From Zero to ATP for Under $35,000

In today's pilot interview, I interview a pilot by the name of Kaity Witt to get her to share the story of how she went from zero hours all the way to an ATP rating for UNDER $35,000.
As I've been saying on my channel for a while now, if you are willing to get a little creative, you don't have to spend $100K to become a commercial pilot.
Thanks for watching!
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👋 About Me 👋
After a successful business career where I've started and sold a number of companies, I've decided to get out from behind my computer to pursue a lifelong passion and start career 2.0 as a professional pilot. My goal is to get to 1500 hours and then either work for a large regional, a major, or possibly even cargo. You can learn more at www.FlyWithTrent.com.
My Social Accounts:
Instagram: / fly_with_trent
LinkedIn: / trentdyrsmid
Twitter: / trentdyrsmid
Edited by The Tweaky Tales
(www.thetweakytales.com)

[@swolenation8550]

Thank you Trent. This is the kind of video that will help this new generation to become future pilots.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

You’re welcome!

[@nvonalven]

Great video - If you're planning to instruct in an LSA, make sure it's an S-LSA. If you're purchasing an LSA just for your own personal training or to build hours, I'd recommend an E-LSA, since you can do all of your own maintenance, make any upgrades/changes you'd like without manufacturer approval, and you can do your own annual/condition inspection after taking the 16-hour LSRI course. E-LSA is aviation's best kept secret in my opinion.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thanks so much for watching one of my videos! I really appreciate you taking a moment to comment! I read every comment personally 🙌

[@chrisbloor7772]

You can currently instruct in a ELSA. But, you would need to setup a club for the aircraft and put any student in the club before instructing. That is how the student becomes an owner of the plane, and owners are allowed to be instructed in their own ELSA.

[@user-di7gb8ci4l]

@@chrisbloor7772 do you know how to do this? Anyplace I can read about this? Been researching LODAs and the exemptions.

[@chrisbloor7772]

@@user-di7gb8ci4l There is no LODA needed. It's not an exemption because it is currently allowed. Typically from an insurance stand point, up to 4 people can own a plane together. Above 4, most insurance companies require a club. It has to be an equity club, in order to qualify as being a partial owner in the plane. Though, most states don't actually require insurance, so this is optional if you are a risk taker, or live in a low density populated state where you aren't likely to hit another person/house/etc. Make sure you have an instructor willing to teach in an ELSA, otherwise this is pointless. The more common the plane, the more likely this is to happen. I think I could even find an examiner who would give the exam in something common like an RV-12. If not, they are easy to find in SLSA form to rent for just the exam.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

✈️

[@Awilltofly]

This is great, Trent - thanks for highlighting a unique and cost effective option for us! 🙌

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PecekMichal]

35k is pretty amazing even for 2016/17 , BUT I guess back in that day the prices were completely different. I dug out old emails and compared the price offer from the same school for the IR training from 2020 with today's and it went up by 30% !

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thanks so much for watching one of my videos! I really appreciate you taking a moment to comment! I read every comment personally 🙌

[@coreyjordan2745]

Adding: I just saw this. I add this to my goal to get my Light- sport rating. Awesome information

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thanks so much for watching one of my videos! I really appreciate you taking a moment to comment! I read every comment personally 🙌

[@Guacho_neim]

Can’t wait to have the time to watch! I saw her interview on her channel it’s awesome

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thanks so much for watching one of my videos! I really appreciate you taking a moment to comment! I read every comment personally 🙌

[@leesanders1619]

Trent. Great video. I’m at ATP and was not sure I wanted to CFI for them. I now have a path to research. Thanks so much.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chrisweston2641]

This blows me away! I just wasted 13 months in a "7 month" program, have more debt now than ever before in my life, and I only have 2 ratings. I will be taking a very serious look into this route. Thank you!!!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Hey Chris…wow. Sorry to hear that. Hope the future pans out better!

[@B1rdTheW0rd]

Sorry to hear this man. What program did you do?

[@trent_dyrsmid]

✈️

[@PilotChris78]

I feel your pain, I did one of those zero to hero 6 month programs and the school ended up being a joke. I got most of my ratings but it cost me a small fortune. I wish every day I'd gone a different route.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

✈️

[@armani0000007]

This video was loaded with great information. Thank you so much to both of you!!!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Our pleasure!

