th, 2008, 14:38

it's not just way cheaper... it's WAY cheaper (we're talking thousands) and just as good with quality education because........

education is what YOU make of it...the effort you put forth is the same effort you get out whether you're at an academy, FBO or wherever you get your training

BronxATP · April 25th, 2008, 14:50

Christian,
Definitely check out your local FBO. I would stay clear of the big academies. I have first hand experience of the big academy type setting. I just recently had to withdraw from one of these academys because I did not obtain my PPL in 30hrs. This was a choice that I made. I could have continued, but I would have had to buy more time. I figured I would get out before I got in too deep. I don't regret my decision in wanting to attend one of these large schools, but sticking with my FBO, in my opinion, is a smarter choice, especially in these economic times. The airlines do not care where you obtain your flight training, and sowhat if it takes you longer. It's the time spent to get to your ultimate goal that makes the experience much more satisfying.

P&H · April 25th, 2008, 22:18

Nowadays, the only way to become an airline pilot is to bend over and take it like a man!

sixoneseven · April 25th, 2008, 22:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hckey2477

As a current student of Delta Connection Academy

The Bad.

i.e. it is not uncommon that you will be waking up at 5:00 a.m. for a 1 hour block in a flight simulator.

The Ugly.

3. I will not own a home for at least 20 years, due to the excessive cost.

I think you should add that even with the excessive cost to go there, you're also flying a Cessna 150/152, right? Not like, a brand new G1000 172.

Think about it though, if you're paying top dollar. You best be getting top equipment.

Bottom line. People are just not going to care if you went to Delta Connection Academy or Podunk Airport FBO.

charlie1017 · April 25th, 2008, 22:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclenobby

You also should check out executive flyers and East coast Aero at Hanscom Field (Bedford).

I'll add that you can get to Hanscom by MBTA, although the commute itself to the airport can be long. Right now East Coast is the cheapest one there with Tomahawks at $89/hour.
Now if you want the absolute cheapest in the Boston area...
http://www.hawkflyingclub.org/aboutus.html

MattyB · April 25th, 2008, 22:44

Pretty sure that Delta Connection Academy is flying new Cirrus aircraft now but still overpriced in my opinion.

sixoneseven · April 26th, 2008, 00:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattyB

Pretty sure that Delta Connection Academy is flying new Cirrus aircraft now but still overpriced in my opinion.

I'm sure the Cirrus is not their primary trainer and if it is... well...

Hckey2477 · April 26th, 2008, 10:40

Yes the Cirrus is our primary trainer now at delta connection academy. we have around 25 of them. I really like the avidyne.

Bumblebee · April 26th, 2008, 12:13

I am currently flying with a graduate of DCA. He is very sharp and has great fundamentals. (He's been on line since February) He taught in the 172's as they transitioned to the new Cirrus.

Goldmember · April 26th, 2008, 15:11

#1 rule I have is go to the airport and TALK TO SOMEONE!!! The internet is a vital and valuable tool, don't get me wrong, to get prepared and have a game plan, but you absolutely have to meet face to face with an instructor and have them talk you through how they would meet your goals, cost, time, and what it's really like. Take an intro flight, or if they'll let you, just ride in the back for an hour with a CFI and one of their commercial students which would cost you zip. It's a great way to build rapport with a school which will make you more comfortable in asking in depth questions. If you go to the airport and don't like the guy, pick another one and visit that one but you have to actually go, not just call or write an email. Trust me, it will save you time and money and will help you get the most out of your training and help you enjoy it a whole lot more.

Good luck