11 Reasons Why Student Pilots Quit | How to Avoid Them

[@TheAirplaneDriver]

As a 20+ year CFI, I would agree that 70% plus dropout rate is correct. The reality is that lot of people find that flying is not what they think it is and they lose interest. A lot of others (a WHOLE lot) do not want to commit to studying. Others get frightened by this or that incident and walk away. I’ve had a lot of primary students that had plenty of money and time but don’t follow through. Flying is not a casual endeavor…it requires a major commitment and, honestly, most people don’t want to put that much effort into learning to fly. Then…though not what the aviation industry wants to acknowledge, not everyone has the ability to do it. Not everyone can be a good lawyer, or carpenter, or plumber, or engineer…not everyone can be a good pilot and marginal piloting skills can get you killed. I tell my students that successful flying is like a three legged stool. One leg is commitment, one leg is good judgement, the third leg is basic physical skills. The stool cannot stand without all three legs.

[@flywiththeguys]

Incredible post! I'm going to pin this one. THANK YOU!

[@TheAirplaneDriver]

@@flywiththeguys Thank you! Great video by the way.

[@manifestgtr]

Dude, you’re totally right about the “not everyone being able to do it” bit. That applies to pretty much everything in life but for whatever reason it’s taboo. There are a LOT of things I wish I could do. I wish I could’ve been a starting catcher in the mlb. I wish I could’ve been a mission specialist on the space shuttle, specializing in cutting edge microgravity physics. It’s not in the cards for me but that’s ok. It doesn’t stop me from enjoying those things. What’s wrong with that?

[@benjaminpowell9758]

I almost quit after my first flight. Puked 8 times in one hour...was complete misery. Luckily I stuck with it. 11 years into the career at this point.

[@flywiththeguys]

Love this story! Glad you stuck with it.

[@franciscamorel7366]

Are you a private or commercial pilot now?

[@shekinahspeaks1637]

Benjamin Powell wow! Inspiration!!

[@xaifer2485]

@@franciscamorel7366 its been 11 years lol he probably has thousands of hours

[@2Greenlid]

Benjamin Powell I would have looked for a new career (land based) but congrats on sticking it out! Hope you’re enjoying your flights still!

[@germanthepilotr1070]

I passed my ppl Checkride yesterday

[@flywiththeguys]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

[@willtrap4food698]

Nice, I passed mine 2 weeks ago

[@slazeken]

Im still dreaming of it

[@RKHEERA1]

how much ita total cost ?

[@germanthepilotr1070]

Fly With The Guys thank you

[@rrenderman]

Becoming a pilot is the best thing ever happened to me - This was my childhood dream and I dreamt about being a pilot almost every day - Started 2 years ago when I was 38 and finished the PPL in june 2018 - Best decision ever - For me there´s nothing in life as much fun as flying - Being up there among the clouds, passing by valleys, rivers and mountains, looking out on the wing and down on the fields and farms and tiny cars far away below me, monotoring the gauges and reading the checklist... sometimes it amaze me why there are not more people into aviation... but I guess it´s just like another hobby, like golf, football or fitness... If you love it, it´s all you think about...

[@franciscamorel7366]

Are you a private pilot now?

[@shekinahspeaks1637]

Ingþór Ingólfssson your passion for flying is infectious! Thank you! I wish I was flying somewhere in the us wheres there is lots of places to land. I’m in LA and it’s just mountains and freeways. Any suggestions??😉

[@franciscamorel7366]

AMANDA SHEPHERD Are you by any chance looking for a private FA?

[@dukeman7595]

@@franciscamorel7366 Read the posting again he states that he has..

[@alldayballin01]

Inspiring! I'm catching myself gaining curiosity around aviation and becoming incredibly interested. Currently at that learning the basics stage. I love driving cars and riding motorcycles as a hobby and I think this would make a great addition to my expensive list of passions lol.

[@michaelengelken8876]

Ran into #12 on my first checkride. Passed the oral, then in the practical, I botched a stall, and kicked the plane into a spin. I froze. I had never encounter a spin before. My nerves got the best of me. Failed the practical because the DPE had to take over. I was devastated, and I almost gave up. In my mind, because I had made a stupid mistake, I would never be a proficient pilot. My instructor and I got back together and we practiced stalls endlessly until I could do it in my sleep. I probably did around 100 stalls of every variety between checkrides. We also discussed spin recovery and what to expect and what to do. Passed my next checkride after that. I’m glad I didn’t give up.

[@flywiththeguys]

Awesome story! And i'm glad you didn't give up. Love this!

[@shaunclifton5281]

Congratulations

[@DonnaGBN]

All my life I've wanted to fly, but when I was younger, my Father - who had a PPL - told me about stall training, and that changed my mind. Throughout the last couple of decades, that one issue repeatedly kept me from learning to fly. Now I'm 43 and ready to go for my PPL, stalls are coming back to mentally haunt me 😱

[@nana8135]

Good job

[@jamescaley9942]

"If it's important you'll find a way. If it's not you'll find an excuse."

[@Tautviss777]

i mean what can you do if you cant pass medical 1 class? and the health condition is not fixable

[@rrenderman]

@@Tautviss777 The medical is the only thing that prevents you from it - Technically everything else is an excuse or the passion wasn´t big enough...

[@Tautviss777]

@@rrenderman im still thinking of doing surgery but i need to be really sure if i dont have any other medical problems and if its a really good idea to risk it

[@adambrackston3471]

Tautviss you could still fly and be an instructor with 3rd class medical. Unless you are set on commercial

[@sunnibird]

Well you can either pay the bills and feed the kids..... or not... I suppose..... no?

[@deadstick8624]

Most of these are absolutely real, justifiable reasons. You literally have to overcome each and everyone of these, but it becomes essential to being a good pilot. I've had my Licenses and Ratings for 45 years, but once you get your first one, you will have gotten over the most difficult mental hump in your flying career. Please, trust me on that -- Private License, Commercial License, Instrument Rating, Seaplane rating, Flight Engineer on C-141s in the Air Force. The most difficult one of these was the Private License, yes, my very first one. I'm not saying that the other ones were easy, but it's a mental thing that you have to overcome in the beginning.

[@flywiththeguys]

Very well said. Thank you for your comment!

[@douglasb5046]

Agree 100%

[@MrRaylay]

I got my private 38 years ago. I remember thinking then. “How am I ever going to learn All this”? But I did. Then I got my Instrument rating, Commercial and Multi Engine. I’ve owned 3 of my own planes since then. It’s the most fun I ever had with 2 Hands.

[@flywiththeguys]

Love this, thanks for sharing!'

[@beschirhussein2545]

May i know where you have studied?

[@flywiththeguys]

@@beschirhussein2545 Mostly in the air. But we fly out of Deer Valley Airport in Phoneix, AZ.

[@beschirhussein2545]

@@flywiththeguys do you have a website so i can check your school. You know my dream is to be a pilot

[@flywiththeguys]

@@beschirhussein2545 We do have a website, but we don't have a flight school and do not offer primary flight training at this time. You can visit our sight at flywiththeguys.com, which reminds me I need to update it.

[@robsgarage69xw]

That background music makes me feel like this is a kids show lol

[@flywiththeguys]

LoL. Its meant to be light hearted uplifting music.... which is what you find on a kids show... Crap, you’re right!

[@robsgarage69xw]

@@flywiththeguys Ha ha, I have kids and I hear that kind of music in the background whenever they're watching KZbin. Maybe now I'll associate this music with flying :)

[@flywiththeguys]

I like that better. 😂

[@vespagts7078]

That background music made me quit watching in the first 15 seconds.

[@Poop-nu1so]

Also gotta remember it's not always easy to find a good royalty-free background music. Copyright strikes are everywhere these days

[@Kaimine08]

When I started on my private, I didn't know anything about aviation. It took me a long time to get my private pilots license and I can say there were times I wanted to quit. A combination of a lot of mistakes, insecurities about soloing, the ridiculous amount of information you had to know, the heartattack we call the checkride, the 6 times I had to shutdown the 150 NM cross country trip because of bad weather, VORs in general, and the disturbing amount of money it cost. I believe it cost me about 15 or so thousand dollars when it was all said and done. Getting this license was the hardest damn thing I have ever done in my life, that being said, it was easily the best thing I ever done. I've never accomplished anything that felt like it required everything I had and to be able to do it, there's just no words to describe it. My biggest tip is to not get all your ratings at once. Space them out a bit. The last thing you want to do is give up aviation because all you're doing is training for 100s of flight hours. When you get a rating, go have fun for a couple months or even a few years. Go enjoy that rating. Get experience with it. Make mistakes and learn from them. Fly in a bunhc of different environments and get really comfortable doing it.Hell, get add on ratings. Just have fun, but be respectful as well.