[@MI325A]

Hi, Trent. Checking in to see this video you just released -- as we discussed in a previous video of yours. I thought she was the one you were referring to; and, I have seen this lady interviewed on another channel. Thank you for having her on yours, as well. Viewing this, I received a little more information to combine with what discussed in the other interview she had did. Thank you again and I will keep you updated in my progress once we get the wheels rolling here. Stay safe and have a great day. -- Matthew

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Matthew…Thanks so much for watching one of my videos! I really appreciate you taking a moment to comment! I read every comment personally 🙌

[@johnnyg1968]

Yet another great video. These are solid gold.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Glad you like them! Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@jerrydelatorre5977]

What a great video and her journey is pretty awesome! Also, don’t listen to those hater. I’m 48 and getting my PPL… this is great info.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Hey Jerry….haters love to hate…..mostly because they have nothing else going on in their lives. They don’t know it, but even negative comments help my videos get more views :)

[@snell2k]

Great video with a lot of very useful information for a guy who has a Discovery Flight THIS Saturday in a Pipistrel Alpha Trainer (LSA). Luckily I have a flight school just 20mins from my house that trains in an LSA as I think the Sport License is the path for me. We’ll see how it goes…

[@trent_dyrsmid]

🙌 thats terrific! Blue skies ahead!

[@michael_viteritti]

Thanks Trent and Kaity :D So many possibilities to become a pilot. Thanks for sharing the knowledge

[@pilotkaity]

Thanks for watching! Hope it helps!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Our pleasure!

[@JonnyKlausmeyer]

Holy cow, this is Katy Cassidy’s doppelgänger! 😂 Anyway, thank you Trent and Kaity for giving the young budding aviation community a bunch of otherwise hidden knowledge. This kind of stuff is super helpful.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Our pleasure! Thanks so much for watching! I really appreciate you taking a moment to comment. I read every comment personally 🙌

[@enochweichers]

Awesome video! I had no idea that you could become an instructor with only 150 hours, I will definitely look into that a little more. I am training at a S-LSA school just outside of Boise in Mountain Home and it's been awesome so far. So fun to have lower cost planes and be able to fly every day that the weather permits!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Glad it was helpful! How much does this school charge per hour for the aircraft?

[@enochweichers]

$140/ hr all inclusive

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thx!

[@Alberto1B]

Very enlightening. Katy is correct, I spent a little over $15k getting my PPL at 73 hours. Solo in 43, but took me a little longer to be proficient at landings. As a 46 yr old with mortgage and family responsibilities I have run out of money to continue. Financing would be great but how do I tell current job I need 6 months off and pay mortgage and feed the family??? Can’t work as CFI because don’t have license or hours.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

All I can tell you is this: where there is a will, there is a way. The world is filled with stories of people who have overcome insane challenges to achieve things that most people cannot do.

[@briandesilets8425]

I sold my house and bought a quadruplex to live in. Goodbye mortgage payment. Look at all your bills and think of how to get rid of each. Living is as expensive as you want it to be.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Love it!!

[@juansantiago1441]

I’m doing it!!! It’s possible with hard work and if you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone. I left a six figure engineering job to go full time flight school zero to hero. Trent and pilot Nancy Broadshaw that used to be on youtube were my inspiration to make the decision to follow my dream. I had to stop flight training in my early 20’s due to $$$ and after some planning went back at it in my mid 30’s. I have a mortgage, kids and a ton of responsibilities. It can be done, you just need a plan and strategize accordingly.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Finally someone with a can-do attitude. Respect!!!

[@aaronacree3941]

Trent, keep us updated on the light sport plane you mention! I’m based in Salt Lake City and would totally come up to Boise this summer to start my private. Thank you for sharing Kaity! Taking this route sounds like it has a lot of potential. I wonder if I could find schools here in SLC that would be open to it.

[@pilotkaity]

Happy to help! Utah light sport came up for me after a Google search so might be a good place to start!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

We’re picking it up this weekend :)

[@BestofWhatsAround83]

Both enterprising and beautiful. What a combo.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thanks so much for watching one of my videos! I really appreciate you taking a moment to comment! I read every comment personally 🙌

[@ajeffs79]

Love the inspiration and knowledge that you both share in this video. Had no idea about the LSA instructor req at 150 hrs. I completed my PPL at your typical 141 school last year. Found an LSA school down the road for my IR training and have been extremely happy with the switch. Checkride is in a week and then straight to time building for CPL!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

🙌 thats terrific! Blue skies ahead!

[@michaeltruschelli6440]

Great interview, thank you!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@zappatx]

Yeah but.. Yeah but... Gotta love the trolls who just must not enjoy what they do.. Thanks for the great content!! I learned and improved my (retirement) career path plan with this video!!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Glad to hear it, and thank you so much for watching, and commenting!

[@dbartolett]

enjoyed the video, more options to build that time.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thanks so much for watching one of my videos! I really appreciate you taking a moment to comment! I read every comment personally 🙌

[@aldohattonduran5227]

Once again.. increíble content 👮🏼‍♂️🛬🛩️🇺🇸 Trent!! Thank you for your dedication to the advancement of us 2.0ers! You rock ✌🏼💪🥇🏆

[@trent_dyrsmid]

I appreciate that! Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@josbren8943]

Nice Video. I am doing exactly this. I bought a Sling 2 with another pilot and we are using the plane to hour build ect. It’s a TAA aircraft. The Sling Pilot academy in CA uses this model aircraft as well.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

🙌🙌🙌 Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@BO-dc4xg]

Great video! And interview! So if you’re wanting to get a Light Sport in the Tucson AZ area there is Arizona Ultralight Aviation, I did about 12 hrs 2 yrs ago before needing to stop for money reasons at the time(bought a house, lol). HL Cooper is an awesome instructor with like 15,000+ hours flight time.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Cool, thanks!

