Private Pilots License?

[TimberHunter]

Kicking around the idea of getting a private pilot’s license at a local, small airstrip. Cost is approx $10k. For those that have their license, I’m curious what you can do with it?

Not looking to monetize it, just looking to see if others’ do fly in hunts or if it’s a more recreational hobby similar to SXS/UTV riding?


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[Geewhiz]

Where do you live? That's a huge factor in the utility of it.

 

[TimberHunter]

Where do you live? That's a huge factor in the utility of it.

South West


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[Geewhiz]

Do you have plans to buy and own an airplane or go into a partnership on an airplane or just rent for the immediate future and see how things go? What kind of flying interests you?

Realistically speaking, what are your dreams and goals with aviation?

 

[TimberHunter]

I could foresee purchasing or splitting the cost with someone else as long as I still like it after getting my license

Realistic dreams/goals. Not sure, that’s why I wanted to ask others on here. Unrealistic: learn to fly, purchase a cub, fly in Alaska and find a way for it to create income being that I would’ve left my job at that point lol


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[parshal]

I have an instrument rating since 2001 and private since 1992. I had dreams of getting a plane and flying to hunts. Great idea if you're gonna fly when the weather's nice. If you plan on flying in winter months you'll need a plane that can fly into known icing conditions and that is an expensive plane. If you don't have that you can be stuck for days before you can fly out.

Add the cost of an airplane and maintenance and it's a difficult proposition. I wish I were independently wealthy or had no other hobby to spend money on.

 

[Jordan Budd]

I have my license, we have a super cub here in Nebraska. Makes sense for us because we check cows very quickly on the ranch and we love flying. When I lived in Idaho I was part of a flight club that had a few airplanes and eventually the juice wasn't worth the squeeze. We took it looking at new country a couple times, flew up to McCall for breakfast a couple times. Flew through some amazing country within the peaks that hardly anyone gets to see. All fun, but expensive.
$10k is only getting you your license, which I would never discourage anyone from getting if you have the funds. The people flying themselves in for hunts have a lot of time and practice learning how to get into those kind of airstrips plus an airplane that will actually handle it, it's definitely not a one sized fits all. Beyond that you have a whole other set of issues to deal with once you're in that you typically wouldn't worry about with a parked car. In the end for most people holding your private is 95% for hobby.

 

[TimberHunter]

I have an instrument rating since 2001 and private since 1992. I had dreams of getting a plane and flying to hunts. Great idea if you're gonna fly when the weather's nice. If you plan on flying in winter months you'll need a plane that can fly into known icing conditions and that is an expensive plane. If you don't have that you can be stuck for days before you can fly out.

Add the cost of an airplane and maintenance and it's a difficult proposition. I wish I were independently wealthy or had no other hobby to spend money on.

Great point on the ice conditions, didn’t even think about that


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[atmat]

Considering the same thing, so interested in the responses.

 

[ndmarine]

Military and commercial airline pilot here. I have 2000 hours and you couldn’t pay me to fly a cub onto a river bed strip in Alaska. Those guys get a ton of practice and the ones who are good are the only ones still doing it. I’d take that $10k and put it toward a couple air taxi fly in hunts personally

 

[jlaner0408]

I’ve thought the same thing but only with helicopters. I talked to some guys and realized it’s CRAZY expensive getting hours on your own. That’s why a lot of ex military folks end up with those jobs- paying for fuel and flight hours makes it pretty cost prohibitive to do out of pocket.

I’d love to hear from some more people on here too though.

 

[TimberHunter]

Military and commercial airline pilot here. I have 2000 hours and you couldn’t pay me to fly a cub onto a river bed strip in Alaska. Those guys get a ton of practice and the ones who are good are the only ones still doing it. I’d take that $10k and put it toward a couple air taxi fly in hunts personally

Thanks for the perspective! Luckily I’m already going on a caribou float plane hunt this August


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[Geewhiz]

I got my ppl about 4 years ago with an interest in off airport bush type flying. I bought a cub and haven't hardly landed on asphalt since. If you buy a plane purely for the utility of it I don't believe it will last long, you've got to have a love of aviation. It's not really something you can do on the side. You either do it and go all on, or do yourself a favor and don't at all. There are many significant costs associated with owning an airplane.

Lots of guys have dreams of owning a super cub and using it to access land locked parcels that nobody else can get to and shoot giant bulls every year. Realistically things just don't tend to work out that way. Last year I drew a bull permit and made plans to fly into 2 different land locked parcels that I always knew would be dynamite. Well as luck would have it I got absolutely skunked and ended up hiking from the highway and killing a bull 2 miles from the asphalt. Lots of "wasted" logistical planning to not have even needed the plane.

Like @ndmarine said, off airport flying is very high risk and it isn't for the faint of heart, but people do it safely and successfully all the time.