[@flywiththeguys]

I totally agree with this. Also look at what your flying for. Take my case for instance, I got my PPL and now everyone's asking me when I'm getting my instrument rating. Honestly, I don't think I'm going to for a while.... a very long while. I fly mostly for recreation and sight seeing. If it's instrument conditions, I have no real reason to fly. Plus, in AZ there are only like 3 days of actual instrument flying available per year..... So why push to get something I'm just going to have to spend a lot of money on, and then stay current with? I'm enjoying what I'm doing, where I'm flying, and what my eventual plans are in aviation. I'll take it slow, go at my own pace, and make sure I'm getting my ratings for the right reason, not just because its what everyone else is doing.

[@Kaimine08]

@@flywiththeguys I agree. I'm planning on getting a glider add on rating if this Corona outbreak ever lets up and I've been doing nothing but research in my spare time. I don't plan on getting my instrument for a long time yet. Some points of my private felt like a struggle to understand and now that I have my PPL, I want to savor and enjoy the fruits of my labor. Have fun bringing passengers up and show them around (Because who's going to say no to a plane ride?) I dream when its all said and done is to be a flight instructor and teach people how to fly so letting passengers fly (With atleast 3000 AGL to ensure I have more than enough wriggle room if something goes wrong) and gauging their reactions and working with it is a ton of fun. Granted, this is only in cruise, I don't have the courage to let passengers try a landing or a takeoff. Too many variables, but watching them try to fly straight lines, pitch changes, turns, etc. It's pretty amusing. I can see a lot of the fun I had when I fly. It also makes me breath a sigh of relief internally when I see them making the same mistakes I made lol. The biggest one being cockpit fixation. If I were to ask one question though, is there a way to do some sightseeing of a city within an airspace? I feel somewhat confident with my radio chatter to ATC although I've never actually asked if I can go into the inner circle of a class C just to sightsee. It's not that busy an airport and with the Corona virus, passenger flight has been substantially reduced so I feel this is the best time to actually go for it but I'm not quite sure how to ask? Should I just be upfront about it?

[@tanazabani9788]

Hey i am a student who’s about to apply to pilot school. Can we connect on other platforms? I would really want to know more. Thanks

[@emilyanne3910]

I was so close to quitting throughout my training. I had moments - such as an in-flight emergency alongside an instructor - that I felt that I would simply never make a good or safe pilot, or that I would never get the hang of flying, and that I should just give up. They don't tell you about the mental exhaustion that goes with flight training when you sign up. If I hadn't moved across the country or sacrificed so much for my training at that point I may have given up, but I am so happy I pushed through all the tough moments! I have no doubt there will be more difficult times in the future. Anything worth having will be hard work and sacrifice.

[@flywiththeguys]

Thanks for sharing that with everyone!

[@jshepard152]

How long have you been flying now?

[@nana8135]

Good job ❤

[@zetareticulan321]

What was your total amount of money spent getting your license?

[@chriss241]

I'm a flight school owner and I have to say this is one of the best lists I've seen online. Fantastic job!!

[@flywiththeguys]

Wow, thanks! It's good information for anyone getting started on the journey.

[@charlieacheson6764]

I quit almost two years ago because of a mix of a bad flight instructor and money. I was low on money already and my flight instructor had to take a medical leave. That left me with a bad substitute instructor that I felt I was wasting my money on. I still have no money but this time I have the determination to get my license. Thank you for this video.

[@flightbug2902]

I very nearly wiped out on a local solo early in training, coming in to land with some wild winds and a flock of birds on final. The inclinometer swung from one extreme to the other all the way down, and gusts at the surface picked me up and slammed me down pretty hard (when I finally managed to get it down). With the tension, I subconsciously pressed on the right rudder pedal and almost drove myself off the runway. The plane and I made it through unscathed, and while I was parked waiting for my instructor to fly in to fly me out, someone listening to the local radios and who saw my landing came out and remarked how calm I sounded on the radio. I took it as a compliment, though it was in vain - I was far short of calm in those moments... I didn't have the experience to make the right choice of going around and leaving for a different airport (the whole situation was a diversion/go around from the start), and I imagine things like this scare people away. Stay objective! Examine the causes and pitfalls of all your mistakes because there are always definite reasons why something happened, and it will actually make for a very profound learning experience that you will remember forever.

[@flywiththeguys]

Thanks for sharing. We all have one of those types of moments, ones that scare us so we never forget again. I had one of those recently when I took my wife on a flight. I was anticipating density altitude degrading performance, and during my take off roll and climb I thought I was experiencing it, but if just didn't feel right, and I could tell the engine wasn't running at peak performance. I scanned my gauges and controls, and just before I was going to turn back and land, I found the problem. Some how.... I don't know how... I had left the key on the left magneto. Switched it to both, climbed out like normal. I will never do that again.

[@monkeybearmax]

Fly With The Guys I really want to pursue my ppl but I feel like I have this forgetful moments like I lose my keys etc makes me wonder if that should be a warning that I shouldn’t or if that is part of being human. ?? Someone in my area was practicing touch and goes and forgot carb heat on takeoff and crashed when engine quit. An easy move stake to make really.

[@subvein158]

@@monkeybearmax Do it! You will be surprised how good of a pilot when you pass your skills test.Checklists will guide you to prevent you in forgetting things. You wont forget things if you treat every flight like your life depends on it. Remember its never just one thing , its multiple .

[@chrisdavid3144]

Any landing that is safe is a good landing you learned from your mistake

[@laprepper]

I'm glad you're still here and the reason you're still here is because no matter what happened you still flew the plane, great story and thanks for sharing

[@cessna172ident]

One more important item to note is that a bad landing or saying the wrong thing to ATC happens to all pilots; even the airline ones. The most important aspect is to fly the plane safely and to learn from yours and others' mistakes. During flight training, a flight instructor is making sure that you are capable of flying the plane safely. Sightseeing and taking passengers all come later. Some, such as the one I had, mixed it up by flying cross country to another airport and eating brunch (aka $ 100 hamburger) sometimes. I also had the pressure from my parents to quit during training. I never quit and was determined to finish it. Since I finished training, I've flown both of my parents individually and they love it now.

[@flywiththeguys]

Awesome story! Thank you for sharing that, and the points you made. My Mother isn't scared of flying, its suddenly not flying that gets her. But she did say she would go flying with me, so thats a plus!

[@1packatak]

My husband passed his pilot exam before he had his driver’s license back in the early 1970’s! He no longer flies, but has so many fond memories of his time in the cockpit.

[@flywiththeguys]

It's a fun place to be. I prefer it to driving for sure.

[@doreenchelimo4091]

I will never quit until i see my dream come true

[@flywiththeguys]

Go get it!

[@doreenchelimo4091]

@@flywiththeguys trust me I will

[@jimdandy8996]

The last time I hears that, the guy got an STD.

[@spicyshizz2850]

Let’s goo!

[@pyramidhead138]

amen to THAT!

[@shayefowler6651]

Thanks for making this video, even for a student pilot that’s 44 years old, has been at it for going on (2) years this month, and is closing in on his checkride. I can’t begin to stress enough on finding the right CFI to get you across the finish line and that’s compatible, and also to study, study, study! Yes, you’re going to mess up on things like COMMS and landings, but couch-fly when you’re not flying and practice your COMMS while driving down the highway, and you’ll get it! Thanks for creating this video again, and blue skies and tailwinds to you!

[@flywiththeguys]

Thank you! And good luck on your checkride!

[@jessthemsy7916]

I am determined to never quit.! Thank you for making these videos :)) especially this one

[@flywiththeguys]

Don't do it. It's worth it all in the end. My first flight after I was done was liberating, and strange. Yea, I could solo before, but it was different.

[@maxmalik3337]

Will you be my wife?? I couldn't be a pilot 🥺🥺😞😞

[@carlosa.changmontero4752]

@@maxmalik3337 weirdo

[@maxmalik3337]

@@carlosa.changmontero4752 thanks lol

[@JHunter_]

@Riwaz Chetri is it ur age or because of the job?

