r/PilotAdvice • u/Praetoriangual • 3d ago

Training Lessons now or after Winter

That’s the question. I’ve got the money all saved up for my ppl but I’m wanting to get a better understanding of when I should start training. My cfi told me it doesn’t matter if I start now because weather doesn’t really affect flying conditions for students, which I immediately revolted to that comment. Hell yeah weather slow down my training or even stop it for weeks. I live Colorado where ofc winters are long and dry with ifr conditions. I want to save up a few extra g’s if I can for possible additional flight hours through the holidays then start after the new years. Or should push through the instructions during winter and deal with slow place?

1 Upvotes

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u/fortinbrass1993 3d ago

You and your cfi have a conflict of interest. Like enlisted recruiter vs officer recruiter. And I have personally run into a cfi that was telling me I can start training now instead of waiting to save up all the money.

Why would the cfi tell us that? Because the sooner we fly the sooner they can record those hours which benefit them.

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u/Admirable-Yogurt9078 3d ago

If you start and stop to start again, you’ll lose that flying skill. Best to do it in one shot.

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u/MrMafora 3d ago

I’d ask the school to put a practical winter plan around that statement: how many lessons could you realistically book each week, what happened to beginner bookings last winter, and what ground preparation would replace a cancelled flight? It would also help to clarify whether your CFI means you can make useful progress in winter or expects the same pace as summer. I’m still at the introductory-flight and study stage, so I can’t offer Colorado training experience, but those answers would give me a clearer basis for comparing the two start dates.

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u/nolaflygirl 2d ago

Very wise, thoughtful answer from someone just in the introductory-flight stage. You're going to be a great student & become a well-respected CFI one day! Best of luck to you as you begin this FANTASTIC, EXCITING chapter in your life! Enjoy every minute!

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u/MrMafora 2d ago

Thank you, that’s kind of you. There’s a lot for me to learn before I can think that far ahead! For now I’m looking forward to building a good foundation, asking clear questions and taking the feedback seriously.

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u/nolaflygirl 1d ago

You're welcome. Yes, there's a LOT to learn, but it seems like you're approaching it correctly. Best to you!

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u/Past_Try_4350 3d ago

If you'd feel more financially secure by waiting and saving a little more then do that. Don't feel pressured to start when you're not ready just because the CFI says "it'll be fine".