Learning to Fly!!!

[flightstrike]

Originally Posted by robertmanziel

I've always wanted to learn how to fly, but really don't know where to start. How much is it to go to a flying school?

Really depends on where you go and what you fly. I paid around $250/hr when I first started in a C172. An RA-Aus (Ultralight) was about $200\hr. Prices would’ve gone up a little now though.

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

Originally Posted by flightstrike

Really depends on where you go and what you fly. I paid around $250/hr when I first started in a C172. An RA-Aus (Ultralight) was about $200\hr. Prices would’ve gone up a little now though.

That's about on the money. Of course, it depends on where you go.

The cheapest way to get into aviation is to do your flying training through Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus). To get your licence, you must have completed a minimum of 20 hours training, which includes a minimum of 5 hours solo time.

My instructor's experience says that very, very few get their licence in 20 hours. The older you are, the longer it is likely to take to get your licence.

As an indicator, I am 46 this year and it took me around the 30 hours mark to achieve my licence. At a rate of $190 per flying hour with instructor, that is about the $6k mark.

When I did a rough calculation on what it cost me to get my licence (technically a certificate), I calculated the direct cost (flying hours, books, exam costs, etc) as about $6.5k. Indirect costs would have been for fuel (car to and from airport), food, etc.

It took me about 2 years from first lesson to getting licence.

So, it is relatively inexpensive hobby.

Once you've got your RA licence, you can then gain credit to move across to GA operations. You'll still need conversion time, and some additional subjects, but RAAus (in my view) is a great place to start.

Check out www.raa.asn.au for more info.

Hope that helps, robertmanziel.