Three years ago when I was 19 years old I packed my bags and moved to Colorado to start training to become a pilot. 70 hours of flying later I got my private pilots license and it was the best day of my life. It took a lot of studying and hard work to become a pilot, but I can safely say anyone can do it. Imagine how you will feel to invite a friend or family member to take to the skies with you.
The very first thing I would do is make sure you are healthy enough to fly. You will need a medical certificate to be able to apply for a private pilot license. You technically do not need one until before you get your license, but trust me you do not want to put all that time and money into something to find out later you cannot even do it.
The second step is to find a good flight school, I went to Western Air Flight Academy in Broomfield Colorado, but there are hundreds of great schools with professional flight instructors. Every school does what they call a discovery flight to see if it is indeed something you will love. My guess is you will be hooked as soon as you sit in that little Cessna.
Training is on your time, the instructor works for you, so if you want to come in 1 or 2 times a week for an hour of flying, or 4 or 5 times a week it does not matter (it usually comes down to how much money you are willing to spend a week because it is quite expensive). I recommend going at least 2 times a week to keep your skills sharp.
Before you know it, it will be time for your first solo, usually only about 13 hours of flying into it, pretty much when you learn to land by yourself you are ready to solo. That was by far the most exciting day of my life, and really could not believe I was doing it. There is still a lot of work to do before you get your private pilot license though. The average amount of hours it takes a student is about 65 to 75 hours.
Bottom line is aviation is thrilling! From the different maneuvers that will make your stomach drop, to the smooth night time air and the lights of the city. Nothing beats it; you owe it to yourself to start getting your wings today.
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