In this guide, we will learn about the various challenges of learning how to fly light aircraft and some of the best rewards associated with picking up aviation as a hobby.
Training to be a pilot is one of the best things that you can do for yourself. Not only do pilots learn a lot about various aviation-related fields of study, but they also garner respect and recognition wherever they go.
However, the road to becoming a pilot isn’t necessarily easy. Since flying aircraft requires quite a lot of skill, discipline, determination, and focus, it can be very challenging for individuals who don’t want to push themselves to achieve their goals.
The good news is that once you set your goals and persevere, you can get your very own license and become part of one of the most sought-after and respected professions in the world. Even if you don’t take the career route, you can get the same benefits and rewards by picking up aviation as a hobby!
In this guide, we will learn about the various challenges of learning how to fly light aircraft and some of the best rewards associated with picking up aviation as a hobby or profession.
Why Start with Light Aircraft?
When people talk about flying as a recreational activity, you will notice that they will often mention light aircraft. The reason for this is that light aircraft are one of the primary choices for private pilots. A Private Pilot License (PPL) entitles you to fly any aircraft that comes under the light aircraft category.
The characteristics of light aircraft are also very clear. Light aircraft are available in two primary designs: fixed-wing and flex-wing.
Fixed wings are one of the most common light aircraft in the world. They are the quintessential light aircraft due to their fixed-wing design and lightweight body. These aircraft mimic the design of larger aircraft which is why they are perfect for learning how to fly.
Most private pilots that want to obtain a license will train on these aircraft because they offer a more comprehensive flying solution. Fixed-wing aircraft usually have a more complex design, a powerful engine, and far greater control. These factors also make fixed wings one of the best choices for teaching pilots various manoeuvres that can be used in aero-sports and aerobatics!
Fixed wings also have a range of complex instruments. For example, a fixed-wing aircraft will usually have a panel with various navigational instruments including radar and other gauges that can help them navigate the aircraft even when visibility is low. This type of navigation is called IFR (Instrument Flying Rules) and is one of the hallmark features of fixed-wing aircraft.
The second category of light aircraft is called flex-wings. As the name suggests, these planes are built using a flexible wing system. The wings are made from a rigid lightweight material and a fabric is wrapped around the skeleton of the wing. Fun fact: this was the same design that was used in the first flight-capable aircraft designed by the Wright Brothers in 1903!
Flex-wings are even lighter and more compact aircraft than fixed-wings. Some of them don’t even have a typical fuselage. Instead, they expose the pilot and passenger to the elements. This means that you get to fly with the wind in your face! This is why flex-wing light aircraft are one of the definitive flying machines and the best choice for most private pilots.
These aircraft are relatively simpler in design and don’t offer as many features as fixed wings but once you fly this type of aircraft, it can be difficult to turn back! Both fixed and flex wings offer a unique flying experience that uniquely challenges the pilot – and both of them have their own rewards too.
Challenges of Learning to Fly Light Aircraft
Here are some of the biggest challenges of learning to fly a light aircraft:
Finances
As you can imagine, learning to fly a plane can be quite expensive. In fact, it is one of the most expensive professions to learn in the world. Even if you don’t take up an aviation career, learning to fly as a hobby can be just as expensive too.
Learning to fly can include various fees such as aircraft rental fees, fuel costs, training materials, licensing fees, flight training fees, medical license fees, and much more. The good news is that some flight schools, like Sherburn Aero Club, offer various discounts and a relatively relaxed fee structure that helps candidates plan their finances efficiently.
Learning to become a commercial pilot can be even more expensive! Since commercial pilots need to train more than private pilots, they have a significantly higher cost. However, this doesn’t mean that private licenses are cheap. The average cost for a private license can go anywhere between £12,000 and £16,000.
The high costs of learning how to fly light aircraft is one of the reasons why many people don’t pursue this hobby, but many who do, also have the option to make money from their hobby by pursuing the right qualifications to apply for private pilot jobs. They can also opt to become flight instructors too!
Commitment
Don’t have the time for training? Then you are likely to increase your overall flight training costs. Learning to fly light aircraft requires considerable dedication and commitment. If you don’t show up for training or lag, then you will have to invest more money into your training just to get a private license.
For example, if a candidate enrols in a flight programme but takes long breaks in between, then it is likely that they will have to repeat their lessons, especially if they have a weak understanding of the theoretical and practical concepts of aviation.
Flight training requires considerable ground training, practical lessons, and lengthy exams. If you don’t perform adequately in any aspect of training, then you will not be able to obtain your license on time.
On top of this, flight training can also be quite demanding, which is why candidates are required to focus and invest their time in training so that they can quickly progress through the programme.