[@johnmcevoy3261]

When I received my private license 20 years ago , this was very much on my mind as to the approach of training schools. In my research, much of it was the same from school to school. At some point as a student, it starts to feel like a SCAM. The number of hours necessary is 40 hours. So when you budget your costs this is the fixed number you look at, which at that time was $140 per hour (wet) for a new 172. However , when you get to 40 hours ( I soloed after 20 hours) then the SCAM STARTS. The instructor starts saying ..."let's do "stalls" today" and he/she begins to rip your "stalls" and then "turns around a point" and makes you feel like you don't have a clue about flying and everything you have done to date has been a waste of time. In my opinion this is when people QUIT. The instructors point is that your not ready (and based on what they taught you - SO AS TO DRAG IT OUT , you are NOT!!!) But I continued mainly because I wanted to fly. But in hindsight , I wish I would have had the instructor take the left seat and then let he/she shows his/her stall technique and turns around a point and let me critique his/her performance . In addition, at the beginning, my instructor did not want me to use the trim wheel for which I never knew why. But afterward in looking at the scam aspect , when you use the trim wheel for take-off, cruise and landing you simply FLY BETTER, which is NOT WHAT THEY WANT. They want you to fly all over the place and struggle so that you have to DRAG OUT YOUR TRAINING. When I received my INSTRUMENT RATING , I learned more in a week than I did in a year at the private school. First and foremost , they taught me how to SET UP MY PLANE at the various aspects of flight. If in my PRIVATE TRAINING they would have started out with that aspect FIRST I would have learned much earlier how to fly a plane. But that is not their business model. The other aspect of PRIVATE TRAINING that is really stupid , is that they immediately go into stalls and the other maneuvers of flying a plane. As a student , unless you are determined to fly, you quickly learn that this really sucks and is not what you were looking for in flying. I AM NOT SAYING THAT IS NOT IMPORTANT it is their timing of the training that is stupid. Plus you only go up for an hour and the instructor tells you to head back and I will see you tomorrow. When tomorrow comes you really don't have any idea what you accomplished the previous day but the INSTRUCTOR WAS ABLE TO BILL AN HOUR!!!! In my opinion , a true flight school should take each new student for a hour out ( and an hour back) TO CRUISE at a set flight level (ie : 2500 ft) and SET THE PLANE UP for "straight and level" and learned to ENJOY FLYING. The instructor could even show you how to establish FLIGHT FOLLOWING along the route which is enjoyable and instructive and believe it or not you can pick it up quickly. But they don't want you to do that , again they want to string it out and keep you stupid. My FLIGHT SCHOOL insisted that I not use FLIGHT FOLLOWING . I truly wish when I started flight training that I insisted on a FLIGHT OVER AN HOUR OUT AND AN HOUR BACK. One thing I did do eventually is to tell my instructor to be QUIET when I am flying. He was constantly saying "change this , or change that " eventually I realized that I wasn't flying the plane HE WAS. I told him that he could take notes and when we are on the ground , he can go over what he thinks I need to improve or work on. I am sure I am going to be rip by the various flight schools and instructors because twenty years ago when I would point this out to various schools you would have thought I committed a crime , Instead of honestly looking at the stupidity of THEIR BUSINESS MODEL and see why students actually quit at such a high rate. Obviously from this video the trend as never changed and I assume the schools have never changed their tactics.

[@flywiththeguys]

A lot of schools haven't unfortunately, and there are some REALLY bad ones out there. But, we're trying to help new pilots with video's on picking flight schools, actual costs, and how to not get scammed. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@gamertardguardian1299]

You would be a perfect candidate to be a flight instructor

[@tayloralwyn5545]

oh. my goodness. you just described what i am feeling right now. i am typing this with tears in my eyes because i am just about to give up due to my bloody school’s office politics and money making scheme. I am so done and it’s so painful. Any student would just do 3 circuits and the fourth circuit would be their first solo. Me on the other hand, I have done nine circuit flights, three simulator flights and spent an additional (aside from $28,000 i’m spending on PPL) of more than $3000 on just those stupid Circuit flights and they’re holding back my solo telling me i’m not ready. 3 instructor change, 3 weeks cancellation continuously, again flew and solo been getting cancelled for 22 days. I wanted to become a pilot since I was five years old, but the dream is being crushed now. I don't even feel the happiness when I fly.

[@johnc.4871]

I have wondered about this. During the intro flight the guy wanted me to hold the yoke with 3 fingers in what seemed like an awkward position. I took the yoke in a pistol grip and told him feather touch. I don't fly so maybe I am wrong, but that yoke doesn't look designed for 3 fingers.

[@williammayer5496]

I decided i wanted to be a commercial pilot at the beginning of 2023, I was lazy, I almost failed my medical, and I quit after I couldn’t complete a turn around a point. Now a year later, I set aside the time to actually do this. I’m 10 hours in and im flying 3-4 times a week. Don’t quit. If you enjoy aviation you will regret it.

[@flywiththeguys]

Thank you for sharing! Glad you didn't give up.

[@keeair2024]

I think there is another main reason should be the low level salary for the beginning and also the 1500hrs.

[@flywiththeguys]

Could be. But not everyone who pursues a pilot certificate is doing to get their ATP for professional reasons. I wonder what the drop out rate at that level is.

[@2Greenlid]

@@flywiththeguys I agree, I did for fun as a 62 year old. I considered dropping out several times, but the sense of accomplishment was driving me forward. Plus being a chicken to tell my friends I couldn’t cut it! It actually helped me that I told many friends I was pursuing a PPL....

[@bed199150]

Got my private pilot certificate about a month ago. I had a couple of these come up While training.

[@SeanKillmaster]

Congrats, man! Grind it out!

[@flywiththeguys]

Congratulation! I had some of these come up too. They're super common.

[@xjm134x2]

How did u afford it , just asking cuz flying school is pretty pricey

[@briangousby8474]

I took a personal loan out for it.

[@sinjinkincaid]

I’m 17 and after this summer and corona scare, I’m hoping to get my PPL and then IFR so I can follow my passion to be a pilot!

[@flywiththeguys]

GO get it! I don't regret mine. =)

[@SMD-si7fm]

Update?

[@mikeearls126]

I was expecting "fear" to be at least in the top 11. The first few times i went up, i was surprised at how much motion there is in a small plane...hard to feel really comfortable in the beginning. Also, just looking down and seeing you are in this small machine with a lawnmower engine can freak people out when you think about how much pilot related error and accidents there are out there. again, surprising this isnt even mentioned...surprising to me at least.

[@flywiththeguys]

It's odd how many people I come into contact with that decided to become a pilot because they were afraid of heights. I just assumed they wouldn't consider getting their certificate, but I've been proven wrong! But, I have heard of people making big mistakes and scaring themselves. Many people stop when it's time to solo because they're afraid of flying by themselves without a safety net. Thanks for the comment!

[@branonlamphere9624]

Fear is definitely mine, I’ve responded to crashes and let me tell you this, you will never forget the smell of burning flesh and jet fuel. My Captain committed suicide after responding to a 747 crash at Bagram. He had to peel the melted pilot from his chair.

[@krisztinaholly]

@@branonlamphere9624 oh dear...

[@shaunclifton5281]

@@branonlamphere9624 Whew...yeah

[@darrelllee2107]

I very nearly flipped the plane on landing on my very first solo. I misunderstood crosswind correction (meaning that I reversed the aileron and rudder inputs - you can imagine how disastrous that could be) and the entire plane listed to the side and dipped forward. It is only by the grace of God that I walked away from that one with no damage to the aircraft! Needless to say, my instructor got back into the plane and I didn't complete the next two approaches. He thought for sure that I was going to quit but I didn't let that scare me away. I did get a new instructor after that, though.

[@flywiththeguys]

From what you've described, I know exactly what happened. Ran into the same problem myself a few times. Once I figured it out why it was happening, I've never had it happen again. =) Glad you stuck with it.

[@samj1185]

The pedal pressure in a non rudder kayak(apply pressure on upwind pedal) is opposite from that of a plane. Haven't began flight training yet but keep reminding myself not to let years of kayaking someday wreck a plane.

[@pahouaxiong2420]

Great video content ! My dreams of becoming a pilot were destroyed at the age of 14 . 20 years later ,it's still on my mind so I signed up for a 1 hr flight introduction course which I loved and will definitely pursue once I heal from my surgery.

[@flywiththeguys]

Hope you heal up soon! Aviation is a great and worthwhile thing!

[@David-xk6xq]

12) Peer pressure, senior pilots from my club gave bad advice, going away with them on weekend fly aways started my downfall 😪 They drank a lot of Alcohol, then had students fly them home because they had hangovers. I was given the opportunity to fly into a local airport on one of these fly aways with passengers, it wasn’t a good landing, causing depression and I walked away. I never told my instructor this and one day when I saw them at an Airshow I was given the dirtiest look, typing this now is the first time I’ve said anything to anyone about it. I made it to Solo which was a big achievement and I miss flying every day and would love to turn back time.

[@flywiththeguys]

That sounds like a bad situation. It's hard though when you're young, or young in aviation. We look to our peers for guidance and support and not all of them should be mentors.

[@WolfPilot]

This is spot on. I just did my solo X-country and I am looking forward to my check ride. I am at 50hrs in the log now and over 12k$. You have to budget 15k and strive to economize when you can. Flying isn't for everybody, it takes lots and lots of mind muscle.

[@flywiththeguys]

You'll have to let me know when you take your checkride. And congrats on your Solo XC.

[@Kauffman578]

Do you pay a one time dral of 15k or as you continie each lesson?

[@WolfPilot]

@@flywiththeguys Hey I passed my check ride a couple weeks back.. Now I am working on t/w endorsement.... And then HPC endorsement

[@WolfPilot]

@@Kauffman578 I don't understand your question. I paid after each lesson..

[@Kauffman578]

@@WolfPilot you said it was a range amount. Did you pay that amount all at once to the school?

[@garypugh1153]

I got iicense in '75. I'm 68. I just rented cessna 150's and 152 's for 40 yrs. I rented about once a month. I took many friends and family. Most people love holding the wheel and steering a short while. Just a 1hr flight locally is great. Go by yourself too. PLEASE learn to recover from spins. Nose down when the stall breaks. Please 😎

[@flywiththeguys]

Good advice. Personally, I think spin training should be apart of your private pilot certificate. I asked my instructor to do it with me. I would add to your list, rudder control. In both those situation, it will save you.

