Private Pilot License--Need Input fron GS

[Silent-Type]

Ok Guys,
I am seriously thinking about getting my private pilot license and would like input from those of you who have one. I have a few questions and would appreciate any advice.
1) How much does it actually cost? I understand all the variables such as location, equipment flown, hours actually needed to complete training etc.. I would most likely use Huntsville ariport or Flight School out of Easterwood in College Station.
2) How many hours did it take you to complete training?
3) How many lessons did you attend per week?
4) Did you pay for the whole thing up front or pay as you go?
5) How long did the whole process take you to complete?
6) Do you still fly regularly and how does it cost to rent a Cessna 172 for the weekend?

Any input is much appreciated.

[Atfulldraw]

10K
40
2
no
1.5 years.
no. no idea.

[Brett A]

It is about $100/hour normally on the planes. That is Flight time.

[Jmh05]

1) around $5-6k
2) I soloed at 23hrs, you only need like 12. I flew more due to bad weather and higher winds.
3) 2-3 lessons per week.
4) payed in blocks of ten hours
5) after I soloed, I was clear to fly within 25 miles (or something)of my home airport. Since my family owned the plane, I flew a lot on my own and kept the plane at our ranch. So I took my check ride with 80hrs. You can do it after 45hrs.
6) I fly whenever I'm home, I keep current and despite being in school, I probably still fly more than the norm because its a priority for me. I've been flying about 100-120hrs a year. Less due to school. 4.5yrs as a pilot with about 400hrs.

[Silent-Type]

Thanks guys for all the great info. I'm trying to talk myself out of doing it, but I can't come up with any good reasons.

[Z7_Matt]

Thanks guys for all the great info. I'm trying to talk myself out of doing it, but I can't come up with any good reasons.

I have wanted to for a long time as well but the cost just changed my mind. I'm frugal

[kfd82]

Thanks guys for all the great info. I'm trying to talk myself out of doing it, but I can't come up with any good reasons.

See if you can get us a 2 for 1 discount and I'll go with ya!

[Jmh05]

Thanks guys for all the great info. I'm trying to talk myself out of doing it, but I can't come up with any good reasons.

Go for it, its great. It still amazes me every time I throttle up to take off. If you really want to get pumped up, order the DVD "one six right" and its part two, "one six left".

[Cropduster]

There are no good reasons for learning to fly. If I did not know how, then I would be out there learning. The reason, I just enjoy flying. It is not economically feasible, I also got married. (Lol). Flying places you in a third dimension, which makes for learning outside of the normal left and right. It is expensive, but on the other hand, you can't take it with you. Try is and see if you enjoy it. If you do, then go for it.

[.270]

Get ready to work Christmas and other holidays. My BIL is a private pilot and has a small fleet of planes. He flies some rich clients all over the country. He has spent many Christmas' flying his clients to THEIR holiday location. He has one client he FLEW from San Antonio to Austin, cause the client didn't want to deal with traffic. But he does enjoy it. Gets to see a lot of cool places, did a dirt bike trail thru Yellowstone during down time on one of his trips. He also bought his own plane so any family road trip, we all drive he flies.

[flywise]

Took me 41 hr
If you fly often during training you will need less hours ( than average )
But must have minimum of 40
Buy a plane, cheaper than renting
Cost for a rental on a weekend trip goes like this.
They charge you a minimum of 3 hours a day regardless if it flies or not.
So, your having fun and paying 120-130 x3 hr a day while plane is parked.
Cost me about 6k for my license

[flywise]

Look for a flying club in your area or a group looking for another partner.
Best way to own a plane ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^*^*

I flew my wife to north Arkansas for a trout fishing trip last year and other places.
Real nice being able to relax and admire the country with no slow traffic

[flywise]

Thanks guys for all the great info. I'm trying to talk myself out of doing it, but I can't come up with any good reasons.

There is no good reason to talk yourself out of it.
Go to the flight school and discuss a payment option.
I got a loan from a flight school program. Interest was high but worth it to make my dream finally come true. Block time is cheapest but if your an average weight fella buy a cessna 150-152. I'm above average and I learned in one and then bought one. Really not big enough for me but again, worth it to me to get flying anytime I wanted.

[flywise]

Go for it, its great. It still amazes me every time I throttle up to take off. If you really want to get pumped up, order the DVD "one six right" and its part two, "one six left".

Great videos

[tvc184]

I soloed at about 14 hours and got my license at about 55 hours. I did about 8 lessons a week with at least one per day and usually two on Saturday or Sunday.

I had friends that took a bit longer and I am guessing that flying so often helped the process and me getting my licenses with barely the minimum time required. Some friends flew once or twice a week and might have skipped a week. I think that they lost a bit of acquired skill in the down time whereas I rarely went 24 hours without being back in the cockpit.