[@B1rdTheW0rd]

Always interesting to hear about people’s stories of moving around. Shows how drastically different career progression is for people with and without a husband/wife or kids. Very informative video. Currently brainstorming the best way to get all my ratings as someone tight on cash but wants to fly more than anything and do it quick. So working and paying as I go isn’t an option. I’m between joining ATP (have my admissions flight on Sat) but having to wait until May, or attending a flight school that will allow me to go at my own pace but as fast as I am able and save a ton of money in the process. Only kicker is I’m having trouble finding reasonable financing for the second option. And I have financing guaranteed with ATP through Meritize. Really really tough decisions. And now there’s the way that this woman did it. Very interesting and compelling. Would love to hear your thoughts, Trent. Recently found your channel and loving your content.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

I faced the same decision. I really wanted to preserve my cash for investing in real estate, but could not justify the additional expense at ATP charges. Ultimately, I decided to just pay out of pocket. However, if you don’t have any cash on hand, attending a Flight School with a financing program it’s pretty much the only option.

[@MoonKingGamingMobile]

Would you recommend saving up for a year or two and then going to flight school to avoid paying debt?

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Possibly. I have also recently heard that in some states, the National Guard will help you to fund your flight training. Might want to look into that.

[@CassMan9939]

Thank you so much for this interview. I want to fly but wasn’t sure a route. This was an incredible path and gave me hope to not just go for commercial but another option to fly. Thanks so much!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

You’re welcome! Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@TheMattSeely]

Love this line of thinking! Hadn't even thought of this as a possibility.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Matt….good to hear!

[@shockwavegaming1376]

Thank you Trent and Kaity. I have been wanting to become a career pilot soon. The two hardest things for me were relocating and the price point of the mainstream route to a pilot career. Trent, if your friend is able to get that LSA I would like to be one of your students. I'll see how things go this year and get in touch with you a few months before I'm ready to begin training if I decide to train here in Boise.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

He purchased the plane and we are taking delivery of it this Sunday. I will be teaching in it immediately.

[@shockwavegaming1376]

@trent_dyrsmid One other thing that should make the LSA route even better is the MOSAIC rules that will be coming out soon.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Link?

[@shockwavegaming1376]

My work schedule as an arborist is pretty heavy in the Spring, but I hope to be able to put a deposit down to begin my training this summer if all goes according to plan.@@trent_dyrsmid

[@trent_dyrsmid]

I’m rooting for your success :)

[@coreyjordan2745]

Excellent interview. Educational, informative, encouraging

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thanks so much for watching one of my videos! I really appreciate you taking a moment to comment! I read every comment personally 🙌

[@JeremyMyersmusic]

Great Interview Trent! Thanks @pilotkaity for doing the interview! Awesome Content!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@pilotkaity]

Thank for watching! Hope this helps!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

✈️

[@pdp703]

Great video! Thanks for the knowledge yall !

[@trent_dyrsmid]

You’re welcome!

[@KRJ-dg8cn]

Good stuff brother!!!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thanks so much for watching one of my videos! I really appreciate you taking a moment to comment! I read every comment personally 🙌

[@rbarragan4372]

Enjoyed the video, greatly appreciate what your arw doing here

[@pilotkaity]

Thanks for watching!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ronaldcampbell17]

I’m going the LSA route myself. Cessna 162.

[@pilotkaity]

Very nice!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Cool!

[@r7a1s2k6al]

Man we need more pilots and instructors like you guys. I’m an engineer supervisor that over hauls landing gears for military planes. I’ve currently logged 10 hours and in the process of getting my PPL. I’m trying to do all of this out of pocket and I felt it when you guys talked about some instructors bending people over on prices !!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@JusDitty]

wowowowowowowowow, crazy story. im inspired

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thanks so much for watching one of my videos! I really appreciate you taking a moment to comment! I read every comment personally 🙌

[@conorb7872]

Is the light sport path possible for bigger people? I'm 6'3 265 and currently fly a piper warrior 151/161 with no issues but I'm over the weight limit for most flight schools ive found. I do weight and balance before every flight and have never come close to limits with my instructor. Can already tell this video is going to be a banger, and i hope it gets views so the word can get out. Great video thank you Trent and Kaity. P.s. have you considered doing live interviews with live Q&A after?

[@pilotkaity]

You would need to find a small instructor and go with half fuel to make the light sport weight and balance but it might be possible

[@conorb7872]

Sounds good, thank you

[@trent_dyrsmid]

✈️

[@chrisbloor7772]

Most LSA have some per seat limit. I've seen 220 lb/per seat on one I looked at. I didn't know this existing until looking at the POH. You have to look at the POH. I'm not sure any LSA can do 265 lb in a seat@@trent_dyrsmid

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Ive not read anything (yet) in the POH to that effect. I’ll have to take a closer look.

