Martin,

I didn't think about looking at military aero clubs. I'm not sure if I
qualify or not, but I'll look into it.

Thanks,

Dwayne


wrote in message
ups.com...

Nick Danger wrote:
"Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe" The Sea Hawk at wow way d0t com wrote

Is it worth the cost? Obviously a lot of people think so. Others
don't.
It's
a pretty personal decision.

In 20 yrs of flying GA I don't think I've ever met anyone who completed
the
goal of getting their license say that they didn't think it was worth
it.
It's actually worth a heck of alot more than you will have to pay! But,
you
probably won't realize that until you get your license and have a few
years
of flying under your belt. Until then, you'll just have to take my word
for
it. :)

Dwayne,

For the best prices on getting a single engine land pilot license I
would check into any military aero club in the area. Most Air Force
and some Navy bases have them, and if you are eligible for membership
(i.e. active duty, retired, contractor, CAP, etc.), are much cheaper
than their civilian counterparts. Also, they will know exactly how far
you can stretch your GI bill entitlements, and when it can be applied.
Some folks get up to 60% of the cost.
I have personal experience at the Charleston AFB Aero Club (for my
private license) and the LeMay Aero Club in Offutt AFB, NE (for the
instrument rating).
Just as an example, the LeMay Aero Club at Offutt rents a 1972 Piper
Warrior for only $67 an hour wet (including fuel) and a 2003 Cessna 172
for only $82 an hour . For comparison, an FBO in Houston was renting
an identical 172 for $124 an hour. The instructors run another $21 an
hour.
Oh, and don't forget the cost of renter's insurance. I was quoted a
price of $1000 per year for civilian insurance, just as a low-time
student pilot. The military aero clubs include insurance in the cost
of membership (around $180 per year).
Of course, a military aero club won't be of any help if you live too
far away from one . . .
If you don't have a plane most civilian clubs and FBOs will have
planes for rent and instructors for hire. FBOs are "fixed base
operators", really a term for an airport based business which normally
sell fuel, rents planes, has instructors and mechanics, and even loans
cars to transient pilots.
Go out to a local Aero Club or FBO and ask an instructor (or
student) there for advice on how to get started.

Good Luck,

Martin