[@lonestarhog7407]

I did my flight training in 1982 and did my solo after six hours. That saved me money by kicking my instructor out ;). I got my Private under Part 41, then went on to Commercial under Part 135. The most important parting words from my Private instructor were: " Having achieved your Private, you now have a license to *learn how to fly* ." I put my license to good use and eventually flew for years as a Civil Air Patrol Command Pilot flying SARs (Search & Rescue). That period of my life was the most rewarding. To All Student Pilots: Like anything in life, the most rewarding things require the most work.

[@flywiththeguys]

So true. Thanks for sharing.

[@roberttosa2560]

I have dreamt of flying my entire life. My dad was a Navy pilot during WW2 and told great stories of flying (not combat stuff). I am now 67 and retired and would love to get a license just to have one and to finally get that feeling I’ve heard so much about. Thanks for the great video. And the reality check!

[@LiamFiesta]

I dreamt of being a pilot when I was 16. I’m 32 now and sixteen years have passed and I’ve done nothing to pursue that childhood dream. I’m not waiting around anymore. And neither should you. Let’s go Rob!

[@flywiththeguys]

Start with the medical, or if you know of any problems, check out the sport pilot certificate. MAN I need to make a video on that one.

[@sinnersavedbygrace3317]

Came here because I was losing my "want to" to carry on with my training, I didn't know that it takes most people like 2 years to finish their ppl. I had been expecting too much of myself it seems and I just need to chill out, and be patient with this journey of flight school. My biggest frustration as of now is mostly dealing with crosswinds on landings and learning how to talk to the tower. But all in time I suppose! Thanks for reading my comment! May God bless you and your Future!

[@branonlamphere9624]

Talking to the tower is the easy part, trusting the tower not so easy. Had a nasty experience several years ago at McChord. I’m gonna keep this story short, the tower gave my truck a P-19🚒 permission to cross the active while a C-17 was on final. The bird was flying IFR and we didn’t see or hear it as it was cloudy and foggy as all fuck. Well needless to say that son of a bitch flew right over us and landed. The air traffic controller that gave us runway access was doing a stand eval for his 5 level journeyman certification. Our crew were the only ones that knew what happened that day until I told my neighbor who worked in the tower what happened. All hell broke loose after.

[@pk7549]

All these are very good. In my experience, most students hit that learning plataue with landings and ultimately wanted to quit. It is a difficult barrier for the student and can be one for the cfi as well. The one concept that helped me the most is MOVING ON in the training with my students. For example, lingering in the endless repetition of pattern work, we would move on to the next phase like cross-country, airspace or uncontrolled field, communications, etc. Remember the law of learning AFFECT. All the student needs sometimes is a feeling of accomplishment, no matter what the source. Magically, their landings would improve.

[@flywiththeguys]

Totally agree. Moving onto something else helps them mentally progress and give them something else to focus on. Sticking with one thing until they get it right is a bad way of doing things sometimes. This is why I don't like the idea of stage checks at schools. Fail one item and you're back in the ringer for hours of additional training. I'm also a believer in fun flights. Doing something different, like grabbing breakfast somewhere. Something to keep the motivation going. But not wasting the students money and time. Only if they're on board.

[@pk7549]

@@flywiththeguys it really is an interesting concept when you think about it.

[@pmh1nic]

One of the highlights of my life was getting my pilots license. As this video makes clear it takes time, money and devotion but if flying is in your blood you find a way to give all three. All good things come to an end and after earning my instrument rating and owning my own plane for a few years raising and caring for my children, something that ate up a huge chunk of money and time, finally brought me to a place of difficult choices and flying took a back sit. Age and health issues then made the decision for me that there was no reliving those glory days but I always look back on them with a very greatful heart that I had that window of time to do something very special.

[@flywiththeguys]

Thank you for sharing. I feel grateful and blessed that I even get to do this.

[@chrisonthedot]

I'm 21 and I started July 14th 2019. I'm almost done with my Knowledge test ,but I would like to thank you for encouraging me to keep moving foward. I've always wanted to become a pilot as a kid. I hope a year or 2 from now I can finally come back and Say I'm a PPl

[@flywiththeguys]

My certificate took me a while to get as well. Keep with it!

[@atlast3]

Update

[@donjennings2975]

Reason number 12. Bad CFI's. Started my initial training with a "new" flight school. Logged 22 hours of dual instruction and solo was no where in sight. Left the school and they closed down 6 months later. New instructor, logged 15 hours of dual, then did initial solo. Logged another 15 hours of dual "practicing the ACS". Still had not completed any cross country or night flying. Instructor was never going to get me to my check ride, he was leaving for the military in a few months. So I now have 52 hours of dual and the only other instructors I can find are 100 miles away and frankly I don't have a lot of trust in CFI's anymore. :)

[@flywiththeguys]

I hear more and more of this. With the current structure to get an ATP, training seems to be the most cost effective way to build time. I would say a lot of CFI's have no business training and developing new pilots. My discovery flight was with someone I could tell was just there for the time building. Almost made me want to give up on flying. I had to ask him to work with and teach me, I wasn't there for a joy ride like he thought.

[@rgking03ify]

I am currently in this situation, I am attending a 141 school and I took a 2yr break from training to finish other classes at the university. The CFI I had lied constantly about where I was in training to milk hours and money. I did my solo and never took my stage 1 check ride. Tried to schedule it for 6months and nothing. I so pissed because end of the semester I failed the class because I didnt have my PPL

[@hefeibao]

Don't get up! I have almost 30 hours and still no solo (then again, I'm 50 and some things just come harder at an older age). Swapped CFI's early, but then my good CFI had to leave for a few weeks and the substitute just ate up hours, then had to get back to my good CFI to unlearn some bad habits. Frustrating, but in the end when you think about it, it's still flying and you learn something every time you go up. You were going to use that plane rental anyway after PPL, so really all you are out is the cost of the CFI. At least that is how I rationalize it.

[@annsanimationaddiction8024]

Flight instructor had us do steep turns yesterday, I got used to them near the end, but that's the first time I got nervous flying. I want to practice spin stalls, but I feel like it'll be a bit too much. I'm lucky enough to have a nice boss who let's me fly his plane for free, so I gotta go through with it.

[@flywiththeguys]

Nice. Reducing that cost is always helpful. Stalls are nothing more then that initial drop on a rollercoaster. They're not nearly as bad as people make them out to be. I was a little nervous for my first one, but I'm getting to the point that just about anything in a plane feels normal.

[@laprepper]

And here I am thinking my first rating after private pilots license will be aerobatic 😂🤣

[@bike_lifeant9665]

when i'm old enough i want to get my license because my grandfather crashed his plain 32 years ago i want to get him in the air one more time

[@Totallyarealpersonbro]

Woof, 'too much time,' sure hits home. My planned 2.5 hour flight last night ended up near four hours.

[@flywiththeguys]

I heard this from my wife FAR to much when I was in my training. A 1 hour session would last 2.5 and she would be all like, "I thought you died, that took forever!"

[@michaelcolletti790]

Excellent confidence booster! You guys are the best. I can see myself in some of the situations that’s discouraged me from continuing lessons. This is so important because I can now address them to motivate me to continue. Be Well All & Thanks Again!!

[@flywiththeguys]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@peterakokan5850]

Very nice video

[@natedrawsthings]

My wife and I are clearing out some debt first (loan for roof, credit card, etc) then we are both going for our recreational permits to start. We've both interested in planes and flying since before we actually met, but had kinda wandered away from that dream for a while. But this year has been rough... I wanted both my parents to be able to see me actually do this, but my mom passed away this summer. So that's kinda put my butt in gear and my dad is helping out. We actually have a goal, which is to build and fly our own replica Fokker dr.1 triplane(s). I met a student pilot who had 13 flight hours in but then said he didnt know what he wanted to do with it after. Which... just really confused me.

[@flywiththeguys]

I like the dedication and involving your wife! Mine is going for hers as soon as things cool off a bit more. Very exciting.

[@susieq8684]

Been doing my flight training in New Jersey. For any of you wondering, about 20 grand is what I’m looking at by time I finish. It’s not cheap at all, specially close to New York, where I live. Moving to other states where flight training is much cheaper can be an option for you if your budget is strict.

[@flywiththeguys]

This can be a good option. I know a few pilots who have done it. Even come here to phoenix because we have a LOT less weather to deal with. BUT, it's also super important to research the schools first, make sure they fit your needs and budget. I've been seeing a lot of flight schools pricing creeping up into the 20K recently. You can get it closer to 14 Privately, or even less.

[@Docinaplane]

I think many students quit because they are not comfortable flying a plane. Quitting is a good thing for them. Fear is the mind killer, and you don't want it when the stuff hits the fan. It seems you don't want to use the afraid word.

[@flywiththeguys]

Flying's not for everyone. Some don't realize it until they try it. Take my discovery flight. I though flying would be this fun, free as a bird thing. All the radio calls and procedures made my head spin. Made me ask myself, "Do I really want to do this?" Answer was yes but I did think about it for like half a second.

