Things You Should Know When Considering Flying as a Hobby

Things You Should Know When Considering Flying asa HobbyLearning to fly isn't as complicated as you thinkand anyone with the will and resources can learnhow. If you're interested in flying as a hobby,then be prepared for a lot of excitement andlearning opportunities. Here's how to do itsuccessfully:Getting airborneBefore you can turn an interest in flying into ahobby, you'll have to learn first. There aretwo ways you can get your pilot's license: attend

class at a school approved by the FAA or use a homestudy course. If you like, you can even combinethem both.Next, find out what the minimum age requirementsare for the type of license you need. A studentpilot permit, for example, will require you to beat least 14 years old, while a pilot permitrequires you to be at least 17 if you plan to flya gyroplane and at least 16 if you're flying arecreational or ultralight aircraft.Be prepared to spend.Flying isn't cheap. You'll need to pay forflying lessons and aircraft rentals if you don抰 have your own airplane. If you do have yourown plane, there are maintenance and repairexpenses to consider.Keep learning.The hours you spend honing your flying skills aredesigned to keep your senses sharp. The more

hours you put in, the better pilot you'll become.But don 抰 just stop there. Keep yourselfinformed of the latest news. Go online, read,join forums and learn everything you can. Youcan even join clubs such as the AOPA (AircraftOwners and Pilots Association), EAA(Experimental Aircraft Association) and Women inAviation.If there are seminars or conventions that you feelcan expand your knowledge in flying, it might beworth your time to attend. Seminars offervaluable topics on flying that you can learn.Talk to people with a similar hobby and if there'sa pro in the field who's willing to share hisexpertise with you, take advantage of theopportunity.'There are no old bold pilots.'Being a foolhardy pilot is just for movie specialeffects. In fact, it's the stuff of bad, sadaviation lessons, the kind you tell any aspiring

youngster as a precautionary tale. No matter howgood you think you are, it is still wise to followrules not just for your sake but also for the sakeof your passengers and those on the ground.