Learning to fly

G-Money

This is more of a query than anything, but what are the requirements around taking flying lessons and perhaps even going as far as getting a pilot's license? I'm a wee bit afraid of flying and part of me thinks that if I took flying lessons, perhaps it would ease the tension when I'm on a plane myself.

Are there health requirements to take flying lessons? I'm asking as I'm overweight but currently trying to lose weight.

Also what are the requirements (if any) around mathematics? I have to admit my mathematics is very bad so I often think that might prevent me from taking flying lessons?

Again this is just something I'm trying to find out some more information about. No idea if I will ever do anything about it but I figured there's a lot of smart people on here who can point me in the right direction.

Thanks!

xflyer

You're best bet is to book a lesson with a flying school and see how you like it. Unless you are obese, it won't be a problem. You could fly in something slightly bigger like a Cessna 172.

There are health requirements for a private licence but they aren't too drastic and won't stop you taking a few lessons with an Instructor beside you.

As for Maths, it's simple enough at the private pilot level. Nothing to worry about.

alan85

The only medical you will need to take is one before you go solo (without an instructor). Even if you were over weight I'd think you'd pass so long as you have no heart/sight/general problems that will inhibit you. It's just like a general examination.

The maths are more mental arithmetic. It's simple enough, may require a little practise but certainly not rocket science.

Do you mind asking what weight you are and what type of aircraft you'd wish to fly? You'd get a more direct answer that way. But you'd need to be extremely big to not fit into a C172...

pclancy

I'm 6'1 and approx 16 stone, have easily fit into most small training planes exept Cessna 150s where my knees tended to rub against the instructors a bit too much for comfort For some reason I find Pipers a lot more roomy. I read when I first got lessons that the schools weight restriction was 95Kg but i've never heard of it being enforced and would imagine a lot of embarrasment or anger if it was. You might be asked for your weight if you're planning a cross country trip but this is normal as you need to calculate the weight of your aircraft as accuratly as possible to plan your fuel load. But in your case if you just want to start out casually and get a few lessons I wouldnt say it will be an issue at all...just pop down to your nearst club and go for a trail flight! no obligations and no judgements will be made, its just a bit of fun. Then if you like it you can pursue it more seriously as time and money would permit. Forget about the medical for now unless you're sure you want to go for the PPL. As Alan says its a general medical nothing too intrusive.

G-Money

Thanks for the replies.

I'm currently around the 17 stone/105 kg mark and I'm 5ft 10. I'm probably about 5 stone overweight give or take but I've started to work on my fitness and diet and have already lost some weight. I think I remember looking up flying lessons once before and seen some thing where it said you could be 17 stone max or something.

celtictiger32

hi folks sorry for jumping aboard but just enquiring myself, i have done a few lessons in a helicopter but would love to go for the commercial airline pilots licence. i have found a company in cork - atlantic flight centre - does anybody know anything about them or any others. also what kind of price would i be looking at. would i need to have a basic technical knowledge of planes or can someone really start from literally scratch???

xflyer

Atlantic are OK by all accounts. Budget for at least 100k not just for the Atlantic and yes you don't need any more than basic knowledge of aeroplanes but you do need a lot of motivation to complete the training and get the job. But as someone who flies for a living, who knows lots of pilots. I wonder why I bothered. Not that I want to put you off. But consider your motivation. Do you know what you're letting yourself in for?

celtictiger32

xflyer wrote: »

Atlantic are OK by all accounts. Budget for at least 100k not just for the Atlantic and yes you don't need any more than basic knowledge of aeroplanes but you do need a lot of motivation to complete the training and get the job. But as someone who flies for a living, who knows lots of pilots. I wonder why I bothered. Not that I want to put you off. But consider your motivation. Do you know what you're letting yourself in for?

in what way??

xflyer

Well there's the expense for a start, training is expensive. It's a huge financial committment and it doesn't stop after you get your CPL. On top of that certain airlines, notably Ryanair expect you to pay for their training assuming they accept you at all.

Then there's the committment needed. I don't know what you motivation is but, you need to dedicate a good year and half to getting trained, stay focussed in that time, sit and pass at least fourteen exams after considerable study and take several challenging flight tests. You mention 'literally from scratch'. That implies you aren't an aeroplane nut with his nose in every aviation magazine and book and a ceiling full of model planes. Now you don't need to be like that to become a pilot but it can help to have an interest before starting training because you will be at a disadvantage. The desire to fly is a common trait among pilots.

Then there's the job itself, it's not what it was. Airline flying is just a job for many pilots now rather than a vocation. Long hours, time away from home, the potential to be based away from home at any time. The possibility that you the only job available is on the other side of the world. Assuming you get the job in the first place. Non airline flying jobs are few and far between usually poorly paid with even longer hours. Job security is poor too. Also as a working pilot you have to pass regular tests and keep up to date on the technical aspects of the job. That mean a lot of time falling asleep over dull manuals.

This is all assuming you get the job in the first place. If you don't there's an ongoing issue with staying current. This is expensive but neccessary if you actually want to get a job when one comes up. Also what age are you? The older you are the less likely you will be attractive to potential employers. Plus the older you are the more difficult it is to learn new things.

Then there's the issue of the medical, you can lose your career at any given moment when there's an issue.

If none of this puts you off by all means go for it. It's not all negative of course but there are negative aspects to any job. I'm just pointing out a few.

The upside is that you get to fly and get paid for it. Which is nice.