[@aviatordalala]

I am happy you have new intro :) no more soviet airplanes in it! Congrats

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thanks! 😃

[@JB_Hobbies]

This was an awesome video. Glad I watched!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Glad to hear it!

[@theeelzzz]

It's so awesome hearing you guys talk through this stuff! I'm down in Salt Lake and spend time in Boise a couple times a year.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@MegaMrwakawaka]

Great interview!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thanks so much for watching one of my videos! I really appreciate you taking a moment to comment! I read every comment personally 🙌

[@MegaMrwakawaka]

@@trent_dyrsmid you’re welcome! I’ve been watching them since you’re first “is 53 to old be an airline pilot” they are great videos! I think the videos just keep getting better! Lots of great information! Thanks for all the work you’re putting in making them I know it’s not easy in addition to all your training and teaching

[@trent_dyrsmid]

🙌

[@bradkalinowski7143]

Great Interview!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thanks so much for watching one of my videos! I really appreciate you taking a moment to comment! I read every comment personally 🙌

[@bradkalinowski7143]

@@trent_dyrsmid Thank you for reaching out and I’ve watched almost all of your videos so far. They’re all great. It has me seriously planning out a full ATP route instead of just pursuing my PPL. I appreciate all the time you put in to bring us such great information that shows us all the opportunities out there!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

You’re welcome! Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@DC-se3vr]

What a fun job, thank you for sharing. I’m new to aviation and didn’t know about the medivac job.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Glad it was helpful!

[@audiotek103]

There is a flight training company at the Boise airport that trains in the RV-12 light sport aircraft as an option. They also used to promote the light sport training and CFI sport route, though I no longer see that on their website. I took a discovery flight in their RV-12 this last week and it was a lot of fun.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@tommycre4115]

Trent this is a great video. Keeps me motivated to keep moving forward. The desire is there the $ is not

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thanks so much for watching one of my videos! I really appreciate you taking a moment to comment!

[@sizzelot]

Get a full time job at General Atomics and they will cover your Private Pilot flying and ground costs up to $10K.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thanks so much for watching one of my videos! I really appreciate you taking a moment to comment! I read every comment personally 🙌

[@TruckinTrader1]

Trent! This was a great video to show! I had just come across Katy's information a few days ago on her Instagram and your video with more details was great. Something I would ask, where are Light Sport flight schools located? Thank you

[@pilotkaity]

They are all over the country! Google light sport flight training in your area and there are normally a few already there

[@trent_dyrsmid]

All over the US. Find them with your Googles :)

[@charlesoxley7242]

Thank you for posting this Trent. One detail that should be expanded on: unless the FAA passes MOSAIC as it is currently written, the gross weight of an LSA cannot exceed 1320 pounds (1430 for a seaplane). That means that when you factor in the weight of fuel, the average weight of each occupant likely will not be able to exceed ~180-200 pounds. That could prevent many people from using an LSA for dual training. However, if the FAA does pass MOSAIC, my above statement becomes moot, as the gross weight limit for an LSA would be increased to 3000 lbs. Additionally, light sport pilots would gain the ability to be able to obtain additional endorsements, such as instrument, complex, high-performance, and night flying

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Good point!

[@flyingmentor]

Great info and great video Trent!!!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Glad you liked it!

[@antoniog9814]

Outstanding video, Trent! Thank you, as always. One thing I'm a bit confused about. I'm not sure if I missed the explanation, but Kaity started out with an LSA certificate and proceeded to get all the other ratings. Did she need to upgrade her LSA to a PPL later on? My understanding is that LSA certificate has limitations, such as daytime only.

[@pilotkaity]

I started with a ppl then got light sport CFI. Then got CFI-A, CFII etc

[@antoniog9814]

Thanks Kaity.@@pilotkaity

[@trent_dyrsmid]

🙌

[@ralphconley9985]

Great video! It is very informative.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Glad you think so Ralph!

[@evancdaley]

Great interview! I wonder if training like this exists in the Seattle Area. Currently wrapping up online ground school for PPL and want to start shooting for the flight training, but i'm just intimidated by the prices. In looking into those accelerated programs/ professional pilot programs, it seems like they'd be a good bet, but it's a major lump sum of money to throw into the wind hoping it lands on final.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Off the top of my head, I don’t know, so I would suggest you search on Google maps. Thanks so much for watching one of my videos! I really appreciate you taking a moment to comment! I read every comment personally 🙌

[@pilotkaity]

Snohomish Flying Service is advertising light sport on their website. I’m not associated with them so not an endorsement either way but might be a good place to start!

[@evancdaley]

@@pilotkaity thank you ! And great learning from your perspective

[@evancdaley]

@@trent_dyrsmid been enjoying your content for several months now . Thank you !

