Chris there are a TON of options for learning how to fly.
I think the most important question that you need to answer is ------ What do you want to get out of flying? Do you want to take passengers? Fly to other airports? Just putz around in the sky? How much are you willing to spend? How much time per week do you have for flight lessons? Are you ok with book work? Do you want to own a plane? Rent?
These are all normal questions that a flight instructor should ask you on your first lesson. I've had many students over the years and the biggest pitfall to flying is lack of planning. I always suggest that you should have the money all set aside for your license before you start. If you just pay for a lesson every few weeks when the mood strikes you, no learning will take place and you end up repeating tasks over and over. This leads to students spending A LOT more money than they ever imagined. Most of those people end up giving up with nothing but a few thousand dollars missing from their wallet. However, if you can come in a couple times a week progression is usually pretty steady.
The first half of your training is all learning the motor skills of flying the plane. This is the fun/exciting part as it all leads up to your first solo flight. The second half of your license still involves flying, but there's a ton of book learning that gets you ready for your tests. Flight planning, systems, weather, ect..... Are all tested. You have to demonstrate knowledge through a written test, oral test, and check ride (FAA flight test).
Once you finish your tests, it's up to you to stay "current". You'll need to log flight time and landing every 3 months as well as a flight review every 2 years. If you do a private license you'll need to get a medical. If you don't think you can keep a medical then you can be a sport pilot (medical not required). As I'm sure you already know, your privileges are limited with a sport license.
Last point is find a flight school / instructor that you like. You do NOT want to just go someplace that's cheap. There are a ton of "snake oil salesmen" in aviation. They'll promise you everything under the sun because NOBODY is learning to fly these days. Find a place with nice facilities, aircraft, and most importantly, an instructor you get a long with. A good instructor should work with your needs and not worry about his own pocket.
All if these steps look daunting when you pile them up. It IS a lot of work but it's rewarding and extremely addictive. Your instructor should make it a fun learning process while challenging you to further your skills and knowledge of flying.
Hope this helps. If you need more info, contact me. I'd be happy to help.
Chris
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1999 Ski Nautique 196
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