You Can Fly - 2020 edition - 15

4. How much time can I invest?
Do you have time to fly a few times a week and study for a few additional
hours? If so, you are ready to learn. If not, consider whether now is the right
time in your life to begin training. You can still hang out at the airport, take
intro flights, and make friends in aviation. But if you aren't ready to commit
time, it may make sense to wait until you can.
5. Do I have the support?
Support at home is a huge factor in aviation. An encouraging spouse,
parents, children, and other people close to you is critical. Be honest with
your family about the time and resources required, and make sure you have
their support before you begin. If possible, involve them in the training
process by helping you study.
6. How do I learn?
Do you learn best by reading? Maybe you absorb information better by
watching videos, or chatting with others. Whatever the method, think about
your other experiences learning skills as an adult and mimic that for flying.
Every method of teaching is available. It's up to you to find what works best.
7. What am I afraid of?
Some learners struggle for months in silence, only to later admit that
their lack of progress is because of a fear of motion sickness, or bumpy
weather, or failure. It may be hard to pinpoint until after training begins, but
be honest with yourself and express any reservations to your instructor. He
has seen it all before and can offer help to get you beyond apprehensions or
fears. Everyone has been there, so don't be shy about admitting it.
8. Am I committed?
Learning to fly will change your life. But as with most things that make
us grow and improve, it's not without challenges. There will be plateaus in
your progress and sometimes the material is confusing, and the skills are
not easy. A sense of commitment, and of being able to see the final goal, can
be a great motivator during the more challenging times.

PICK YOUR PART

Structure and oversight distinguish
school types
Instructors at flight schools love to talk about Part 61
versus Part 141. Consider it your first introduction to aviation jargon. These terms refer to sections of the federal
aviation regulations that detail training requirements.
Part 61 covers basic pilot training; pilot and medical
certificate requirements; and much more. Part 141
details FAA-approved flight training programs.
You are doubtlessly asking yourself, aren't all training programs approved? Sort of. Instructors are FAA
certificated, and their students must train to an established standard. But how the training progresses is
completely up to the instructor. In Part 141 programs,
the FAA has approved the school's training syllabus,
its operating procedures, and the experience of the
person running the program. The upshot is that you
are eligible to earn a certificate in fewer hours while
training at a Part 141 program.
That said, few students earn a certificate in the minimum hours, and each school should be evaluated on
how it best fits in with your goals and values. -IJT

WHY I FLY

CAROLINA ANDERSON
"I love being in a country
where you can feel safe,
can own your own aircraft,
where there is the freedom
to fly. I fell in love with
general aviation in the
United States-and the
opportunity for women is
better in the U.S."
Anderson, who is from Colombia, is the
first woman to earn a doctorate in aviation
and is a professor at Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University in Florida.

FLIGHTTRAINING.AOPA.ORG 15

http://FLIGHTTRAINING.AOPA.ORG

You Can Fly - 2020 edition

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of You Can Fly - 2020 edition