Private Pilot Flight Training and Instruction Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM Learning To Fly Young You really don't need to go to a flying school to learn to fly. The schools tend to be quite expensive. I hope you live close to an airport. If so, start hanging out there and offering to help and learn. Pilots tend to be wonderful people who like to help kids who want to learn about flying. Even washing an airplane is an art. You should earn enough by washing one airplane to get an hour's lesson. You can learn a great deal while washing planes. An FBO (Fixed Base Operator) at the airport may hire you to keep things clean. While you work you can make friends with the instructors and get ideas from them. Nearly every pilot has a collection of old books that are no longer needed. Ask if you can read them and promise to return them. As often as not they will become a gift. Go to the public library and go through the Aviation section. Read about the history and famous pilots. Most of them have started out just as you are. You are quite fortunate to be starting out at your age knowing what you want to do in your life. I didn't learn until I was 42. However, I made model airplanes and ships all of my life. The making of flying models will teach you about the parts of airplanes and the reading about flying will teach you the words you need to know in order to talk airplane. Live a clean life, don't smoke or drink if you intend to be a pilot. Your driving record is used by airlines and others as an indication of how safe you will be as a pilot. Eat healthy. I am now 77 and live in constant fear that I may lose my medical and have to give up flying. This happens to everyone who flies. By taking care of yourself you can live to have a long and successful flying life. In 1979 I taught a 19-year old to fly. He is now Captain on a 747and has been for five years. Written by Gene Whitt Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM