You just looking to become a private pilot or going for an aviation career? Makes a big difference.
If you're just looking to become a private pilot it's pretty easy but not cheap. Check out the local airports for what is called an FBO (Fixed Base Operator) and they will either have instructors or can point you to one. Don't jump on the first one you meet. Ask around and get recommendations. Instructors are like anyone else, some are good, some excellent and some downright horrible that chase off more people than they train. Strongly recommend you talk with recent or current students before you make your choice, plus they'll be able to let you know what the total cost was for them. Check on aircraft rental costs and what the rental includes (old or new airplanes? wet or dry? etc.)
You'll be required to do quite a bit of study on flight rules, airspace, aerodynamics, avionics, etc., and take a written test. You'll get a minimum of 40 hours of flight instruction (some dual piloted with your instructor and some solo) after which you'll take your flight exam. Total cost can vary greatly depending on aircraft rental, the total time you'll actually need (the 40 hours is minimum, many folks take lots more), the instructor fees, etc. Cheapest you could probably get by with is probably something like $2,000 but I'd expect average is closer to $5,000-$6,000. Remember you have to pay for instructor, aircraft rental/fuel, equipment (headset, kneeboard, pubs, etc.), instructional materials, flight physical, and both the written exam and flight exam. After all this you end up with a single engine land rating which allows you to fly anywhere legal under VFR including at night. There is another rating that's just come up called "sport pilot". There is not nearly as much instruction required but you're limited to very small, light planes, day VFR and can't fly in much of the airspace available to others. You're limited to a single passenger. I have personal thoughts about this as most aircraft accidents are pilot related so I don't know how teaching someone less, even with the additional restrictions, is better but that's just me. Assuming you go with the SEL rating, you can then follow up with Instrument, Commercial, Float, Rotary Wing, etc. Don't forget ultralights and gliders either. All depends on what you want to spend, just remember, flying ain't cheap. A Cessna 180 probably rents for $80-$100 an hour, probably more if it's relatively new and well equipped. One of the cheapest ways to go is go into a multi-pilot partnership on a small plane.
For more info go to the AOPA web site (
http://www.aopa.org). On the left side is a link to a long list that gives you a ton of information for "newbies" ;-)
If you're interested in a career I was going to say join the military until I saw your age. When I joined, the Navy wanted you to be no older than 27 when you got your wings. Don't know about USAF. You'd have to check with both of the services. A lot of people don't realize that you can become a Naval Aviator or air force pilot without going through the Academies or ROTC as long as you have a college degree and can meet all of the other requirements (obviously including passing the flight physical). The other consideration is that if you do this you'll have something like an 8 year committment (not positive what it is now but it's something like 8) after you get your wings. Of course, there's a lot to be said for it.
If the military isn't an option there are several "flight academies" (also some universities like Embry-Riddle). There are quite a few of them, most located in Florida or California. Some of these are connected with the major airlines and can guarantee at least an interview after you graduate. None offer guaranteed acceptance but since the military has downsized the airlines are getting far more of their pilots this way so there is plenty of opportunity. They're fairly expensive but it can be financed. Again, things have changed, in this case regarding pay. The major airlines have been having problems, especially since 9/11, and have come up with separate pay scales for new hires so it's not as lucrative as it used to be so paying back an education loan is something to really consider. There are also the regional airlines, most of which are now flying smaller jets as opposed to turboprops. You get a lot of hours but the pay isn't great, probably somewhere between $20 and $30k per year but guys will get on there and build hours for a later transition to the majors.
A common route is to spend your own money getting your ratings (single engine, instrument, instructor) and then building hours by instructing but this is a very long and arduous journey. Flight instructor pay sucks since most people realize you're just building hours and aren't going to be around forever. Many get additional ratings (Commercial and ATP) and get on with package delivery or local air-taxi services to build hours.
Best of luck. If you've got more questions feel free to ask.
Mace
