Speed demons: who among you has wanted to learn to fly but didn't know how to go about it?

Let's see who is interested and I can help you guys get started.

Billy

 

i'm here to help as well.
passed my written, waiting TSA approval to begin my flight training.

 

Do you need TSA approval for the particular airfield you are at?

I had to go through several hoops myself because I'm based within the FRZ up here near DC.

 

I've looked into it. I have a couple good schools to choose from at the Santa Monica Airport but I haven't decided on any yet. I'd love to hear about things I should be looking for in a good school/instructor.

 

Here are some good articles at AOPA to get you started:

AOPA Flight Training - Choosing your Flight School

AOPA Flight Training - Finding a Flight Instructor

I would definitely join AOPA. You can't beat the benefits for such a low membership fee. As far as the school goes, it's your money so be picky. Finding a professional flight school, with clean facilities, modern aircraft, and motivated/professional instructors seems to be the exception these days (several articles in recent months in various flight magazines about this very topic.) Talk to other students there. Do they like how the school operates, do they like the instructors, etc. Are the trainers new/old, clean, well maintained, etc.

I had no problem flying in a 30+ year old Cessna 172 with minimal avionics for my primary instruction. The day after I got my license I took the entire family up for a short trip. My wife said it reminded her of the worst used taxi cab she'd ever been in. Perception is everything and will effect your decisions.

Of course I used that against her to buy my own plane...

 

Thanks for the links.