[@crackangelcool]

​@trent_dyrsmid is this something venture west aviation can do??

[@allysonphillips5975]

Hi Trent, Is your buddy, who is getting the light sport, going to need insurance on the plane in order for you to be able to instruct in it? I am purchasing a JMB VL3 aircraft and the insurance is too much to afford. $50,000. If my sons want to train students in my plane, won't I have to have insurance because I am acting like a flight school and don't flight schools have to have insurance? Thank you! Great interview!!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

The plane is insured. Didn’t cost too much.

[@sim0777]

Helpful

[@trent_dyrsmid]

🙌

[@Fly_The_Sky]

So then you are only allowed to train(CFI) in light sports. You still have to get your commercial in order to be compensated for a GIG outside of CFI. On top of that, most companies certainly want you to have a instrument rating, so you're still going to need that. Don't let this story fool you, this is 1 in 10,000. Great for her, don't get me wrong, but don't steer people into thinking this is normal and can be done by anyone and everyone. This is the exception and there are those stories everywhere.

[@boneal82]

I’m lost. So you still have to get all your hours and ratings in a certified? What’s the point of flying a LSA if the hours don’t count?

[@trent_dyrsmid]

No. That’s not what she said. Maybe just spend the money to buy her guide?

[@pilotkaity]

@@boneal82all your hours count

[@musicnevergetsold3771]

@@boneal82for my understanding the hours does count she is using the LSA CFI JOB to build up her hours and did the training in a normal certified aircraft in the minimum required hours to be able to take the check ride and pass it like if you are training in instrument rating and you need 50 hours in flight time before you can take the check ride she only need the 15 hours minimum hours so she doesn’t have to play the other 35 hours because she already has More than 500 hours in flight time that’s how she spent $35000 same goes her commercial and so on

[@trent_dyrsmid]

✈️

[@michaelw2108]

Great interviews

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thx!

[@ShahmoonAliShah]

Well done

[@trent_dyrsmid]

🙌

[@hartlandaerialsolutions2567]

Wow. Did she say FA officer? Lot of good things going on here! As usual Trent great video. Did you say free book or no? Also her contact info?

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thank you for watching! I am not sure what Free book you are referring to. She can be reached on Instagram.

[@pilotkaity]

Red legs 🤘🏼

[@hartlandaerialsolutions2567]

That is awesome! I was 13A back in the day. Congratulations on your journey@@pilotkaity

[@trent_dyrsmid]

✈️

[@renelioeanjie1485]

Awesome. Aprx when do you think you'll have the plane at your disposal 4 training

[@trent_dyrsmid]

We are picking it up this Sunday.

[@annemiller8227]

Trent! I can't believe how often you say that people say information that is crammed is unsafe. Cuz I think of the SHEER AMOUNT of information medical professionals have to CRAM while they are in school! And imho doing that 3-5 days a week HELPED the learning! Especially for nursing since we'd do classroom 2-3 days/week and clinical applications 1-2 days per week! Your style of learning makes SO MUCH MORE SENSE imho!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thx Anne!

[@8d4o0c4]

I'm a physician and that made me chuckle, as well. Medicine is a complete fire hose learning experience, the application comes by mastering the principles in discussion and in action. Nice to see that this applies to aviation, as well! Also, thanks for having this wonderful female pilot on - my 13yo daughter is fascinated by aviation and wants to become an air ambulance pilot someday!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

That’s awesome!! Btw, if you’d like to go through all the comments on my channel and reply to all the trolls that say that accelerated training is unsafe, that would be just great 🤣🤣🤣

[@annemiller8227]

@@trent_dyrsmid and I just saw a reply from a Dr who said the same!!! 😆 🤣

[@annemiller8227]

@@trent_dyrsmid I am scrolling and so far just seeming to see lots of nice comments! I watch on KZbin and I have heard content creators often say that the KZbin platform is a MUCH nicer crowd. Maybe bc most of those on KZbin are the older crowd who was raised with manners?? Anyways, I'm looking for your trolls. I believe strongly in what I said and I can't believe anyone thinks that faster is bad. After all, when you ride a bike if you don't have a certain amount of momentum you WILL FALL/FAIL! And walking or biking the ride is smoother with speed. Slow is harder than fast! And, like in medicine, you STILL have to SHOW your skill level by doing a test (in medicine it's called clinicals and you HAVE to accrue a certain amount before you can even test) seems a lot like the "check ride" Let me know if you get any trolls. My lack of experience maybe unimpressive to them but you will get a lot of support from people who have gone through college programs that are hard Specifically things like law or medicine bc you ROUTINELY get reading assignments that were 150 pages PER NIGHT that you would get tested on THE NEXT DAY!

[@bryantturner97]

Inspiring!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

🙌

[@genxpilot69]

I personally want ... possibly need the structure of a part 141 school. Regardless, Katie's awesome!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thanks so much for watching one of my videos! I really appreciate you taking a moment to comment!

