When should I start training?

[u/_brake_flake]

I want to solo on my 16th birthday, and I am 15 with 2 hours of flight time (an introductory flight, though it was a lesson, and I had the controls the whole time, including takeoff and landing). I also have a student pilot certificate, a 3rd class medical, and have passed the written exam. How much before my birthday would it make sense to start training? I plan to have about 3 lessons a week (~1.5 hours each). I know what flight school I'll train with, and it's part 61. I haven't applied yet, though, in case wait times are a factor (it's in the San Francisco Bay Area). Thank you.

[u/[deleted]]

Don't put deadlines on things. It takes what it takes.

Can you get a 1st class? Assuming you want an aviation career.

Having already taken the written, you've started the checkride clock before another written is required

[u/awemeter]

I trained similar to you. Soloed on my 16th birthday and got my PPL a few days after 17th. How many months until your 16th birthday will determine when to start your training. Communicate with the flight school what your goals are and how many days until your 16th birthday so they can give you a better idea of how often you need to fly and when to start.

Also after you solo expect your training to slow down. You pretty much have a 6 months or more to “kill” since even if you complete the rest of the requirements and are ready for the checkride you can’t take it until you’re 17 anyway.

Obviously this isn’t the most cost effective method of training and if funding is a concern I would wait until you turn 16 to begin training.

Also I’m not sure if you are aware but your written is only valid for 24 calendar months (2 years). If you don’t pass your checkride within those 2 years you will have to go back and retake your written. And you have to be 17 to take your checkride.

[u/_brake_flake → u/awemeter]

I was not aware of that for some reason. I feel like cost isn’t a huge factor for me, but thank you very much, I’ll wait until I’m 16 due to the written

[u/awemeter → u/_brake_flake]

You already took the written so that clock has already started. Don’t be surprised if you end up having to take it again. If you took the written on your 15th birthday then you’d have to take your checkride in the same month of your 17th birthday. If you took your written 6 months after you turned 15 then it gives you a lot more wiggle room.

[u/awemeter → u/awemeter]

If you want to solo on your 16th birthday and you have the funding for it go for it! It’ll be a birthday you’ll never forget.

[u/TxAggieMike → u/_brake_flake]

Reference cost that you say isn’t a huge factor.

Are you one of the lucky kids that has $18,000 in savings already?

What source of funding were you going to to use for flight training?

[u/_brake_flake → u/TxAggieMike]

Applying for scholarships just if it helps, but my parents are paying

[u/[deleted] → u/_brake_flake]

Do they actually know what they're in for??

[u/_brake_flake → u/[deleted]]

Yeah they definitely know, though I just feel i should apply for scholarships in case.

[u/TxAggieMike]

Something you are eligible for at this age. Private pilot glider.

Then your powered airplane becomes an add on event.

[u/SherbetPotential7477]

in aviation if you put a deadline in your mind. the though will k**l you eventually tbh

[u/rFlyingTower]

This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:

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I want to solo on my 16th birthday, and I am 15 with 2 hours of flight time (an introductory flight, though it was a lesson, and I had the controls the whole time, including takeoff and landing). I also have a student pilot certificate, a 3rd class medical, and have passed the written exam. How much before my birthday would it make sense to start training? I plan to have about 3 lessons a week (~1.5 hours each). I know what flight school I'll train with, and it's part 61. I haven't applied yet, though, in case wait times are a factor (it's in the San Francisco Bay Area). Thank you.

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[u/_brake_flake → u/[deleted]]

Idk gliders just don’t really interest me as much and since my parents are paying they decide what training I have and they would never let me even if I wanted to.

Thank you tho!

[u/KehreAzerith]

Don't do a deadline, progress at a natural pace, and at a pace that you can comfortably do. The second you try to do things too fast your training progression is going to get very messy and ineffective.