[@WarDog36012]

I just got accepted into the American Airlines Cadet Academy and this gave some good insight, I still don't know exactly how much training is involved, but it's a full time thing for 12 months, so I think with study groups and a lot of time to study will be a great help. Great video!

[@memeteme99]

Wow that sounds really… high grade? Not sure the right word, but wow good luck! I’ve suddenly gained a big interest/urge in studying aviation even though I’m only in an introductory aviation course in college right now as a freshman, but this is something I actually get excited about when I think about. I initially was thinking about just going the medical route like many others since that was just the “safe” pick (I love science, very nice pay, benefits/status) but I never got really excited for it like I do when I think about being a pilot.

[@WarDog36012]

@@memeteme99 That's what I'm scared of, I get really excited when I think about being a pilot, but I don't want it to fade away when I actually start getting overwhelmed with studying and check rides, I've gone through it with the railroad, and it definitely faded, but I was never really excited about the job, more of being excited just to be doing something new. It is a very fast-paced program, designed to be a commercial pilot in 4-5 years, gaining experience through training, instructing, and going through regional airlines until a spot opens up at a commercial airline. Anyone across the country can apply, they're hiring like crazy right now due to a pilot shortage.

[@flywiththeguys]

Awesome! I hope you have fun with that. =) I really DO!

[@valentinoc68]

@@WarDog36012 Have you started your training yet with Coast Academy? I happen to live a mile from their San Diego location and got a tour a couple weeks ago. I don't plan on starting training till next July/August but I'm debating between Coast Academy or ATP once I obtain my PPL.

[@dsd-downshiftdave8056]

How are you liking it so far? Can't seem to find any info on the airplanes they use for training? How are the instructors and would you recommend american airlines academy

[@LP-gs3xj]

The hardest threshold for me was controlling my fear of heights

[@flywiththeguys]

Some people have that, and I get it. My son has the same problem. And some take lessons to overcome it. How did you do it?

[@LP-gs3xj]

Fly With The Guys i got my license but if i am in a plane with someone else, especially someone new, i still get a little nervous I still do not like heights, just have to gut it out

[@michaelwho]

I’m a rock climber and find it’s not so much a fear of heights ( for me and new climbers), but more a fear of falling. Having a rope on, mitigating the risks and controlling what I can, helps with the mind game of heights vs falling.

[@draufganger620]

I’m not a pilot but wish I was and I’ve seriously considered starting my training and have researched flight schools in my area. The closest my involvement ever got with pilots and the flying process from a formal standpoint was when i was working as a flight med doc in the Air Force. Anyone who had to come see me always clammed up and wouldn’t talk. They knew the stupidest and most trivial medical conditions (past or present) could ground them and if they left my office maintaining their flying status they considered it a win. It became very redundant work and I always dreamed of flying rather than just working on the medical side. Life is little calmer now as a civilian doctor and with the kids getting older I feel that subtle urge to become a pilot growing again. It was interesting learning what all went into the training and certification process of military pilots of today and comparing that to the rather straightforward process my grandfather went through when he was given the assignment to fly his first long hop from the US to Europe. He was only 21 years old and a fresh 1st Lt when he was tasked with getting his B17 from Maine to England. So many young men in the Army Air Corps were trusted with flying large machines across oceans and hostile territory after only months of training. I’m surprised aircraft back then could get these young pilots and their crew into the air considering how large their balls must’ve been

[@flywiththeguys]

It's crazy how much things have changed. Even the process for the military has gotten more involved.

[@EricGrow]

I guess when you find out about having to do spins for training could scare students. I got my PPL when I was 22. I just got back into flying after over 15 years. Best feeling ever! I should have never stopped. It's costly to stop flying for a long period of time. My advice is to always keep active.

[@flywiththeguys]

Fortunately there is no spin training requirements for the PPL, that's reserved for the commercial certificate. There are some demonstrations you're instructor has to show you that could feel like some though. However, I did request spin training. It was important to me. COULD NOT get the 172 to do it.

[@EricGrow]

Wow! Here in canada back in the 90's spins were part of our training and on the flight test. I think it's a good idea to have experience on getting out of a spin. Maybe PPL training chainged.

[@RealPigeon]

Eric Grow I've just gone through the training and passed my checkride a couple weeks ago here in the US. Demonstrating stall entry and proper recovery is required and they ask you what the spin recovery procedure is while you're in the air, but you don't have to demonstrate a spin.

[@riverraisin1]

22 years ago I began training at a local FBO about 5 miles from where I lived (air freight, rental and flight training operation). The problem was that they constantly went thru flight instructors. Then they moved their operations to a larger facility 30 miles away. I had no choice but to fly out of their new facility. The final straw was that instructor number 4 was absolutely horrible and criticized everything I had learned from the previous 3 instructors. I refused to fly with him a 2nd time. I flew on my own for a while to get hours of practice in until a CFI friend of mine offered to finish my training. I rented the plane and he gave me instructions. Then that FBO quit the plane rental business leaving me grounded. My CFI friend flew out of a field 60 miles away, so we tried that one time but it was too far away and flying had turned into a hassle for me at that point, so I quit. Each new instructor set me back and caused me to put in more hours of training. I never built up the confidence or what I would regard as a good relationship with any of my instructors. My advice is to get a reputable flight instructor that does it for a living as opposed to one that is just doing it to get their hours in.

[@flywiththeguys]

Thank you for the story and advice. We have a good video that discusses this and it's REALLY important.

[@slamer123]

The most beautiful and possibly one of the hardest things to learn. It will change you for the better.

[@flywiththeguys]

Agreed. =)

[@Frank71]

Earned my private in my early 20s to late teens. My stick n rudders skills are still there, but rest as changed. The current class a,b,c did not exist. I rember airport radar service area, control zone, terminal control area, etc. Now i am in my late 40s, reactivating my private.

[@flywiththeguys]

Flying the plane hasn't changed. Just the airspace. You'll pick it up!

[@DougFM]

I was already over 40 when I went for my PPL so here in Canada that meant a medical exam every six months. What a pain in the ass..But I did it!

[@flywiththeguys]

Glad you kept with it!

[@ericksonrodriguez6930]

Same here sir.

[@Trialnerror]

My wife is kickstarting this whole thing for me as a 40ith birthday present. It's been a lifelong dream for me so as a late starter I have 40 years of drive to push me through. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@patriot20000]

I started 4 weeks ago. I'm 68!

[@DaveWomach]

I hear you on all of these. Great list. I'm super frustrated in the study process, as it feels out dated in many ways, and I end up struggling to stay focused. Which makes it more frustrating...

[@flywiththeguys]

You got this! I totally agree though. I'm studying for something right now and I often feel like I would rather go to the dentist for a root canal.

[@masonmanns7002]

I’m 6hrs or so into flying and after my second flight I had a panic attack... I thought I got better but then today on my 7th flight I had a small anxiety attack again. I’ve never had these before ever! I’m very passionate about aviation and would love to stick with this. Any advice on shaking nerves out? I definitely do not want to puke

[@flywiththeguys]

Happy to offer some advice but need to understand a few things. Can you Message me over on facebook? facebook.com/flywiththeguys

[@masonmanns7002]

Fly With The Guys thank you it means a lot! I just sent you a message over on FB

[@kenspinozastone7195]

I got motion sickness on my last lesson. I've only had 3 lessons so far, but I'm already thinking of changing him (my instructor) because I'm a slow learner and he seems very unpassionate about teaching, he demands things too quickly and is very miserable.

[@masonmanns7002]

Ken Spinoza Stone I know how you feel and wish you the best! If it helps, aviation is a “fly before you crawl” sort of field. If you get what I mean. If you don’t know much about aviation you will struggle a ton at the beginning like I did. I know the relationship with your instructor might feel strained right now, but keep in mind that they have probably done the maneuvers and such that you’re practicing right now hundreds and hundreds of times. Once you master something it’s hard to see it from a newbies POV. Keep your head up and stay passionate! Consistency is key :)

[@Slynsmiley]

I found that , in Australia, there are too many instructors who are only in it to build hours and then move on. I pride myself that I never did that. I got my CPL and when into Airwork/ Charter. The first instructor gig that I had was teaching people to fly the B777.

[@flywiththeguys]

We have a lot of that here too. People trying to build time using someone else's money. It's really hard for me to recommend younger instructors who I know are trying to jump to the airlines because of this. Then there are the guys who instruct to make money. Those guys are just as bad. Racking up unneeded hours and delaying milestones when students are clearly ready. It's just sad.

[@isac.2h]

For #2, my local flight school lists it’s per hour rates (wet), and instructor rates, so people can calculate themself.

[@flywiththeguys]

We talk about that in this video too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIGmgpd8Zq51nKc Everyones going to pay a different ammount for their certificate. People just learn at different ways and pay different rates. But it's nice they had a little transparency. Our local school offers "rentals" with reasonable rates, but the checkout fee is insane.