[@Godsgirl818]

I’m located in Delaware right now and I feel like when I get to the CFI point I’ll probably have issues finding students here in this location.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

✈️

[@KennyJacobs]

LSA path is a great route. One of the flight schools in my area has an instrument rated LSA, the Vashon Ranger. A little cheaper to rent.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@KennyJacobs]

@@trent_dyrsmid how often do you fly now? About how many hours are you logging a week?

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Prior to December, I was logging 25 hours a week without working weekends. I expect to get back to at least that fairly soon as the weather improves.

[@annemiller8227]

I LOVE Google! I answered my own question. Maybe you addressed this ir inferred it earlier. As a newbie I might have just not noticed in the intro.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

🙌

[@JohnLee-ip4ul]

Hi, Trent and Kaity. I Took Kaity's advice, read her book, and contacted nearby airport to inquire about lessons. They said I was too heavy at 235(did not have CFI light enough to compensate), and would be too cramped in the cockpit with my build(literally said I m too wide), and recommended I go PPL route instead. They also quoted 55 hrs(hence the $17000 estimate) minimum due to the airspace around LA area being so busy. Should I go to FL for this? What are your thoughts?

[@trent_dyrsmid]

That’s definitely a dilemma. I would strongly consider going to train in less congested airspace if you can make the numbers make sense.

[@pilotkaity]

I did fly with some people your size when I worked in Florida but I was probably the only instructor in the area who could do it due to our weight. We kept the fuel at half and did the weight and balance and TOLD and it worked.

[@JohnLee-ip4ul]

@@pilotkaity Thank you. I will consider the PPL route as this can also cause issues if I become a Light Sport CFI.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

✈️

[@israeltrevino]

I start ATP in about 2 months and it’s going to cost me a loan of $120,000. This is seriously making me rethink how I go about becoming a pilot.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Good to hear. Well, I’m sure ATP will help you to get to the goal, it will cost you an arm and a leg to get there.

[@robsteal3887]

Went to Oshkosh last year, stopped at KLHX on the way there and back. On the return trip there were a few of the DA's doing pattern work. Was surprised to see the Air Force training in those planes.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thanks so much for watching one of my videos! I really appreciate you taking a moment to comment! I read every comment personally 🙌

[@pilotkaity]

115 hp in Colorado in the summer is not a lot of horses 😂

[@trent_dyrsmid]

✈️

[@Stetsonhatman]

Miss Kaity had an interesting path including her persistence in getting a gov job :)

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@bsdontop1000]

I've been looking into becoming a airlines Comercial pilot for about 10 years now and never had the fund to do it and still pay bills. If I up and quit my job to go to school full time it'll take 9 months to 18 months of no income and I can't manage that 😞 but I would love to get into this field It's been my dream job since I was a child

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@bsdontop1000]

@trent_dyrsmid definitely, I'm just trying to find a good school that has a financing option or deferred loan program near me lol the 2 bigger schools 1 is about 3 hours away in Tulsa oklahoma the closest one is about 2 hours away in Dallas texas, since I live in a small town *Ardmore Oklahoma * Hard to find anything

[@trent_dyrsmid]

I have a program coming out in the next week to help students find the best schools, so stay tuned.

[@homesteadcourt7861]

There’s definitely a lack of sport instruction. Sport is relatively new, isn’t talked about a lot, is looked down on a bit, etc. Mosaic will hopefully open up a lot of potential which will change that, so getting into sport instruction now is a very good idea. I’m about ½ way thru sport ground school using King’s. I live an hour outside of Boise, 72 acres - goal is to cut a strip in the back yard, flight school and buying an E-LSA this summer. I’m asked all the time: “Why not go the PPL route, do you have medical issues?” Nope, 56, no meds, etc. Don’t care to have more than 1 passenger, don’t want to fly at night, don’t want to fly in bad weather, want to work on my own plane and want to fly out of my back yard. Don’t want to spend 2-3x more time on something that doesn’t matter to me. IF I outgrow low/slow, will be easy to wrap up a PPL - but I don’t see it happening. Mooney’s are cool, but I can fly commercial round trip to Dallas for around $400 (free with miles) and around 4 hours 1 way - while taking a nap. When I was looking for a sport instructor/flight school, there was only 1 in Boise and they use S-LSA RV-14’s. Super nice planes but I’m interested in a Zenith/Kitfox type of plane. Don’t care to learn in a Cadillac when I’ll be flying a Jeep kind of thing. My businesses are in Dallas, spend about ½ my time there so could do the flight portion there. Searched around Dallas and found pretty much the same thing. As I understand it, instruction has to be in an S-LSA - the reason I couldn’t find instruction in a Zenith, etc. It’s probably for the best, but not my ideal, personally. Point is: 1 - There’s a market for sport instruction and it’s going to grow. The local EAA chapter is a good resource. When I couldn’t find a sport instructor in Boise, they pointed me in the right direction. 2 - There’s a market for a sport cfi after the sport cert in other planes. Planes that are different, interesting, more conducive to back country flying, etc. If you/your friend could tie in to other planes and figure out how to make $ with it… Example: I’m not going to network to find a Sonex owner, not going to let the owner give me some time for free but can’t pay him/her, will never own one and won’t be my circle. However, if I could spend $250 (or whatever) in the Boise area for an hour in a Sonex with a cfi, I’d be all over it. Kolb, biplane, Taylorcraft, Cub - the list of planes I’d love to experience for an hour is long. Anyway, love your channel, good stuff! 🙂

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thanks for sharing your thoughtful comment with the community!

