Help Me Learn to Fly!

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philsterling91

Filing Flight Plan
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philsterling91
HTTP://WWW.GOFUNDME.COM/FDFH9K

My name is Phil Sterling and I live in central Illinois. My dream is to learn to fly and get my private pilot license. When I was a young boy, my grandma bought me an intro flight and I fell in love instantly. My senior year of high school, I was a runner up for an EAA chapter scholarship but did not win the chance for flight lessons. In college, I took many intro flights and a few lessons, as well as went skydiving, but funds are sparse in college and I wasn't able to pick it up full time. Now that I have graduated college, I'm picking back up my dream. Only two things stand in my way; the first is that there is no airport nearby with private lessons or an instructor, making my commute to lessons around 1.5/2 hours. The second is the cost. Please help me pursue my dream and I promise to pay it forward with help to others that wish to pursue this dream.
 
These never go well. Good luck though...
 
Theoretically, now that you've graduated college, you should get a well paying job and now be able to afford flight lessons.

But asking for other people to pay for it is a bit like asking people to fund your "escort" habit because it's too expensive.
 
Time and money? That's the only two things holding you up? :rofl:

When I got out of college, I got this thing called "A Job" and it paid for my flight training. It works a lot better than begging, try it out.
 
1. Likely there is an instructor with aircraft for rent closer to you.
Keep digging. That would eliminate the long commute. Use Airnav.com to find airports close to you, then go visit them. Be friendly with the people you meet and ask if they know of an instructor on the field.

2. Asking for crowdfunding of your license is something this group really frowns upon.
We are very willing to ask questions and provide encouragement. But providing a stranger money for training is something we really aren't in favor of.

3. It's easy to raise money for this on your own.
And much faster than waiting for the pennies to trickle in. Develop a no-frills budget (keep entertainment to a minimum, cut back or off on all but the very basics), and consider a second job. Within 6-months, you should have the 8.5 to 10 AMU's needed to start and complete training.
 
Oh, go FUND me...I misread that the first time.
 
philsterling91 said:
there is no airport nearby with private lessons or an instructor, making my commute to lessons around 1.5/2 hours..
Click to expand...

What, would you have to ride a bike to your lessons? Because short of that, there should be an airport within range.

edit: his funding page says he's from Shelbyville, IL. cut/paste from the flight school's website: "If you are looking for Flight Schools near Shelbyville, Illinois then look no further! Shelbyville Flight Schools offers a wide range of pilot training from the best schools in Illinois. From discovery flights to commercial pilot training, one of our Flying Lesson Experts is standing by to place you in the right flight school near Shelbyville today!"


Too bad there's already a thread entitled "are we really this stupid?"
 
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Interesting that he wants to learn to fly, but the photo he chose on the crowd funding page is this more oriented to skydiving.:

2300866_1412344738.506_app.png
 
His OP did mention he's into skydiving as well. I'd imagine he didn't have any photos of his discovery flights but did of his skydiving.

Say, for you instructors out there giving discovery flights....are you taking a few pics to email to the prospect? If not, why not? Might be just the thing to increase interest and at zero cost. They show the pic and others are like, "wow, cool, I wanna do it, you did that?!?" Ect. Seems like a no brainier.
 
Time and money at the same time? That requirement caused me to put off my dreams of learning to fly until I was 48. I suspect that you will get all the support you need on this site for everything EXCEPT funding. Lots of questions can be answered here. Lots of advice. But, free money? I doubt it. Best of luck.
 
I should have clarified from the start, I do have a job and have been saving regularly. I am only asking for about $1000 to finish up my needed amounts. I looked for private scholarships but most are for students still in school. I figured I would go ahead and try to find a sponsor/scholarship for the rest and if not I'll earn it when I get to enough saved.

I live in Shelbyville, IL so if anyone knows of any trainers closer than Bloomington/Normal let me know. I have emailed several with no response.

Thanks!
 
philsterling91 said:
I live in Shelbyville, IL so if anyone knows of any trainers closer than Bloomington/Normal let me know. I have emailed several with no response.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Try asking the Shelby County airport manager if he can recommend anyone.
AIRPORT MANAGER: Scott Jefson 217-774-5111
 
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I keep getting emails from a former prince in Nigeria. He is asking for help to move $393,857,646,373.43 into America. He promises 10% for helping. I'll forward the email if you want it.

In other words, I made many sacrifices to be able to afford flight school. And made many more after, such as flying checks in the middle of the night for $50.00 a day (night) and installing septic systems during the day. Sometimes that work involved digging up used septic systems and replacing it with a new system. Ever dug up someone elses s%&t?

If you are not willing to put up any effort then I am not willing to help.
 
Most pilots have had to sacrifice,to get their license.ask around maybe you can find someone ,who doesn't use their airplane enough,who will let you use their aircraft. Good luck,I pay it forward by flying young Eagles.
 