[@vipert50c77]

The biggest demotivating factor for me was getting sick while flying. Not only did I feel misserable, but also I felt defeated when the instructor had to take over and finish the flight. Thankfully it got much better the more I flew and at the end of the two-week program, I was able to last all the way through without major issues.

[@flywiththeguys]

Nice. I hear that can be a problem for some. My buddy had it. His situation was different and found out he had an ear problem that kept him from becoming a pilot. =(

[@vipert50c77]

​@@flywiththeguys That is very unfortunate. Thankfully I already have my class 2 so I hope medical issues won't cause me problems in the future.

[@thepatriot5378]

Nice to hear you these points, and those will be very helpful for me to guide my son as I am aiming to make my son a good Pilot Insha Allah. I would like to have some ideas from you how much cost it is needed to complete the four year B.S degree in Aviation to be certified CPL and ATPL from PURDUE University. Thank you.

[@stevendegiorgio3143]

Great video.I was born to fly.I got my private pilot in 2 years and I even got my A&P mechanic ratings at the same time all this plus learning to fly my R/C model airplane.Yep,I LOVE flying and airplanes.But I did it in the early 1980s it was much cheaper back than and my high school district paid for half my A&P.Im proud even to this day.NEVER GIVE UP

[@flywiththeguys]

That is awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@johnjohnson8669]

"quit before they even get their certificate". I mean if they quit AFTER they got their certificate wouldn't that mean they graduated? Lol

[@flywiththeguys]

I have no idea. But that happens too. People spend all this time and money getting their certificate and then stop flying after. I have a friend locally who did that. I'll have to ask her why.

[@TrampConnoisseur]

Ran out of money after getting taken advantage of by a CFI who needed hours and really wasn’t a good instructor… 32 hours with 72 takeoffs and landings and still not even a mention of soloing. I quit for 9 months but always had it in my mind that I would return… now I’m back at it at a different school with much better CFIs.

[@flywiththeguys]

I'm glad you got back with it. I really hate instructors like your first one there.

[@TrampConnoisseur]

@@flywiththeguys he was definitely suspect. Had me practicing flying at different airports and doing cross country’s before soloing.

[@ezequielflores371]

I will come back to this video in 2 years and will have a private pilots license

[@flywiththeguys]

COOL! Make it SO.

[@brianjohnston9822]

I was fortunate to get my certification through the Canadian AirCadet program. But unfortunately I was forced to give up flying soon after being certified due to the lack of access to a plane. One issue that many friends have had was a unspoken rule of flight schools. Instructors were forced to draw out training to increase profits. This becomes frustrating, the extra costs does just the opposite, students realize that just may not have enough funds left to reach completion. Many hang up the headset for a while to maybe earn the extra funds and life intervenes, and never go back. I went back to flying later in life to re-certify and work on an IFR and night rating. After a year of flying, I gave it up. I was $1000’s in debt and finally said “what the hell am I doing”. I will always be renting, and purchasing a plane was just out of the question.

[@gregjennings9442]

I’m on hold for coronavirus. Can’t wait to get back to it.

[@flywiththeguys]

It didn't even occur to me to include world events and outside influences. Hopefully this all blows over soon and we can get back to normal.

[@cletus2199]

I quit after 4 hrs back in 2015 due to lack of funds. I joined the army and am now back in training, using TA to help pay for some of it. Did my first solo 2 days ago and now have 19.4 hrs! Don't quit! Make a plan and drive on.

[@flywiththeguys]

Awesome. Thanks for sharing and encouraging. And Thank you for your service.

[@manny4218]

I used to shrug off the aviation kids when I was in highschool then I joined the army and become a paratrooper. Now that I’m out I actually wanna fly now but not as a passenger without a parachute lol scared af now 😂

[@280zjammer]

I’m broke after a few lessons. Now I’m having trouble getting ahead again. The expenses are much higher than anyone will tell you.

[@flywiththeguys]

If you haven't watched our what it costs to get your PPL video you can check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIGmgpd8Zq51nKc It's very helpful in figuring out the true cost.

[@foxtrot312]

$ This is the #1 reason...very costly and keeps costing to stay current 💰💵

[@wendellfonseca4545]

I'm 19, started my ppl a month before turning 18 and completed it within 2 months. I started in 2018 September. I've finished my ATPL and IR. In this time of nearly 2 years, I've taking 6 months off due to not being able to fly cause of weather. I hope to start working by next year!

[@flywiththeguys]

I hope so too. Things are crazy out there right now.

[@Hedgeflexlfz]

If you want to become a professional pilot, get a 1st class medical to make sure BEFORE.

[@flywiththeguys]

Absolutely. When we get to making out videos on becoming a professional pilot, that's a recommendation we will for sure make.

[@Spec62]

Going to kinda pushback on that and say perhaps considering a 2nd class or even a 3rd class initially. Factor in the time period "REQUIRED" for a 1st class certificate and a 2nd class physical? More money for a 1st class physical you'll never use in a year if you start from scratch.

[@Hedgeflexlfz]

@@Spec62 But the entire point is to make sure you can become an airline pilot....

[@igclapp]

​@@Spec62A first class medical will last you five years if you only need a third class (if you are under 40). So it's not really a big waste of time or money to get it and at least you will know if you can pass it.

[@johnsmithh662]

Starting my 141 academy next month. I’m 28 with a wife and three kids. I left policing after 5 years. I went through Southwest’s Destination 225 application process and was accepted. I get a pilot mentor from Southwest from the start. Someone I can vent frustrations and share success with. Plus, it sets clear goals to obtain as they have separate things outside of the normal flight academy that I’ll go do such as fly some in the 737 sim. To me, flying is such an escape from the normal job pace. Maybe it’s because I come from policing, but I just look forward to being up there and feeling the sense of “peace” and getting to view the ground blow after all these years of looking up and wondering where they’re going. I anticipate this to be extremely rigorous mentally and some physically but that’s a big reason I want to pursue it. Why not challenge yourself to know more and as a result you get to do more and make more. Yes, it’s pricey but at a 141 you sign off on pricing and can see clearly how much you’ll spend. For me, with 0 hours to CFII will be around $91k in a C-152. A 172 would be closer to $102. I got a loan at a decent interest rate, but also added another $35k to help with cost of living expenses while I do this full time for the next year. I fully expect to pay this back with a career in aviation, so I think of it as borrowing from my future self. Like the saying goes, if it was easy/cheap/fast everyone would do it. Learn and make a career out of aviation or work a normal job because it’s easy. Every pilot I talk to who makes a living off it says “it’s absolutely worth it”.

[@Hedgeflexlfz]

I just started flight school lol.

[@flywiththeguys]

Awesome! Good luck with that.

[@byronrogers4489]

I'm 50 and about to start. Go for it!!!

[@hilton810]

I flew in Australia for about 23 years.. including part ownership of a Cherokee Archer 2 . The people I met and the comraderie at the bar was great It was a fantastic privilege and was so much fun. It did have its more serious moments, but I look back on those years as an 80 year old with great fondness. I totally agree with all the points mentioned in this video. Having an instructor you are happy with is the single most important one in my view. Enjoy !!!

[@flywiththeguys]

I feel blessed to be apart of aviation. I'm meeting all kinds of great people.

[@shasminecianne7108]

I don’t know how i come to this video, but i love it. Thank you

[@flywiththeguys]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@cooperparts]

Started in sept after February poured it on June passed cost 79000 dollars after 7000 bought a 172 for 72000 same plane in my picture over 10 years 3 planes love it go for it

[@flywiththeguys]

Agreed.

[@paramdrall]

it's hell Expensive ! So I'll definitely get my PPL but only when i have enough Money.

[@flywiththeguys]

I budgeted it each month. You make the right road map and schedule, you can make it happen.

[@foxtrot312]

Yep number 1 reason for most..💵💰

[@GokouZWAR]

One of the other things that make people quit is the snobby attitude of other pilots. Some legitimately want to see you succeed and are good but I’ve met some guys who think they’re better than everyone else and when you can’t grasp something they deem simple now you’re just an idiot and they make you feel stupid. Not all are like that but I’ve met more than a few of these types and they make you just go “no thanks”.

[@flywiththeguys]

I’ll admit I have a problem with people who are quick to correct you if you use the term Private Pilot License. I would say it’s part of the mentality you’re talking about and when correcting perspective pilots, it can be a real turn of.

[@orbitalair2103]

I notice aviation has a lot of inconsistencies. HOW do you know your instructor is just padding his pocket with your money? Is there a SKILLS LIST the students can compare to a CFI syllabus to see if hes wasting time? In a over regulated industry why is there no regs on CFIs? If a CFI is caught padding, they should be barred from moving up. Where is the internet list of bad vs great CFIs ??? And I have already been talked down to on LSAs, wow for the 'everyone is super friendly' aviation group, why do people feel the need to talk down to experimental LSAs? Thats prolly enough for a whole video right there.