[@acnva]

I like the idea of getting paid to be a CFI earlier in the process using this strategy, but I'm wondering what exactly makes it take longer. Isn't most of the time that's required to get all the ratings and licenses due to building the flight hours anyway? It seems like the flight hours is the main bottleneck. If you're getting paid to build hours once you hit the 150 HR mark, then you could build them faster since there's really nothing holding you back allowing you to dedicate the maximum amount of time to instructing and building hours, assuming that you have a steady flow of students. And flying more often provides more frequent repetition, along with the reinforcement of teaching someone else, which would make the exams and check rides for the subsequent endorsements that much easier. What am I missing?

[@trent_dyrsmid]

You aren’t missing anything.

[@ricoserrano8942]

Way to go Trent this video was straight fire. Believe it or not down here in south Florida there is only one school i 25:45 know of training in LSA other schools turn their noses up at it. They use the sling 2 it’s an awesome aircraft can go 0 to commercial in it. The 150 hour Cfi path blew my mind I was told only after commercial you can become a Cfi. Wow just wow. Great stuff keep it up.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@BH195829]

I think the issue is, you can peak and pass a check ride for sure… but it would be interesting to see what retention is like 6 months, 12 months, 18 months etc later. How much hard IFR weather, icing FL flying in say, the always gray, nasty North East - can you gain that real experience in - when getting all your sign offs in 3 months… say in Florida? 🤔

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Retention will be the byproduct of additional flight and studying. For me, neither stopped after flight school.

[@LoganEakins]

Awesome video! Interesting racket. I have a question that wasn't answered. How does MOSAIC impact these rules?

[@trent_dyrsmid]

I’ll let Kaity speak to that.

[@pilotkaity]

We don’t know for sure yet. 2024 or 2025 is the last I’ve seen that MOSAIC might be rolling out. I would think there will be a lot more people who just go the sport route since there will be many more airplanes that qualify as light sports

[@trent_dyrsmid]

✈️

[@LoganEakins]

I was thinking more along the lines of certification of pilots. For example, my understanding is that after MOSAIC goes into effect, sport pilots will be able to fly at night. Pretty drastic change. If they are changing something like that I'm wondering if the rules on becoming a light sport CFI are changing as well.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

✈️

[@TheBestWill]

Hi Trent - Fellow 55 yr-old "retired" professional building a KZbin business and also working to become a Pro-pilot. I'm taking my CFI class in February and already have over 500 hours, so am well on my way. My question: Saw you on the Pro-Pilot Playbook this morning, and you mentioned a Regional airline that seems most appealing to you.... but you didn't say which one. Can you share which airline? I understand why you might not want to say the name in a more public forum such as in a video, but maybe you'd be willing to say it here buried in the comments?! Thanks much!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Skywest because they have a base in Boise and a great reputation for training pilots.

[@TheWilliamLeeShow]

Thanks, was wondering if it might be them!@@trent_dyrsmid

[@trent_dyrsmid]

✅

[@BH195829]

Please ask your guest where she got her weather and commercial experience- to get the commercial job? Did I miss that part? How did she get to be PIC? Would love to hear that story. Thank you. 😊

[@pilotkaity]

I worked as a fight instructor for the Air Force as a civilian. Had about 2200 hours when I got hired as PIC in the Pilatus

[@trent_dyrsmid]

✈️

[@annemiller8227]

You guys kinda glossed over something that may seem totally obvious to you guys but made me go Whoa! And I even went back to the transcripts to see if i missed anything but she said something about "skip the medical and just fly on your driver's license...!?!" This sounds like something I haven't heard before!!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

🙌

[@cmritchie04]

@6:26 what about getting a glider rating add on and doing the same and the same question about weight shift control?

[@trent_dyrsmid]

I’d suggest you send her a DM on her Instagram as she is not going to receive any notifications about your question

[@ShareseVHatch]

What school in Florida did you go to Kaity? Great video, thanks!!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Please DM her on IG as she won’t be notified of your comment here.

[@anthonyrunstedler]

I think you should turn autofocus off on your video camera. Just fix it to where your seat is at.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

I have done that since.

[@chrismatkin7354]

Hey Trent, I live in the Boise area and I'm curious if there are any light sport training options available here that you're aware of?

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Yes there is. Me! Send me a DM.

