Freda M member for 1 year 7 weeks Send a message

I am so excited. Last week I was invited to try out this new program to learn how to fly planes. This has always been something that I have wanted to do and now there is a program that allows women just like me to learn how to fly.

We will be taking our first lesson at Midway Airport the second week in July and I am really looking forward to it. I am bringing a camera with me so you can actually sit through my first lesson with me. I think this is SOOOOO cool!

WORLD’S LARGEST PILOT ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES NEW
LEARN-TO-FLY PROGRAM CALLED LetsGoFlying.com

It’s never been easier to find out what it takes to become a pilot, or to find a local flight school where you can take a specially priced introductory flight, thanks to www.LetsGoFlying.com, a new learn-to-fly program. Developed by the nonprofit Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the world’s largest pilot’s organization with more than 415,000 members, www.LetsGoFlying.com offers a wealth of information and resources for anyone interested in learning to fly.

Just log on to www.LetsGoFlying.com to discover just how easy learning to fly can be. You’ll learn about the fun, excitement and many life-enhancing benefits that come to those who earn a pilot’s license. And for those who are ready to take that next step, there’s a comprehensive database of more than 3,500 flight schools across the country. Many offer discounted introductory flights — typically about half the normal price. This is a hands-on experience where you actually taxi out to the runway, throttle up and pull back on the controls at takeoff, all under the supervision of a certified flight instructor. For those who decide to continue their training, the introductory flight counts as time earned toward a license.

And a growing number of people are deciding to do just that. Since 1997, the number of licensed pilots in the U.S. has increased by about 6 percent. The Federal Aviation Administration predicts a dramatic increase in both student and licensed pilots in the next 10 years: more than 108,000 students by 2015, up from 90,110 in 2005; and 271,400 licensed Private pilots; up from 245,000 in 2005. Those are increases of 17% and 10%, respectively.

So why do more than 100,000 people take an introductory flight each year?

For starters, those taking the controls have discovered that learning to fly is easier than they imagined, thanks to technological advances in flight training and computerization. It’s also more affordable than they thought. Many people qualify to fly solo with just 12-14 hours of training for just over $1,000. You can earn a Private pilot license with as few as 40 hours of training and practice flying. Even a more typical 50-70 hours can cost as little as $7,000-$10,000, depending on the region of the country. And being a pilot opens up a whole new world of fun, adventure and opportunity. There’s the feeling of personal growth and sense of accomplishment that comes with learning to fly. With miles of open sky, there’s also the freedom and independence of knowing you can fly above stoplights and bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Sharing the experience of flying with family and friends also brings you closer. Imagine flying above congested highways to a remote vacation destination, or planning a golf outing or weekend getaway with friends at a location that’s now just a few hours —not days — from home.

But learning to fly also has practical benefits, especially for on-the-move businesspeople looking for easier, more direct ways to travel to meetings with associates or clients. With more than 5,000 public airports and landing facilities from which to choose, you’re usually just minutes from your final destination after you land.

A PILOT’S LICENSE OPENS THE DOOR TO CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Learning to fly can open the door to a host of career opportunities. In fact, the aviation industry is begging for qualified pilots. Consider that most of the 19,000 pilots hired last year to fill positions with the major, regional and commuter airlines were trained in General Aviation.

It all begins with an introductory flight at a local flight school. For more information visit www.letsgoflying.com

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association includes more than 415,000 members, or nearly two-thirds of all U.S. pilots and three-quarters of General Aviation pilots. Since 1939, AOPA has represented the interests of general aviation which covers all flying except the scheduled airlines and the military. Its headquarters are in Frederick, Md.

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I'm so excited I can't wait to tell you about it!