Hello all! I'm a new member near JZP, north of Atlanta.

A few months ago, I decided to pursue my childhood dream of obtaining my PPL. Thanks to the coronavirus, I'm pre-discovery flight, but I'm hoping that I can use all this downtime to focus on book knowledge and pick the brains of people far more experienced than me so training goes as smoothly as possible.

From what I've read, it seems like the best plan is to find a CFI nearby (JZP/CNI/49A), get their help in buying a trainer, if they don't have something they can use, then train that way, hopefully selling for near what I put in. Has anyone gone that route and can recommend/warn me away from it? I'd then do something similar for my IR, but with something I wanted to keep for more than a year or two.

I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you and learning as much as I can.

I wouldn't buy a plane just yet. Get the ticket on a rental, then buy if that's your game. Most I would do is a dry lease as a non-PPL but I think insurance is gonna be expensive too. Renters insurance should be more palatable.

Perhaps you should get one of the newest Sim devices. I looked at a few of them at Banyan last month and was very impressed. Pretty sure if you master the sim before getting into a real one, your flight hours will be minimal. Cost would pay for itself in flight hours. I think my PPL was around 60 hours zero-to-hero so to speak.

I'm in SE Georgia so I'm no help up there. But if passing through, I have tools and a can-do attitude if you need help.

I’ll take the other side if you can find a nice C-172 you can get your PPL and Instrument in it Then most likely sell it for what you paid for it and buy something faster. You will be money ahead. I’m just up the road in Chattanooga. Ed W00d hangars at Jasper he would be a excellent mentor for you. You can PM him here on BT.

Welcome Jeff,
I am a bit in between but closer to Jay. Take at least a couple lessons to be sure this is for you.

Rule number 1: Find an experienced instructor. Preferably one with 5,000 hours instructing.

My instructor had maybe 250hrs. Nice guy, not his fault. Took me a while to get over our learning as we went not to mention I basically had to threaten to fire him to get him to let me solo then again to take check ride.

Rule #2: Buy a taildrager. Optional as instructor is more important than taildrager vs Tricycle. Taildraggerz iz better teacherz

Rule #3. Fly at least two lessons a week. Book three a week or more if possible.
You will learn much quicker and solo in a month....if you obey rule #1 and are committed

Rule #4. Don’t get discouraged...too much.
Toward the end of training can be monotonous. Take a free day and travel for a $100 hamburger.

Freedom and thrill of having an airplane will be SO WORTH IT!!

Good luck

Hi Jeff and welcome.
Sounds like you have good plans and also getting good advice, such is the beauty of BT!

Brad, those are some good points. I like the idea of primary training in a TW, and will take that option if it's feasible. However, I'm going to go with what I buy or what the nearest and best CFI has available. If I want to shoot for two or more lessons a week, I'll need to stick really close to my home airport for training to make it feasible with my work schedule.

John, indeed! I appreciate the warm welcome. It's not what I'm used to on internet forums, but I'm a fan.

Hi from Buford, GA! I’m afraid I don’t have a whole lot to add to the discussion, but I will say welcome! You’re going to do great. Stay tuned here, there’s lots of great discussion related to just everyday aviation. So much so that you will learn without realizing it. Don’t get too deep in the weeds yet tho, keep focused on the goal.


Marshall

Welcome!

Don’s path to PPL

First thing is get your medical.
Learn to land a rental plane
Finish in your plane once step two is complete.

Have fun.

Peace,
Don

Welcome to BT. You've found an aviation site with a wealth of knowledge and some colorful characters. Happy to have another BT'r at JZP. Terry Parn is based there as well and a great guy.

I sent you a PM with my phone number. I'm happy to help in the process any way I can.

Ed

Of which you are most definitely a member of Ed. Quentin did my annual this year said we all need to get together soon

Hello to all, This is Diego from Montevideo Uruguay, actually PP and studying to be an A&P. Thank you to let me in. Regards

Welcome!

Jeff

I like the the idea of buying the second plane first.
It’s nice to be able to do all your trining in your own airplane.
It’s probably not the most cost effective way. You easily blow through $10k with hangar rent, insurance, maintenance, finance etc. $10k is what I estimated at $200 per hour incl CFI and plane rental times 50hours.

Just be aware that a 172 is probably not going to be your last airplane.
No. 3 airplane should be a Beech.

I’m a CFI at KLZU. Let me know if you are looking for a CFI.

Thanks

Dirk were you ever at KCRQ?

Jeff, no never been there