[@flywiththeguys]

Check out our video on materials here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKrZenp3n6tlrZo In the video we talk about the Private Pilot Airmen Certification Standards. These are the standards, or skills list, your CFI should be preparing you for. Outside the ground portion, you should be able to execute all the maneuvers within the standards listed. Your instructor should have a syllabus they follow, or at least a tracking sheet of where you're at. You can always ask for it. I made a simple tracking sheet of what you need to learn, which you can find at - flywiththeguys.com/tools. If they don't have anything, that should be a red flag. In reality, the student should be in charge of their training using the tools I linked above, working in conjunction with an instructor. Doing it this way allows the student know where they are at in their training, and they should know if they are flying within standards. As for the LSA stuff, there are limitations to the Sport Pilot certificate making it a "lesser" certificate in the eyes of a lot of pilots and instructors. It still fits the needs of some pilots. You can read a bit more about that here - www.aopa.org/advocacy/advocacy-briefs/frequently-asked-questions-about-sport-pilot#aircraft Last thought, Among pilots there are a lot of great friendly people in aviation. But there are a lot of people, with good intentions, that talk down or badly to others. I find this mentality to be true with a lot of full time CFI's and those with so many ratings and certifications it would make your head spin. They often do it in the name of "education of others" but how they do it makes them look pompous and arrogant. A superiority complex if you will. Not all of them are this way. Its just a general observation I've made over the years working with different people.

[@Sku11Leader]

I'm at the "It's not fun anymore" stage. I'm having issues with soft and short field T/Os and Landings. I'm frustrated.

[@flywiththeguys]

I hear ya. Those took me a while too. Then on my checkride the DPE made me do a forward slip to a soft field landing... Stick with it! I wish I could help you out!

[@amtpdb1]

1. Young instructors making you change something but refusing to tell you why. You pull the gear up and he says no and makes you put it down again then when down and locked tells you to bring it up. You wait longer next time and he does it again. 2. Instructor that goes through the book page by page on ground work with no direction. 3 hours ground work on a bi anuall flipping page by page because he needs the money and a new school with no students. 3. Suppose to do take off and landings but it's foggy. Oh we are going to due airwork today. He needs the money and hours and wastes mine. 4. Instructor takes you from a instructor that went to the airlines. Made me do training over and over. Check pilot at 15 hours asks what my problem is. I told him to tell me. He soloed me in 15 minutes! I confronted my instructor afterwards. He said he took other student from the other instructor and he almost crashed. So he was afraid. He wasted 7 hours of my time and money! 5. Get an older instructor that enjoys instructing and is not just trying to build hours to leave for the airlines!!!!!! Good Luck.

[@flywiththeguys]

This is exactly what we were talking about in the instructor section. It SO important to find a good one that really wants to develop new pilots. Thank you for your contributions!

[@michaelb.8953]

Getting my pilot's certificate 25 years ago life took over and I had to put flying on the back burner as a low time pilot at 60 hours. Then 13 years later after reigning in "life" I went down to my local airport in the month of May in which I had never been to that particular airport before and decided to get back into flying. What would have been my first lesson the weather was not good enough for some VFR flying so my instructor decided to do some ground school and I thought that made perfect sense because like I said, I've been out of flying for 13 years and I could use some mental dusting off. My instructor's idea of ground school was yapping about some emotional personal experience with one of his students from years past and then giving me some bulls**t paperwork to fill out that I very easily could have filled out at home on my personal time all while my instructor went into the next room yapping it up with his airport buddies ON MY WALLET. Then finally a few days later the weather was good and I made my way back to the airport all excited because I knew today was a flying day. We got in the cockpit and took off and my instructor then proceeds to start yelling at me with every little thing and grabbing the controls away often all while continuing to yell and belittle. I finished that lesson and walked away feeling like that didn't exactly go like I thought it would. Then a couple of days later I went back for my second flying lesson and it was very much the same, but he was a little more ramped up this time. I was on short final and he just grabbed the controls out of my hands and he pushed the throttle to the firewall and did a go around and started flying at tree top level for about a mile past the airport doing some pretty steep turns at maybe 400 to 500 feet above the ground at the most. At this point I yelled back get this airplane back to the airport in which he did and I was silent for the short trip back. As we got back the secretary wasn't there so he said, next time you come back we'll square up the bill. I knew Tuesdays was his day off so I just made a trip back to the airport knowing I was done with that flight school and the instructor and I squared up the bill. I gave the flight school owner a piece of my mind about his instructor and I never stepped foot back there again. I went down to another local airport and it was a difference of night and day and had my flight review signed off in 5 hours of dual instruction and an hour of oral work. I did find out at my new airport that that flight school I was at and the airport were closing down at the end of that summer. I am guessing that cranky old 60+ year old instructor had absolutely no intention of signing me off and just wanted to drag me through the weeds for the summer and take whatever money he could get. Scammers come in all shapes and sizes.

[@amtpdb1]

@@michaelb.8953 I guess sometimes older is not the better!

[@scottfranco1962]

A large number of instructors are going to move on to the airlines. This is not always a bad thing. The best instructor I ever had was headed for the airlines. A very sharp guy.

[@oblivious108]

I'm currently going through ground school and I hate it. The concepts I'm trying to study are just not getting into my head and it makes me feel like an idiot. And then it pushes me further down as I begin to doubt if I'll ever be able to put in any hours in flying.

[@eco0110]

Great video! Having a goal in mind is very crucial. ;)

[@flywiththeguys]

I agree. It helps set a mental state from the very beginning.

[@sanjaymanohar9482]

Excellent video. Very informative and insightful. Thank you!

[@churchill_c]

I want to be a pilot when I grow up I’m only in middle school I have a long day to go.

[@halgridlocker4540]

Do ground school now, even if you don't get credit. Start reading about weather and airplanes. Start making it a part of your life.

[@churchill_c]

@@SauceBossGuitar thank you

[@churchill_c]

@@halgridlocker4540 thank you

[@churchill_c]

@W4LM4RT.B4G_YT I see youll get there soon I wish you luckk!

[@philconey11]

I'm an instrument rated private pilot working on my commercial and multi right now working toward CFI, Tail-wheel, and so-on. I've had a few times where I wanted to quit. Mostly in instrument. There was so much math, so many regulations, procedures, nomenclature and more that just hurt my brain. I've always struggled with numbers as-is and had a period of time where I thought I wasn't cut out for aviation. A good butt-chewing from my CFII telling me that I'll never be flying bush-planes and float-planes in Alaska if I give up on my instrument rating really put me back in line. Picture yourself living your end goal, whatever that may be. It really does help a lot.

[@flywiththeguys]

Agreed. The end goal is important. I almost gave up becase at one point (towards the end) I felt like I "had to go flying" instead of "I get to go flying." Pushed through it, totally worth it.

[@chriswayneecf9236]

1. No goals 2. Medical problems 3. Running out of money 4. Not enough time 5. Lots of studying 6. The wrong instructor 7. Lack of structure 8. Flying solo 9. It's not fun any more 10. Making a mistake 11. Failing your checkride

[@35whiskeygirl]

I had to switch instructors because I felt he wasn’t holding me to high standards. I have 13 hours in and trying more than one instructor is important. Lastly, speak to your airport manger if you feel your not getting your money’s worth! I’m determined to go all the way!

[@flywiththeguys]

That’s a hard one. Good instructors are hard to find sometimes. We made a video on it actually. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWLOi5t_rbCVndU

[@kenspinozastone7195]

Yeah I feel the same. I'm only 3 hours, I'm a very slow learner in general, I don't get things quick but I'm not flying for PPL or anything like that, I'm only doing it for fun, unfortunately I have a bossy and grumpy instructor that doesn't seem to have any passion for flying at all. I'm thinking of changing him.

[@flywiththeguys]

@@kenspinozastone7195 Change him. You have to work together or take charge of it. Check out our channel for videos on choosing the right instructor and taking charge of your learning. Great content you may find valuable.

[@garytrager7963]

@@kenspinozastone7195 I got my PPL years ago. BUT, the instructor I originally had bled me -and I could not change at the school. He kept making me do the same thing, including CC, (where he had a GPS and I obviously didn't, as we searched for the smallest and out of the way places). Finally, he left, and I got another instructor-breezed through! He kept asking me, why I had not finished yet?!?. As soon as I got my cert, I left that blood sucking school.

[@iVince905]

Biggest 3 reasons is Money, Time, Motivation.

[@flywiththeguys]

I would agree!

[@davidhuckaby832]

My reason...is not able to afford it with support for family. I had total of 36 hours. I resorted to hang gliding. This was gliding for free. This gliding was 15 years. I dreamed of bush piloting in a Super Cub. And always wanted to get my hands on a biplane, like an old Jenny. An era long gone. Hang gliding feels the wind in a sensitive way on the edge of stall. I learned a lot by watching seagulls soar the cliffs. Favorite times was landing glider in a large field of grass or daisies after a long soaring day. Happy days!!!!!

[@hotrodray6802]

50 yr CP my conclusions: $ Doctors are there to stop you from flying. Bad teachers. Poor instrutor jerking the airplane arounrd the sky. Instructor who cant land smoothly is a supreme discouragement. Flying is easy. Landing is a challenge. 95% of pilots cant land

[@jessielee1369]

100% of pilots land!