[@Jwalker21NC]

Wait one question so do I need to get my private pilot before I go to light sport? And then was she making money in the first 6 months before CFI? She mentioned she put together some info about how she did it I’m looking for a road map I can follow to a t because honestly I don’t have a lot of interest in the airlines I just wanna teach and fly. Aviation is my passion of passions and the airlines isn’t what I have in mind per se.

[@pilotkaity]

You can have either ppl or sport license before becoming a light sport CFI

[@trent_dyrsmid]

✈️

[@user-hu3gf5sz1j]

The industry needs people like you. People who are passionate about teaching . And If you own the plane you can make really good money

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thank you!

[@Jwalker21NC]

@@user-hu3gf5sz1j that’s awesome thank you for the advice and your kind words. I’m back on track pursuing my dream to the fullest. Thank you all!

[@chrispyy05]

Hey Trent, what flight school did she go to in order to do this in Florida?

[@trent_dyrsmid]

I’ll let her answer that.

[@chrispyy05]

Ok thank you so much! Loved this video SUPER informative. I'm in the process of training for my Private and in college and trying to afford both, definitely taking this path.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

✈️

[@CarlosElias-vf8ep]

Can you please find out what school Kaity went to in Orlando FL so I can also attend, I'm in the Orlando area was thinking about ATP but rather go the way she did. Please and thank you

[@trent_dyrsmid]

You can ask her yourself by sending her a direct message on Instagram.

[@abenezergirma2421]

Hi Trent. Thank you for the video. I am from Ethiopia and currently am working for Ethiopian airlines as aircraft maintenance technician. I have aspiration to become pilot. Will I have a chance to get scholarship and in return to work for them aircraft maintenance? Thank you

[@trent_dyrsmid]

I have no idea. That would be up to you to pursue.

[@charlesoxley7242]

Check out the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), as well as the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). They both offer flight training scholarships, and would be a good place to start regarding them. Please note, you would need to be located and able to train in the United States.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

✈️

[@michaelsmith5463]

QUESTION: Does Glider and Light Sport flying count toward your ATP rating? (Thinking of cheap alternatives)

[@trent_dyrsmid]

www.airlinepilotforums.com/skywest/120376-glider-time.html#:~:text=Glider%20time%20is%20total%20time,ATP%20then%20it's%20acceptable%20time.

[@carlsmith2826]

I wanted to use my GI bill to get my pilot license but they won’t pay for private license which is the first thing you have to accomplish. Any suggestions?

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Answered your other comment.

[@DRDanno]

Is there somewhere I can read up on this? I have a Quicksilver MX II Sport and I’m curious whether or not I could train in it.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

I’d suggest Google and/or DM Katie on IG

[@battshytkrazy156]

GUESSING. this'll take a LONG TIME tho....😮🤷‍♀️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♀️

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Yes….longer.

[@robwheeler2020]

Great Video. My son is attending a flight school in Boise, and I'm helping fund it. I feel the school is stringing him along. He isn't flying often for various reasons- the plane needs work, the instructor isn't available, or the weather is bad. Do you have a flight school in the area? Can he attend several schools for flight hours? I like the idea of light sport plane training. Is there anyone in the Boise area offering this training?

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Hi Rob… He could train with me. To learn more about flying with me, visit flywithtrent.com.

[@brettmarquez562]

Which school was used for the light sport CFI? Ironically I moved from Pueblo Colorado to Florida to start Pilot training.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

I’m not sure, but you can send her a DM on her Instagram to ask.

[@BigMike10960]

Light sport might be tough for me 6’4” 300 lbs😂

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@TheMountain295]

What school did she do this at? I'm in Orlando so that would be great.

[@renelioeanjie1485]

I am trying to find out to. If you find it first, please reach out

[@trent_dyrsmid]

I have asked her to monitor comments when she gets some free time so hopefully she will provide an answer soon.

[@pilotkaity]

I try not to advocate for a certain school but there are a flew in the Orlando area that will come up if you Google

[@trent_dyrsmid]

✈️

[@Krakenmarefreediving1]

I have my first class medical and 15,000 right now to start. Where can i go

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Anywhere.

[@jeffp862]

Out there they are also flying in all great weather days and they are flying over flat areas and looooonnnnggg runways. So the time to finish is likely quicker than other areas. But again you passed that’s all that matters

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thanks so much for watching one of my videos! I really appreciate you taking a moment to comment!

[@ghosttords8880]

thank you for this video Trent Did she ever mention the name of the school she went to becpme a cfi for so low

[@trent_dyrsmid]

No she didn’t.

[@pilotkaity]

I don’t tend to endorse one school specifically but there are 3 in the Orlando are that do a lot of light sport training

[@trent_dyrsmid]

✈️

[@user-in3le1mg9l]

Any chance of knowing the light sport school she went to in Florida?

[@trent_dyrsmid]

She doesn’t share the name because she doesn’t want to endorse a specific school on social media. If you DM me, I can give you the name of a school.