Flight Training Completion?

J

Jkirsch

New Member
Hey Guys,

I'm new to this forum, and am quite pleased with the wealth info available. I'm currently training out of Torrance, Ca to earn my Private Pilots license. So far I have 10 hours and its a blast, I love it and I've always wanted to embark on this journey. I couldn't be more thrilled to complete my training.

However, you read about the high number of people who don't earn their license. I'm curious from the people on this forum, what would you say is the most common reason for lack of completion. Or even I would extend it further, what is the most common factor in people never even starting on something they've dreamed to do?

I thought this would be a fun and interesting topic to discuss. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

John
 
Well I'm about two months in but only have 25 hours and I still haven't soloed. I work a full time job and my GF just had surgery so I'm pretty much working two full time jobs. No complaints, but its stressful and I've had to cancel a lot of lessons so far because of life stuff. So to answer your question (from what I can see so far), life stuff.
 
See I would agree with #1, that was the biggest hold up for me to even get started and to ensure I finish. But you would think there would be more specialized financing groups out there to assist? I have to imagine there are alot of people out there who would love to embark on their dream if they could only get the funding?

All the others make sense as well as you get older things come up and take priority.

Thanks for the responses guys!
 
John:

Welcome to JC.

I am a socal flyer myself. Keep us updated as to your progress and feel free to throw out any questions you have. This board is a great place to get answers.

Also based on Drunkenbeagles list ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS keep #2 and #3 separate.
 
Jkirsch said:
See I would agree with #1, that was the biggest hold up for me to even get started and to ensure I finish. But you would think there would be more specialized financing groups out there to assist? I have to imagine there are alot of people out there who would love to embark on their dream if they could only get the funding?
Click to expand...

If you are credit worthy enough to warrant lending money to at a low rate for flight lessons, you have enough to make it happen anyway on your own. Otherwise, you are a pretty bad risk and the interest would be usury.

It isn't a race though. Took me 10+ years to become a CFI. Fly at least once a month and you will get there eventually.

Anyone that tells you that you "need to fly more often because it is costing you money" in lost proficiency wants your money. Getting a PPL in 40 hours is no different than in 80 if your goal is to do it recreationally.
 
Welcome.

There are a lot of factors why people don’t finish their licenses and Money is a huge reason but NOT the only reason. Flying is fun in the beginning but you quickly learn that it requires a lot of passion, practice, commitment and let’s not forget money. Flying with a instructor and doing some practice work is all fun and games, but when you are flying alone and acting as PIC then you realize this is some serious stuff. As a PIC you have a lot of responsibility on your shoulders so you better know what you’re doing to be safe.
Most people start of by enjoying it and quickly realize it more then what they signed up for and quit.
 
A lack of drive is the number one reason someone doesn't finish. People lose sight of what they want or get frustrated because it is taking longer than expected and then they give up. Its very sad to watch. I went through it myself. I am now busting my butt trying to get my Commerial done. I wish I had not gotten frustrated and just pushed through. I would have probably had my commercial multi by now and working towards the CFI.
 
Lots of folks find out flying isn't what they thought it would be when they looked at it from the outside.
 
I'd say funds makes a lot of sense as it is expensive to attain your license and then retain it. However its quite depressing to think that people begin and then fall off based upon lack of motivation or an unclear understanding of the task at hand.

I almost wish there was something out there to help keep students at it and motivate them to realize the the light at the end of the tunnel. I have read and seen in ground school videos the reference to students reaching a wall where they feel so overwhelmed and don't see how they could possibly understand it all. I would imagine its at that point they give up, and its at that point you would hope that someone could be there to support and inform that they are so close and it will make sense if they push forward.

I could also see a lot of people not having a true passion/dream to earn their license but I would hope the vast majority are interested in flying specifically because of that passion/dream.

Thanks guys for the active response and discussion, its greatly appreciated.

John
 
Lots of reasons, I doubt money is the biggest. Patience and realistic expectations result in ratings.

Flying is unfortunately not as cool as pilots think it is, perhaps the real reason.

Once you have a fair bit of time, it becomes both handy, and a burden, and in many ways a mystery to outsiders.
 
Lots of reasons, I doubt money is the biggest. Patience and realistic expectations result in ratings.

Flying is unfortunately not as cool as pilots think it is, perhaps the real reason.

Once you have a fair bit of time, it becomes both handy, and a burden, and in many ways a mystery to outsiders.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top