Don't mean to be unkind or negative. But if you haven't got the money for training you haven't got the money to fly. It only goes up. But Illinois isn't exactly the hinterlands. You should be able to find somewhere to get some flight training. I see 5 airports within 25 miles of you.
 
If you're looking for "only $1000" then you need to start delivering pizzas at night. What do you plan on doing with your cert afterwards? Ask for another $1000 so you can rent a plane and take a trip?
 
If you get people to finance your adventures,please forward there names. Would like some help financing my hobbies. Could even use some money to upgrade my panel.
 
Join the Military. You can then use your GI Bill for partial funding if you go with a local place. Or, 100% if its a place like Embry-Riddle.


Bottom line, you need to earn what you get. So go earn it first.
 
Sac Arrow said:
Theoretically, now that you've graduated college, you should get a well paying job and now be able to afford flight lessons.
Click to expand...
:rofl:

To the OP: try talking to a military recruiter. Coast Guard maybe, if Chair Force or Navy aren't your style. With a degree you should be eligible for OCS and may be able to qualify to fly. See if you meet the vision and physical requirements.
 
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philsterling91 said:
HTTP://WWW.GOFUNDME.COM/FDFH9K

My name is Phil Sterling and I live in central Illinois. My dream is to learn to fly and get my private pilot license. When I was a young boy, my grandma bought me an intro flight and I fell in love instantly. My senior year of high school, I was a runner up for an EAA chapter scholarship but did not win the chance for flight lessons. In college, I took many intro flights and a few lessons, as well as went skydiving, but funds are sparse in college and I wasn't able to pick it up full time. Now that I have graduated college, I'm picking back up my dream. Only two things stand in my way; the first is that there is no airport nearby with private lessons or an instructor, making my commute to lessons around 1.5/2 hours. The second is the cost. Please help me pursue my dream and I promise to pay it forward with help to others that wish to pursue this dream.
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Phil, You can make $1,000 washing and waxing five airplanes. Why humiliate yourself Internet panhandling? Somebody's going to google your name one day and this thread will pop up. Is that how you want people to identify you?
 
Yep....
People these days are just freaking lazy. When I got my ticket I was working 12 hour days 7 days a week and also doing side stuff to make cash. Had a 1 year old son and still managed to drive 45 minutes each way once or twice a week for training. Everyone these days wants something handed to them. I bet this dude is exhausted after working 40 hour weeks. LOL!
 
I was there, just like the OP and a lot of others. Working, and taking college classes too. New job, having fun, trying to get into flying somehow.

Now, I'm not looking for sympathy here, but besides working a 32 hour week, and taking 2 courses in engineering college I was out at the local airport whenever I can. Doing odd jobs, helping remove engines, learning fiberglass and painting, getting a few bucks here and there.

Doesn't have to be on an airport, it can be anywhere. Heck if you were near me, I've got at least 100 hours of work ready at a decent working wage. Get your azz busy and quit the 'woe is me' crap. It's embarrassing and frankly counterproductive.
 
Kind of confusing. A Google search indicates that he's a supervisor for International Paper. Even with student loans you wouldn't think he'd have to live on a diet of ramen to get his private.
 
Wanted to clear some things up for everyone... This post has brought me a lesson in humility. I have been on a 0 based budget since I started my first job and have $9,000 saved toward my license. Although it looks like I was trying to panhandle from the crowd to get money, I actually got the inspiration for starting this from the experience I stated where I was a runner up for a $1,000 scholarship from an EAA chapter.

I started this thinking (incorrectly obviously) that there were EAA chapters and sponsors out there that donated towards items like this, not individuals that were just going to give me money. I have no doubt that many of you think that I'm lazy and I'm sorry you have that impression of me, I will be at $1000 on my own in no time and I'll be joining you in the sky.

Sorry to waste anyones time.
-Phil
 
Having been funding a partial scholarship for about 11 years now, I can tell you that applications like yours aren't even reviewed by the full committee. They get tossed in the round file on first review. Promising to pay it forward, and not providing any specifics about the future, and not providing any specifics about your reason to fund the scholarship make it impossible for anyone to base a ranking among any candidates.

In fact, it doesn't sound like any scholarship application I've ever seen. Having said that, your response so far is much better. Keep saving, keep working, and be cautious about how and where you spend your aviation money and you'll do fine. I suggest you seek out a private instructor in the smallest, cheapest rag wing plane around and if that means you have to drive an hour to fly, then so be it. Flying on a tight budget is hard. Most of us know that lesson very well.
 
philsterling91 said:
Wanted to clear some things up for everyone... This post has brought me a lesson in humility. I have been on a 0 based budget since I started my first job and have $9,000 saved toward my license. Although it looks like I was trying to panhandle from the crowd to get money, I actually got the inspiration for starting this from the experience I stated where I was a runner up for a $1,000 scholarship from an EAA chapter.

I started this thinking (incorrectly obviously) that there were EAA chapters and sponsors out there that donated towards items like this, not individuals that were just going to give me money. I have no doubt that many of you think that I'm lazy and I'm sorry you have that impression of me, I will be at $1000 on my own in no time and I'll be joining you in the sky.

