You Can Fly - 2024 Edition - 40

CHOOSE WISELY
Once you start training, schedule your
lessons close together. You should
plan on flying at least twice a week,
and ideally three times or more. But
before you dive in, carefully consider
timing. When is the slowest season at
your job? When is the weather best?
Does your employer offer sabbaticals
or leaves of absence?
Attempting to start training in
your work's busiest season or in the
height of winter may needlessly
increase the challenge and cost of
learning to fly. Flying back-to-back-toback
will cost less in the long run; you
won't have to repeat lessons because
of skill decay, and you'll also feel much
more confident in the airplane.
STUDY
Flying is the fun part (of course), but
becoming a pilot requires book work
and studying as well. There's nothing
more frustrating than getting ready
for a flight on a beautiful day and
then being told by your instructor
that you must spend that time doing
groundwork instead because you
didn't study. Don't waste time and
money by not doing your homework.
If you show up prepared for lessons
you will not only save your instructor
the need to repeat themselves, but
you'll also likely become their favorite
student.
Does it seem overwhelming?
Here's a little checklist you can
follow to get started. Good luck!
1. Acquire the funds. If you have to
wait and save up, milestones of
a thousand dollars can help you
feel like you're making progress.
2. Apply for a scholarship.
3. Choose a time to start training
that makes sense with your schedule,
obligations, and the weather.
4. Schedule a month of training,
at least two lessons a week, and
never leave the airport without
knowing when your next lesson
will be.
Alicia Herron is an instrument flight
instructor who completed her training
through scholarships, part-time jobs, and
generous help from her parents, at both
part 61 and 141 flight schools.
alicia.herron@aopa.org
40 FLIGHT TRAINING YOU CAN FLY 2024
T
Need money
for training?
These scholarships can make
aviation dreams come true
he AOPA You Can Fly team accepts applications for its amazing scholarship
program. Amazing? Yes! The program offers the opportunity for more
than 100 high school students, teachers, primary flight training students,
maintenance professionals, and those seeking advanced ratings to score more
than $1 million in scholarship funds to make your dreams come true.
Scholarships are available in multiple categories, including primary
certification (sport, recreational, and private pilot), instrument rating, and
aviation maintenance technician certification. Scholarship awards range from
$2,500 to $14,000.
You will submit only one application that will be considered for
all scholarships for which you are eligible. Review our frequently
asked questions online for additional information, including eligibility
requirements and how to become an AOPA member.
aopa.org/scholarships
AOPA's flight training scholarships are funded by generous donations to the
AOPA Foundation. aopa.org/donate
http://www.aopa.org/scholarships http://www.aopa.org/donate
You Can Fly - 2024 Edition

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