Per flying notes mentioned above, the typical cost of instruction just absolutely spoils the perspective on instruction in any other field.
I've been licensed for 30+ years but in the past dozen had not flown much more than my biennial check rides. So had become low confidence, which inspires less flying, etc.
This past spring i decided to get serious about it again. The instructor i found had retired from a 20 year military flying career, and is currently a American Airlines captain. I don't know how that would translate to, say ex-professional FIS racer with some podiums, who also constantly instructed at all levels as part of his professional duties, and was required to constantly undergo evaluation, testing and instruction himself? 9 hrs logged over about 6 weeks probably included double that spent in ground and prep instruction. It did not cost $200 total, and we almost came to blows when i refused re-imbursement for a sub and coke picked up at a deli on my way, by his request. This is fairly typical. My primary instructor in the 80's was an ex-marine & had "all the ratings" as well, though his personality did not lend to a career with the major carriers. He enjoyed traveling the country as a hired personal coach, to get people through their intrument ratings in 2 week sessions.
Per some other comments, most people can learn to safely take off, maneuver, and land a single engine airplane in 7 to 15 hrs of instruction. The balance of the 40 hrs minimum required for the VFR ticket goes into exploring the easier corners of emergency management, gradually tougher wind conditions, and mostly learning to use the airspace safely and efficiently.
That said, instructors in either field should not have to take vows of poverty. In the "old daze" part of pilot instructing was working to build hours for a career in the majors. The student at least provides the expensive equipment. I've noticed (experienced) today that younger instructors out of the flying academy mills tend to charge as much as $30/hr in your airplane.
Bringing it back to skiing, this program looks like a good start for me/add-on to senior season pass:
www.skicny.com
or for night skiing:
To get back into skiing, i probably learn more rapidly for time expended, when observing how other people learn or don't, in group settings. IOW, My system is only going to absorb so much per session, so group is an advantage over private at this juncture.
smt
I've been licensed for 30+ years but in the past dozen had not flown much more than my biennial check rides. So had become low confidence, which inspires less flying, etc.
This past spring i decided to get serious about it again. The instructor i found had retired from a 20 year military flying career, and is currently a American Airlines captain. I don't know how that would translate to, say ex-professional FIS racer with some podiums, who also constantly instructed at all levels as part of his professional duties, and was required to constantly undergo evaluation, testing and instruction himself? 9 hrs logged over about 6 weeks probably included double that spent in ground and prep instruction. It did not cost $200 total, and we almost came to blows when i refused re-imbursement for a sub and coke picked up at a deli on my way, by his request. This is fairly typical. My primary instructor in the 80's was an ex-marine & had "all the ratings" as well, though his personality did not lend to a career with the major carriers. He enjoyed traveling the country as a hired personal coach, to get people through their intrument ratings in 2 week sessions.
Per some other comments, most people can learn to safely take off, maneuver, and land a single engine airplane in 7 to 15 hrs of instruction. The balance of the 40 hrs minimum required for the VFR ticket goes into exploring the easier corners of emergency management, gradually tougher wind conditions, and mostly learning to use the airspace safely and efficiently.
That said, instructors in either field should not have to take vows of poverty. In the "old daze" part of pilot instructing was working to build hours for a career in the majors. The student at least provides the expensive equipment. I've noticed (experienced) today that younger instructors out of the flying academy mills tend to charge as much as $30/hr in your airplane.
Bringing it back to skiing, this program looks like a good start for me/add-on to senior season pass:
Masters in Motion | SkiCNY
Labrador Mountain offers this program to adult skiers and boarders ages 25 and up. This 6-week program promotes continuous skill development and refinement, beginners through experts.
To get back into skiing, i probably learn more rapidly for time expended, when observing how other people learn or don't, in group settings. IOW, My system is only going to absorb so much per session, so group is an advantage over private at this juncture.
smt
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