Sorry to waste anyones time.
-Phil
Click to expand...

Seeing this, I ask that you don't leave and stick with us.

That you took it on board in a good way and didn't get your fur rubbed the wrong way is a good sign.

$9000 in the bank is a decent budget to start your lessons. Once you find a local instructor and get started, you can determine the rate the money flows out of the bucket, and how much more is needed to add to the top. And with an average time of 6-9 months to complete the rating (working at it 2 lessons a week) you have lots of time to gain any extra AMU's you need.

In the mean time, some good reading for you to help in finding a good flight school and instructor: http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/2014/media/SepOct2014.pdf
 
Sac Arrow said:
Theoretically, now that you've graduated college, you should get a well paying job and now be able to afford flight lessons.

But asking for other people to pay for it is a bit like asking people to fund your "escort" habit because it's too expensive.
Click to expand...

I've got one 'boss' that not only takes care of that, but covers my gambling money on the 'Boys Trips' as well.:D I love my degenerate owners.:yes:
 
I took three and a half years to get my PPL, primarily due to money constraints. I am not wealthy and I help support a girlfriend with two children. At risk of sounding cliche, where there's a will, there's a way. Good luck.
 
If government handouts were not enough, free lunch programs, the welfare state and all other governmental entitlement programs were not enough to make me sick, I now get the good fortune of coming to one of my favorite web sites and see a thread asking for my money to pay for something. I'll pass.

What ever happened to the "I'll make it on my own" mindset that made this country great? I'm only 31 but I've worked for 15 years already and currently have 2 jobs, one as a teacher and one part time on the weekends. I'm proud to say that I funded all of my pilot training without a cent from anyone. Anyway, end of rant but I just had to!
 
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Work full time, multiple jobs, go to school, get to a regional, finish the degree.

I grew up with a single mom and in New York City and far from well-off. I never knew how I would get it done other than hard work and TONS of sacrifice. Never begged for money, straight up hard work.

Begging for money on here for flying lessons is akin to panhandling on a subway for reconstructive plastic surgery...
 
AggieMike88 said:
Seeing this, I ask that you don't leave and stick with us.

That you took it on board in a good way and didn't get your fur rubbed the wrong way is a good sign.

$9000 in the bank is a decent budget to start your lessons. Once you find a local instructor and get started, you can determine the rate the money flows out of the bucket, and how much more is needed to add to the top. And with an average time of 6-9 months to complete the rating (working at it 2 lessons a week) you have lots of time to gain any extra AMU's you need.

In the mean time, some good reading for you to help in finding a good flight school and instructor: http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/2014/media/SepOct2014.pdf
Click to expand...

Thanks for the help! I have another question then...

Is there a recommendation between seeking out a CFI and going lesson by lesson or going with a start-to-finish flat rate company that covers everything? Which one is better financially and which one is better learning?
 
philsterling91 said:
Is there a recommendation between seeking out a CFI and going lesson by lesson or going with a start-to-finish flat rate company that covers everything? Which one is better financially and which one is better learning?
Click to expand...

Either way I sure wouldn't prepay a large amount of $$. If place goes belly up after you prepay you'll be lucky if get any money back. Hence why I paid as I went. If you need lots of structure then I suggest a 141 school. If you prefer a more lax and adjustable training then go 61.
 
philsterling91 said:
Thanks for the help! I have another question then...

Is there a recommendation between seeking out a CFI and going lesson by lesson or going with a start-to-finish flat rate company that covers everything? Which one is better financially and which one is better learning?
Click to expand...

The problem with the start to finish flat rate companies is that they price high from the start, want large if not complete payment up front, and then have a tendency to disappear into the night. If you go that route, I would suggest you go with one that has been around for a long time. American Flyers and AllATPs I would not have concerns with folding and disappearing, but your costs at the end will be pretty extraordinary. The best deal is typically to join a flying club if there is one in your vicinity. Normally they will have the lowest costs for both aircraft and instruction since they are geared around people who are trying to fly at minimum cost rather than being businesses making greatest profit. Also look around for independent CFIs who own their own plane, they are often the best all around deal. You could also look into getting a job at an FBO that has a flight school as you typically then get a pretty good discount.
 
Better way:Independent CFI with there airplane, pay as you go, written lesson plan and syllabus, and he has been successfully teaching for many many years.

I went with a local school who gave a 10% discount on rental costs if I maintained a balance in m account of at least $500. That worked for me since my loss expose was only that and. It the entire training fund.
 
I'm raising money to pay off our nation's debt... Anyone want to help... o_O

[FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica]The estimated population of the United States is 319,211,999
so each citizen's share of this debt is $55,978.02.[/FONT]
[FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica][/FONT]
[FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica]Let's go people... Let's pay up... Let's pay our honest, hard working, loyal congress![/FONT][FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica]
[/FONT]
 
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