Can You Make Progress With Flight Lessons Only Once a Week?

Here's how to get the most out of learning to fly when you're on a tight budget.

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 11:03 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

When you stretch out flying lessons for any reason—be it finances, weather, or aircraft availability—there is a lot of relearning that has to take place before you can move forward. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

A student pilot's flight instructor is correct that more frequent lessons (multiple times a week) lead to better progress than infrequent lessons (three times a month).
Infrequent lessons cause more relearning and hinder progress due to lapses in training.
Saving for more flight instruction (e.g., 10 hours) is recommended to improve learning efficiency.
Supplementary activities, like studying and joining aviation clubs, can help maintain knowledge and motivation between lessons.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Question: I am a student pilot and really enjoy my flight lessons but can only afford to fly three times a month. My CFI told me I’d make more progress if I saved my money and did multiple lessons a week. Is he trying to get more money out of me, or is he giving it to me straight?

READ MORE: What Are Echo Tops?

Answer: The CFI is correct. When you stretch out flying lessons for any reason—be it finances, weather, or aircraft availability—there is a lot of relearning that has to take place before you can move forward. It is very difficult to make progress this way.

READ MORE: Do Flight Hours Expire When There’s a Lapse in Training?

Can you budget for and save for 10 hours of flight instruction? In the meantime, study and join an aviation club, such as the local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association, to keep your head in the game. You may even make a friend who already has their certificate and will take you along for the ride.

Question: I am a student pilot and really enjoy my flight lessons but can only afford to fly three times a month. My CFI told me I’d make more progress if I saved my money and did multiple lessons a week. Is he trying to get more money out of me, or is he giving it to me straight?

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?