Flying isn't cheap, and we all like to save money. Here are a handful of ways to help make that happen.
Home Study
The more you know, the less you have to be taught. Companies like King, Gleim, Pilot Institute, and Sportys offer home study ground school courses for considerably less than you'd pay an instructor for the same material. Also: listen to ATC on LiveATC.net, join social media groups, and immerse yourself in aviation.
Group Classes
For required training that doesn't have to be one-on-one, split costs with a group if you can.
Chair Fly
Chair fly, chair fly, chair fly. The faster you pick up on the concepts, the less time you spend practicing them in the airplane. Take time at home before and after every flight to fly the lesson in your head — checklists, switches, radio calls, climbs, level offs, maneuvers. Build your muscle memory before you pay for the plane.
Even better, if the flight school will allow it, sit in the actual plane on external power and run through checklists and procedures without burning fuel or engine time.
Sim Time
Simulator flight time can improve your skills at a fraction of the cost of flying, and some sim training counts toward your ratings. Sims let your instructor put you in situations that wouldn't be possible or safe in the airplane.
Share Flight Time
Tag along on other flights. You'll be amazed how much you can take in when you're not piloting. The farther away you are from the controls, the smarter you become.
Safety Pilot
Instrument rated pilots need instrument flight time. Hop in the right seat and build hours keeping your buddy safe while they keep their eyes inside.
Network
Connections make the world turn. Meet people at the flight school and the FBO. Take a job at one of these locations if you can. These connections open you up to training opportunities, job opportunities, and aviation friends.
Let's Sum it Up
The biggest take home is to stay ahead. Prepare for lessons with home study and chair flying. Split costs where you can, and tag along on other flights so you can take a step back and see the big picture.
