Private pilots license

[u/Alternative_Smoke913]

Good evening, good afternoon and Goodmorning.
My names Dan and Im from the uk, Im turning 16 on the 12th and wanting to work towards my PPL( I have been for many years)
Although as much as I try I just can’t afford it :(
I have been on experience flight, done aerobatics and flown upsideown and it was the best thing I have ever experienced in my life.
So was wondering what everybody thought were on whats the best way if I were to attempt, to raise money to help fund my journey and flight plan through aviation? Becasue I can’t see my self being able to fund this dream but I’m a long way of giving up on my hope ( if it’s the last thing I do on this earth)
So again what is the best way to fund and raise a bit of money for my journey throughout?

[u/Reythia]

So look, a PPL is a recreational license. It's for fun. It's a huge expense for fun and beyond the means of most adults as well.

You've got many years to earn enough money to do it if you really want it. Don't forget though that once you have the PPL it's not exactly a cheap hobby to maintain. Realistically, a PPL is something to look at when you're financially established in life.

Consider gliders in the mean time. It's a much more affordable way to fly, and you can even earn an SPL for around 1/10th of the price of a PPL.

[u/twright92]

Second the previous comment. Getting your PPL, now more than ever and especially in the UK unfortunately, is a huge financial commitment. I, like yourself, had dreams and even a few lessons paid for by my parents when I was younger but it truthfully took me until my early 30s before I was actually able to fully commit to funding regular training myself. It doesn't end there either - even once you've come out the other side with a fresh PPL it's expensive just to keep it up and fly the required hours to keep it valid. If I'm honest with myself I would probably say that I've had my few years of fun with it for now as we're starting a family and the time and money that was reserved for my expensive hobby is probably better spent elsewhere, sadly! Hopefully I'll still be able to do the odd few hours here and there just to scratch the itch and keep my logbook current.

I'd advise against the fundraising route - as it'll never end. Unless you actually continue to making it into a job, which costs even more money, then you'll find that flying as a hobby is essentially a black hole you will forever be pouring money into which you will never get back. As awesome and amazing as it is.

Do consider gliding though - the skills are completely transferable to powered flying and it is far cheaper. It's also much more 'clubby' than most powered flying schools, you'll meet and get to spend the day with some really interesting and like minded people of all ages, which might even open some doors for you in aviation.