cost of a flight instructor?
 

generally what can i expect to pay for a flight lesson? im going to join the AMA and im looking for a club in my area.

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

JR16,

I've never charged for giving flight instruction. Every club I've been in has instructors that instruct for free - those are the members who have gained a lot from this hobby and just want to give something back. Some also do it just the enjoy teaching. If you find a club that wants to charge for instruction, look into a different club.

Hogflyer

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

haha, wow, i was expecting to hear like a 50-100 bucks a lesson which i dont feel is too bad.

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

That's one of the great things about this hobby. There are so many helpful people in it. I have instructed for years and wouldn't think of taking money for it. :D

You won't have a problem finding an instructor, but remember, you are taking up his time for flying. Be courteous and listen to what he says.

Welcome to the wonderful world of model aviation!

Rod;)

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

Like the others, I've been instructing for about 7 years now and have never charged a penny for it. Most clubs offer instruction for free.

Ken

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

The only time I was ever involved in teaching and charging for it was at our club trainer day... we charged 2 buck's a flight... our planes, fuel and support equipment... all the students had to do is show up with a few buck's and have FUN. When a new guy comes out with his own equipment and needs help/instruction it's ALWAY's given FREE OF CHARGE... I've even instructed a few people on my planes free of charge... they didn't think they would be able to fly and didn't want to spend the money to find out... most of them have planes now:D The only down side is I've spent many day's out at the field with my planes put together ready to go and never ran a drop of fuel through them... that's OK... makes um last longer:D

John

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

Been there, done that. More times than I care to even try to count. But I don't mind. If I'm helping a student then it's well worth it.

Ken

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

JR16,

There should never be a charge for lessons from a club instructor, but if you require specific scheduling and/or odd timing then buy the guy some glow fuel or a gift cert. to a LHS. I would shy away from an instructor who wants cash.

Most instructors do it for the love of the hobby. This hobby is filled with free advice and help. Some of it is good and some is BAD. In time, you will learn to tell the difference.

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

I agree that flight instruction should be free. In fact, I just finished repairing a Nexstar that another club member had crashed last year. I put my engine in it, purchased a new reciever and servos, recovered it with a custom job, and now have it solely for the purpose of doing demonstration flights. If someone calls me wanting and intro to the club, I'm ready to do it. Now if they want to contribute some fuel to the cause, I'm happy to let them!

Brad

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

I totally agree. There are enough people willing to help that you shouldn't have to pay.

That is a good idea and not unreasonable for someone to pay a little to cover expenses and help the club at the same time. I've seen lots of people drooling at the fence wanting to fly. It may be a good way to "set the hook"...LOL

Haven't we all been there!;) I don't instruct airplanes now days, there are new guys that are doing that, but I do instruct helicopters. If I did both, i'd never fly my own equipment!

Always thank your instructor as a matter of courtesy, even if it wasn't a great session! He will be back for more if you do.

Rod

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

If some "instructor" wants you to pay them, then they are not worth it. I know of this one club near me, HAS charged people before. They are wastes.

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

I'm testament to someone who "paid" for an instructor. He was out of a local hobby shop from the Salt Lake City area. He charged $25 for a half hour. During the 3rd lesson, my plane deadsticked after making half a circuit after take-off. Turned out it was the carberator hex head had stripped, and the carb came loose, leaning it out. He charged me the $25 anyway, and didn't offer to assist.

Luckily I knew what I was doing anyway, and tapped a little oversize on the hex head. He also didn't get another penny, and I bought a simulator instead. Don't pay anyone to instruct you, no matter how desperate you are to get into the air.

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

$25 for half an hour? I don't make that much at my job... and I have to WORK for it!!!! It's sad to see people doing this... I know the American way is to make a buck off anything... well for some of us anyway[>:] He wouldn't get away with that where I fly... he'd get so much Grief(putting it mildly) from the guy's like me he'd never show up at a field again... his students would be better off.

John

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

I think you'll find, as you have seen from these posts, that a charge for an instructor is highly unusual. Go to your local club and tell them you want to learn to fly and I expect you'll find their instructors thrilled to share the hobby with a newbie.

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

i thank you much for your replies im really looking forward to this spring. the owner of the hobby shop i goto is really into airplanes so i might ask him if he knows of any clubs in my area.

thanks
John

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

JR16, You can also search for local clubs right here on RC Universe. Look on the home page at the left side where the RED buttons are. There is a LOCAL CLUB button there. That will get you started.

Rod

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

I never charge for instructing either. I did have a student insist on giving me $5 the other day. I took it so as not to insult him but I told him not to try to do that again. I enjoy seeing new people enter the hobby. :) Besides, I can sell them all of my old crap. OK, just kidding on that one.:D [sm=bananahead.gif]

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

We have a guy that charges $75.00 for as long as it takes. A one time fee if you will. He supplies the buddy box and cord. What is your opinion of that fee.
Chopper man

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

About $75.00 too much. [:'(]

If he has to charge, consider charging him for the privilege of training you - about 25% more than he charges. :D

Hogflyer

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

There are enough people available to help, I don't think you need to pay him, unless you have enough money to throw away. I sure wouldn't. I feel he is taking advantage of people. Supplying a transmitter and trainer cord....big deal! You already have a transmitter and who doesn't keep a cord around? I bought mine just to transfer program to my other radios. I'll even loan transmitter and cord to other instructors if they don't have one.

