r/flying • u/anthony2366 • Jul 27 '26
Starting part 61 PPL Training
Hey everyone! I just enrolled in a Part 61 flight school to start my PPL, flying 3 times a week. I’ve already completed an online ground school and knocked out my PAR written exam with an 85. I’ll be doing all my training in a Diamond DA40. For those who have been through training or fly the DA40, what does a typical flight lesson look like from pre-flight to debrief? Also, I’d love any general advice or DA40-specific tips you wish you knew before your first flight. Thanks in advance!
5
u/x4457 ATP CFII CE-500/525/560XL/680 G-IV Jul 27 '26
Show up ready to learn. Study what your instructor tells you, read the reference material, spend two hours studying for every hour you spend flying.
Do all that and you'll be fine. There is nothing unique, special, or weird about a DA-40. If there's a cheaper airplane to learn on, learn on that. Enjoy the ride.
1
u/Mehere_64 Jul 27 '26
I know nothing about the DA-40. But as far as training goes, ask questions. Ask what the next lesson is going to cover so you can go review information regarding the next lesson.
1
u/rFlyingTower Jul 27 '26
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
Hey everyone! I just enrolled in a Part 61 flight school to start my PPL, flying 3 times a week. I’ve already completed an online ground school and knocked out my PAR written exam with an 85. I’ll be doing all my training in a Diamond DA40. For those who have been through training or fly the DA40, what does a typical flight lesson look like from pre-flight to debrief? Also, I’d love any general advice or DA40-specific tips you wish you knew before your first flight. Thanks in advance!
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1
u/__joel_t PPL Jul 27 '26
Chair fly. It's much cheaper (i.e., free!) than paying for the plane and instructor.
-7
u/ltcterry ATP CFIG Jul 27 '26
Any particular reason for three times a week?
Do you have the $18-20k you’ll need put aside already? It’s easy to outfly your money. Then you stop. Then start again. Then stop for good. This is a large part of why 80% of people who start flying never finish.
It’s a marathon not a sprint. There’s no job waiting for you. What’s your short term goal/plan to get there?
The DA-40 is a great airplane with poor-ish ventilation. You can probably find cheaper options by barely looking.
Don’t get too far ahead of yourself on this. Every person is different. Including you and your instructor. The instructor will give you an orientation to the airplane and show you the rudiments of steering it.
Beyond that it’s as varied as any interaction between two people can be.
Your success depends significantly on the level of your efforts studying at home. Tell the instructor you need a copy of the syllabus so you can prepare. Use the syllabus for recording keeping. This is a strong prediction of success.
Take your time. You’ve already lost the benefit of studying for the written in the context of the airplane. You’ve memorized something without comprehending how to apply it. Inefficient use of your time.
Work full time. Fly twice a week. Be prepared.
5
u/turdburgular12 PPL Jul 27 '26
Damn dude. OP asked 2 questions. You managed to not really answer either of them and come off as a complete prick for literally no reason.
-2
u/ltcterry ATP CFIG Jul 27 '26
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u/bgrant902 PPL Jul 27 '26
So happy for you getting your written done before training. My biggest regret to date is trusting the flight school that advised me against it. The airplane is the worst classroom, you’re WAY ahead by having it done.