On a side note, the cheapest mid time supercubs on the market right now are in the 130-160k range. One single 35 inch bushwheel is $2703. My annual inspection last year cost me over $3500. One certified wheel bearing (need 2) for a 1/2 inch tailwheel axle is $190.

That being said, its the coolest thing I've ever done. Sunday morning before church I flew down south to scout out a creek fishing spot and moseyed my way back, logging 7 or 8 landings on misc. ridges, hillsides, and 2 tracks.




One other thing to note, if you want to use your airplane to fly into high risk off airport undeveloped type places. I very much doubt you will be able to find anybody that would be willing to partner with you or that you would be able to rent an airplane from, which realistically means the expenses associated with sole ownership.

 

[Tahoe1305]

Been flying for 20 years now. Own a small plane now and have for about last 15 years. Flying has been my career and still is.

I’m in support for sure of getting a PPL if you want to fly, but what you’re wanting to use it for from first glance isn’t really practical. And even partnering with folks likely isn’t either.

For starters most planes that are affordable (call that sub $200k) aren’t going to have the useful load or capability to land in the back country and haul out an elk (with gas and one or two people). Mine is pretty close (1350lbs of useful load) and I’ve talked myself out of it 3 times in recent years.

Secondly, the training and proficiency to do what you are wanting will be more than just the $10k for the PPL. Potentially mountain training, tailwheel maybe, etc.

Lastly, the times of year that we hunt come with weather that those cheaper planes aren’t equipped to deal with (ice) and would likely require more advanced ratings (instrument) and even more flying and practice (and a properly equipped plane).

All that said, if it’s something you want to get into, 100% for it. But just be realistic and understand it’s going to take some time and a lot of funds to get to where you ultimately want to use the credentials and experience for.

Btw if you’re rich and can afford a PC-12 hit me up, I’ll teach you what you need to know and it will be perfect .

 

[scaast]

I’ve had my license since 1994. I recommend you go take an introductory lesson. You’ll know well before you get your license if you enjoy it or not.

 

[TimberHunter]

Thanks all for the perspective. I’ve got an hour flight scheduled with an instructor for later this week to see if flying is my thing.


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[arrow179]

I have been around flying and airplanes my entire life. I grew up flying with my Dad going on different trips as a kid. He got his PPL when I was a toddler. That being said I never really took an interest in getting my license until I was in my early 40’s. Took me about 2 years from start to finish as it can be difficult to get your CFI, the weather and an airworthy airplane to all be on the same schedule! Make sure you plan to schedule at least 3 lessons with your CFI per week or more otherwise you’ll be like me and take way longer than expected.

I learned in a Cessna 150 that I bought cheap and then sold it after I got my license. A 150 is good for building hours but not for any long distance trips. I purchased a Piper Archer2 from my FIL as he quit flying about 2 years ago. I have come to the conclusion that if you want to really be a better pilot and be able to really utilize your license you need to get an instrument rating. I found a good CFII that I’m going to start taking instrument lessons with soon.

Here’s my takeaways:

1. It will take longer and cost more than you expect
2. If you buy an airplane plan on spending a bunch of money on maintenance and repairs.
3. Be real with your expectations as to what your missions are and decide what you really want out of it.
4. To be really proficient you must take the time to continue to fly at least 1x per week.
5. I wish I was independently wealthy and had lots of time - it would be an easier process!
6. You will only get out of it what you are willing to put into it (time and practice).

I learned in this old girl:

Current plane:




Feel free to PM me and I would be happy to talk on the phone if you want any more details or suggestions.

 

[Mtnmilsurp]

I set out to get my son started on his PPL here in Colorado, wanting him to knock it out quickly as I think that's the only way--fly every day, twice if possible and be done in a month. That's how I got mine in 40 hours on the dot in 3 1/2 weeks, not 65 hours spread over a year.

Well, I found out that recently there's been a shortage of A&Ps which has created a general backlog of flyable rental aircraft at all the FBOs. Students are getting 1 or 2 flights a month, which sounds to me like starting over again every flight. One FBO I talked to had over 150 students fighting for 3 aircraft whenever the winds/visibiliy/ceiling were in limits. No way...

Also note, to be a safe pilot, flying has to be a lifestyle. You can't just go out and kick the tires, get in and fly 3 or 4 times a year. After getting your license you really have to fly a couple times a month or not at all.

 

[Geewhiz]

After getting your license you really have to fly a couple times a month or not at all.

I say a couple of times a week. I sure wouldn’t want to fly with someone who flies an hour or two a month.

 

[Arctic Hunter]

I have my PPL. Flying is expensive. Best to find a couple guys to form a partnership and buy an airplane. Or get in with a couple. Helps if one of them is an A&P or has their CFI.…

I’ll reiterate what’s above, if you can’t fly regularly, you will get pretty rusty.