[@DAN007thefoxx1]

My dad's instructor has a saying: "any landing you walk away from is a good one"

[@AmbivalentMind]

I quit two years ago, but I will try again next year... I didn‘t have the right mindset and time back then. I was quite overwhelmed. But having become a train driver gave me a confidence boost to take another shot at flying. I just need to save up first, to not run into the problem of running out of money.

[@flywiththeguys]

I budgeted my flying, and saved up for the times I needed extra training to push though for big important stuff like solo, solo cross country, and checkride.

[@MyNathanking]

I have always wanted to take a few flying lessons, but I have Asperger's syndrome, am unable to work, am on SSDI, am on low income, and flying is an expensive activity. I either read or heard someone say one time that it costs 3,000 dollars to learn to fly and I don't have that kind of money.

[@manifestgtr]

One thing that’s made it *stick* this time (aside from the fact that I have more money than I did in my twenties) is flying as often as I can. Things are going a lot faster, I’m getting better quicker and it’s going to cost less money. Ten years ago, when my instructor said I should be flying at least twice a week, I was like “?!?” But I was funding myself week to week, I didn’t have a lot of money and I was still in the early stages of my career when it required much more time and energy. The key to doing this as cheaply as possible is flying often and studying as much as humanly possible. Study your POH, maneuvering supplement and checklists in between lessons. I had already gone through my ground school material twice, took notes and revisited the difficult bits before showing up on day one at my new flight school. The more you can prepare yourself, the more often you do it, the more things sink into your neurons…you get further along faster.

[@waqarsyed6641]

I just love flying. Flying and a bird's eye view is the best eye view... I don't want to become a commercial pilot I like to get my commercial and my private but I love flying since I was a kid.. and I believe general aviation is the best flying.... studying ....why I stopped... but I'm getting back into it bought my own airplane hopefully it'll do the job... good luck everyone

[@flywiththeguys]

Go get it!

[@MedusalObligation]

Developed severe vertigo about 30 hours in. Had to quit flying, racing cars and motorcycles. Started sailing boats instead. The healing didn't matter to the vertigo on the boat. There you couldn't fall out of the sky or crash into anyone else (at over 5 knots).

[@flywiththeguys]

Sorry to hear this. At least you found something fun though!

[@michaelb.8953]

A few months ago I contacted a local flight school associated with Liberty University flight program as I've been out of flying for almost 25 years shortly after receiving my private pilot certificate. I was assigned to a young kid about the same age my own kids. I should have interviewed a little more closely instead of just going with whatever flight instructor they want to throw at me because he doesn't have many students with a fairly open schedule. I was told that it will take me about three hours to complete my flight review as I mentally knew it would take longer than that as I knew I've never flown Diamond aircraft with a Garmin 430 as I learned in a Piper Tomahawk as the only radio navigation was a VOR receiver, but I blew their estimate off as I didn't correct them. My first flight lesson went really good as the stick rudder skills came right back like I was riding a bicycle. Did three take offs and landings and the third landing was damn near perfect. Instructor was completely impressed and told me that from what he is seeing he would have figured I was only out of flying 2 or 3 years. Then a few days later came my second lesson with a super fast crash course on the Garmin 430 with zero experience with that kind of avionics technology and we planned a short cross country into class C airspace. That flight was a miserable mess as I couldn't get ahead of the airplane coupled with the radio work with ATC while trying to figure out the Garmin and fly and navigate the unfamiliar airplane all at the same time. Once we got back home my instructor laid into me as he told he's taking back all the positive stuff he said about me and it was a horrible flight (as I already knew that) and on and on with the tear down rant he goes. He's not going to sign my flight review which really confused me because I would have NEVER EXPECTED nor would want to be signed after only two hours, especially being out of flying almost 25 years. I paid my bill and walked out of there knowing full well I'm not going back there again. I think this young inexperienced instructor had certain expectations of me simply because I'm a certified private pilot and he mentally told himself that after about three hours he's expecting to be signing me off, and I'm looking at this experience as a learning experience so I can be a safe and confident pilot getting back into the cockpit and in no real hurry. Either way communication from both of us was severely lacking as we didn't know what each other was expecting in these lessons. An inexperienced rusty private pilot coupled with an young inexperienced flight instructor didn't mesh very well. In the meantime I'm starting to search for another flight instructor option.

[@flywiththeguys]

Thanks for sharing that story. Finding the right flight instructor can make or break you. I'm typically not impressed with younger instructors. It's not so much the inexperience that gets me, its the mentality they sometimes have. There are some really great younger instructors out there though, as well as some terrible experienced ones. BUT, this video sums all that up rather nicely - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWLOi5t_rbCVndU

[@manikavuru7390]

I can relate to this so much; I am 62, haven't flown solo in over 15 years, trying to get back to the joy of flying for fun (I have time and $$ now); have been shopping around for an instructor that understands my current goals (e.g. for me to be comfortable, get confidence, learn to use all the new tools such as gps, foreflight); it is really a challenge if you are not in a career mode or age 20 or 22; thanks for your posting, I can fully understand; my goal is modest, just be a fair weather VFR pilot, renter.....but I realize I need to be flying with some regularity (I have never flown 100 hours in a single year, which is my current goal).....

[@MattGHalfGProductions]

I found your channel searching for the first steps in getting a private pilot license...You all are so helpful! Thank you very much!

[@flywiththeguys]

Our pleasure! We have a lot of content on that. Feel free to ask questions. We're here to help.

[@zombies418]

I think it’s also important to realize you like flying. I can see how someone would like to start flying only to realize quickly that it’s not for them

[@flywiththeguys]

It really does happen. Know of a guy who’s parents got him a plane to learn to fly in. Realized it wasn’t for him. Parents rented out the plane for years to recoupe the costs, sold the plane.

[@johnthompson286]

I'm having a couple ugh months. I had back surgery a yr ago. Prepping for the check ride. I'm broke and mentally burnt out. So close but I think I see light at the end of the tunnel.

[@flywiththeguys]

I was there too. Getting ready for the checkride makes you broke and can really burn you out. I asked if I really wanted to finish this...

[@quidestnunc9238]

First, you Can learn what the number of dropouts is by polling flight schools or members of NAFI. Second, flying is a non-necessary expense (even a frivolity). Third (and a corollary to #2), the Student Pilot's significant other is usually Not interested in flying (or riding motorcycles or skydiving or...pick a risky, expensive activity)

[@flywiththeguys]

Unfortunately pinning down accurate numbers isn't that easy. Not everyone who quits goes to a flight school or gets a student pilot certificate. But, I do agree it's a non-necessary expense, especially if you do it for recreation. I budget my flying time just like I budget my cell phone bill to I make room for it each month. ( I recommend this) And you're right about the significant other not being on the same page. I'm lucky though, as soon as it cools off my wife is starting flight training.

[@quidestnunc9238]

@@flywiththeguys Not to be a hard case here, but...everyone who learns to fly in these United States must use a CFI, correct? So...what is the percentage of CFI's who are members of NAFI? You could obtain CFI membership stats from NAFI (presuming they will part with that information) couldn't you? And the FAA has publicly-available Statistics on Active CFI's. Then (and I am merely guessing at this point) the NAFI must survey their CFI's about continuing students versus dropouts. Then comes the extrapolation of NAFI members versus Active CFI's (and, yes, CFII's). And, sure, a Student Pilot may use multiple CFI's for a variety of reasons such as personality clashes (CFI ego, ineptitude, "building time selfishness" and consistent lack of availability...just to name a few). [In the instance where a Student Pilot such as I was fortunate to have a free (and freely available CFI) due to our both being members of a Flying Club in a small (University) town where the CFI was a full-time Professor (with Tenure and O.P.E.R.S.--Ohio Public Employees Retirement System), our three Cherokee 180's were priced at $86 per hour Wet. Affordable. And what a patient, albeit taciturn, Instructor he was (no doubt due to his Biology Laboratory pedagogy).] But, I digress. Your orders, Mr. Phelps, should you choose to accept them, are to contact the NAFI for Their Statistics on Completions versus "Initiations" (accurate term for a person beginning Flight Training??). Then...perhaps we will all have a "handle" on the Dropouts versus the Doers. And now I shall step down from the soap box (to use an antiquated term unfamiliar to your audience).

[@V4NLIFE_CANADA]

The reason I’m going to quit is because it’s almost impossible to get a hold of my cfi for scheduling and if you get answer it’s always to late. Frustrating

[@flywiththeguys]

Thats a struggle. Can you find another?

[@V4NLIFE_CANADA]

@@flywiththeguys not in a 300mile radius 😂

[@deanwhitlock3312]

2 reasons: 1) flight instructor said I need to “feel” the trim-i didn’t. 2) I read an NTSB report correlating age at starting flight instruction, to the chances for being involved in an accident (i was 42).

[@flywiththeguys]

I got mine at 37 ish. I feel like doing it when I was a bit older really helped me make better decisions in the air and understand the plane better. A lot of younger pilots just fly like their trained and dont understand the why behind things.