Technicalities
Aviation is an inherently technical subject. From learning the basics of flight to learning how to operate an aircraft, there are a lot of technicalities in between that can overwhelm candidates. Piloting requires a deep understanding of all the necessary principles associated with flight. Pilots are expected to be well-versed in highly complicated and technical topics such as aerodynamics, meteorology, navigation, and more.
Not only this but there is a lot of technical lingo involved in aviation too. For example, when pilots learn how to operate the communication equipment on aircraft, they will need to learn the basic shorthand lingo involved in communicating with groundcrew or ATC personnel.
Physical and Mental Requirements
Flight training can require a considerable amount of mental and physical prowess. Pilots are expected to not only be physically fit for flight training, but they must also show mental aptitude.
Piloting an aircraft can be quite complex and pilots are expected to make quick decisions within seconds. For example, if a pilot runs into problems with their plane, then they will have to perform various tasks within a short period of time to remedy the issue. This type of urgent and emergency response can put quite a lot of mental pressure and stress on the pilot. If you are someone who doesn’t handle stress well, then you might struggle with learning how to fly light aircraft.
Rewards of Learning to Fly Light Aircraft
Now that you know all the challenges involved in piloting light aircraft, let’s take a look at some great counterpoints to the challenges above:
Developing Skills
Since aviation requires studying a wide variety of subjects, you are bound to develop a wide array of skills when you learn how to fly. From sharpening interpersonal skills to learning technical knowledge, and even developing the ability for problem-solving; aviation truly empowers an individual to be the best version of themselves.
Even if you don’t opt to become a full-time pilot, obtaining a private license can also grant you a wide range of skills that can come in handy on and off the tarmac.
If you successfully develop the mindset required for aviation, then you can easily progress through any hurdle in life. You can even amp up your ambition and pursue an even higher level of aviation training!
Freedom to Fly
Commercial pilots, although handsomely compensated, don’t have the freedom to fly whenever they want. Since these pilots are working at an airline, they are treated as regular employees that need to fly predefined routes.
However, in the case of private pilots that fly light aircraft, they get to experience a completely different level of independence. When you obtain your private license, you will be granted the ability to plan your own flight plans and execute them according to your convenience. Light aircraft pilots can explore their surroundings in any way they want and they also get to choose which type of light aircraft they want to fly too.
You can even take your friends and family with you on your adventures! This type of freedom is seldom seen in other hobbies or professions!
Sense of Achievement
Obtaining a pilot license for a light aircraft is a fantastic personal achievement that deserves to be commended. As mentioned above, flying an aircraft can be quite challenging, but the flip side to this is that the reward can more than make up for the inconveniences of learning how to fly.
If you love to push yourself and achieve goals, then there is no better way to prove yourself than to obtain a pilot license. Since flight training requires a candidate to brush up on various subjects, it can be quite a rewarding experience when all of your training comes to fruition. There is no better feeling in the world when you get your license and step inside the cockpit as a certified pilot for the first time!
Introspection and Growth
Flying planes isn’t all about glamour, high-speed manoeuvres, and flashy aircraft. It is mostly about obtaining a new perspective on life. When you fly several hundred feet in the air, you are left alone with your thoughts, gliding through the air. This type of experience can seem quite surreal and is the perfect opportunity for many people to introspect.
Every pilot will have a story about how they first felt and reacted when they flew by themselves. It is said that flying can change a man’s life and give them a whole new approach and appreciation of it.
Learning to fly also offers a lot of room for personal growth as you get to understand your limits. This is why most people who fly continue to learn more about aviation because they keep pushing their limits to get to the next level.
If you are the type of person that wants to break their personal records, then there is no better avenue for you than aviation. Growing and achieving new heights in aviation is a huge reward that can have profound effects on your confidence and self-esteem!
Being Part of a Community
All pilots share a code and a sense of camaraderie. When you become a pilot, you become a part of a long line of professionals that have a very high standard of conduct.
Being a pilot is a revered title all over the world and when you travel, you will also get to meet a lot of other great pilots too. Meeting other like-minded individuals with shared goals and ambitions plays a big role in developing a culture for aviation.
Trust us when we tell you that when you get your license, you will automatically forget all about the hardships that you faced during training and all you will be left with is a huge sense of pride and a need to fly a light aircraft!
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.
If you wish to begin your career in aviation or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers private and commercial licences, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran in various types of light aircraft.
The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation in the long run.
With a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, we cater to brand-new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
Sherburn offers a dedicated day-long Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course for those wishing to get the certification, running the first Sunday of every month.
In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your own aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.
Call us at 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on light aircraft, training requirements, licencing procedures, as well as experience flights and pilot training at Sherburn.