Rod:D

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

One of my students flys JR, I fly Futaba, hence no buddy box. He went on fleabay and picked up another TX, identical to what he already has, for $30.00 w/o a crystal. He also went and bought a trainer chord - the set up worked fine for us over the weekend. I had to take the plane only once, but he really liked not having to hand the TX over. It will really pay for its self when we start patterns and landing.

I'd say spend the $75.00 on another TX like you already have along with a trainer chord, and find somebody who instructs for free. Those are usually the guys who enjoy it more anyway (have more patients and are probably better instructors).

Hogflyer

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

If he's on his own land he can do as he pleases. If he is at a club IMO the club should charge him $75 per student for using their facilities for a commercial venture.

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

Points well taken!! I would rather spend my money on a kit:D
Thanks
chopper man
P.S. I have been flying an Easy Star and seem to be doing just fine. I have purchased a glow trainer, which is my first. Should I gone on my own or seek free help.

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

Best way I've ever heard to drive people away![:o]

Rod

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

Chopper man,

Seek help. A nitro plane is a totally different critter. There will be a learning curve with it, so take advantage of others knowledge. Plenty of free help out there ripe for the pick'in.

Hogflyer

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

Our club offers free instruction to members which ends up costing 36 bucks for a year membership, I think thats fair because you have an idea what you are getting from a club designated instructor vice someone saying "ya I can fly that"

Other than that the only way you should consider paying is one of those dedicated schools where you pay a fee and use thier planes, fuel and get a "ground school" and dedicated training flights.

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

BarracudaHockey,...what is a BarracudaHockey anyway?...LOL:eek:

Yes, I am in total agreement with you. It's not unreasonable to expect the new student to join the club. They will be using your facilities and it does cost money for upkeep. They should chip in their part. Donations (to the club) should be gratefully accepted if offered.

Our club flies on state owned land, therefore no one may be excluded from flying there, AMA member or not. But I have never seen anyone turned away from free instruction, including the use of the clubs spare transmitter and buddy box cord. If you need help there....you WILL get it....sometimes whether you want it or not....LOL.:D

Rod

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

Definitely seek help, just avoid paying if possible. Your club should have a training staff that will offer free training. Have we established that you are in a club?

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

Advice is always free. Good advice costs extra. :D

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

Correct answers cost even more.....:D:D:D:D:D

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

I have not officially joined. As far as I know the guy giving instruction is a member. The problem is that there is only one club that I know of in this area.
chopper man

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

Are you talking about the TRI COUNTY RC FLYERS ? Is he the ONLY trainer there? If so you may be stuck unless one of the experienced pilots there is willing to take you under his wing. That also assumes that is within the club rules.

Check with:
ROBERT LANE
9214 GARLAND DR
SAVANNAH GA 31406-6915
who is the club contact person and get as much info as you can. Just hope that this isn't the guy you are talking about.[:@]

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

That is the club. I'll have to fine out more info. The next problem is he is only there on Sunday from about 08:00 til Noon. Somewhat limiting wouldn't you say? Thanks for the info!
chopper man

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

So I guess that guy who runs RC flight school dot com should be banished from "the hobby" from the looks of the posters? Seems to me you get what you pay for in this life and RC is a luxury hobby, so keep that in mind. You can find free lessons from anyone for anything, but sometimes those guys you pay might be doing it better and sometimes not.

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

Ooh, very clever. No, nobody said that. Everybody has the right to throw away money wherever they wish. If someone is in such a hurry that they want to go and pay the guy at the flight school, Whoopee for them. We're talking to/about the average beginner here. And the free lessons may be of higher quality than the so-called Pro.
Personally, I'll thank you not to try to put words in my mouth for me. I'm quite capable of speaking for myself.

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

Well said!! Why do some people always want to take advantage of others?
chopper man

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

besides finding my club members a enjoyable bunch of guys there help and knowledge has been invaluable , not once has any of them asked for any compensation other than a hand shake and a thanks .
almost all the clubs afilliated with the AMA offer free training as long as you are participating in the clubs program . if someone is looking for a high intensity learning curve then pay away , personally I would rather throw the $$ at a sim and take the slower path, it worked for me.

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

This is the time for an exception to the rule.. "You get what you pay for?" PHOOEY!!

Our club has some great instructors. No charge for training, just club dues and starting next year AMA membership.
Our club specifies one night a week for training. That way the instructors know they can fly their planes, on non training days, and concentrate on training on that night.

Hint: Remember though, Summer nights are warm, spelled "HOT". Bottled water or sodas are always appreciated. ;)

I was trained from June 1 to Sept. 7. Believe me, it showed a lot of patience on the part of the instructors, before I was able to solo. But, we managed to get the job done. What a great feeling of accomplishment!

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

I'm presently working with a student that can't make it to the field during my normal flying times so we've scheduled special times to suit him. Last Friday, Saturday & Sunday afternoons I've rearranged my schedule so as to meet him at the field and give hime concentrated training. He's progressing nicely. I didn't even consider charging for this. Of course if helps that I live only 5 minutes from the field :) but wouldn't anyway.

RE: cost of a flight instructor?
 

The Barracuda's are a minor league pro hockey team in Jacksonville FL. I'm the arena PA announcer for the team.


I've had people try to give or offer me money for instruction. I just tell them they can pay me back by helping someone else down the line.