I Believe I Can Fly -- Over Chicago
Flight Schools Offering Low-Cost Introductory Lessons
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This is the view you may be able to get with an introductory flight with Midway Aviators for around $129. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
So what's on your bucket list? Do you need to climb Mt. Everest before it's all said and done? How about flying a plane? The plane part of the equation may be easier and not as expensive as you might think.
A learn-to-fly outreach program launched by the nonprofit Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association is trying to interest more people in taking the controls of a plane.
The group has set up www.letsgoflying.com, which offers information and resources for would-be flyers, and an online database where you can find flight schools willing to set up a low-cost introductory flight.
A search on the site turned up more than 40 flight schools within a 50-mile radius of downtown Chicago offering flight training.
Midway Aviators at Midway Airport showed us how easy the introductory lesson can be. After some instructions at the company's headquarters, we headed to the runway. After more instructions on the panels and the controls, it was time to fly. The route went from Midway to Lake Michigan south of downtown, north toward Evanston before flying southwest back toward the airport. And yes, the student gets to take the controls!
The introductory flight cost around $129. If you prefer, you could savor that experience, or continue on toward a private pilot license. Many people qualify to fly solo with just 12-14 hours of training, which would cost just over $1,000. A private pilot license can be obtained with as few as 40 hours of training and practice flying.
For more information, visit www.letsgoflying.com.
Posted Friday, Jul 17, 2009 - 3:55 PM CST
