Do a search from the AMA website and you'll find 7 clubs within 22 miles (zip code 14424?), including 2 that support the Introductory Pilot program. Now I realize that with one car, three kids, and a tight budget, this could present a problem. What you have to ask yourself is "Would I rather trash 6 park flyers at $60-100 and possibly learn to fly, or would I rather take the kids and go to a field and have the whole family learn to fly from a qualified instructor?

Make the committment to this as a family activity. We have one club member that started his son flying at age 5 or 6. Nows he's 9 and an excellent pilot. 15-20 miles isn't too bad these days for good instruction, and good fields are very hard to come by.

I strongly discourage the use of public parks to learn to fly, unless the public officials have actually OK'd use of the park. The risks are too high, particularly with a beginner.

Brad