CFI near Akron OH!

[ragedracer1977]

 have a friend with an 11 year old son who is interested in aviation. They’ve visited some flight schools at CAK and they aren’t really interested until the kid is 14 or 15.  

He understands that it’s a long road from 11 to pilot, but he’d really like to feed his kid’s aviation bug.  

Does anyone have any suggestions for independent CFIs or schools that might give him a shot, in the area?

Thanks!

[Browncbr1]

Must be 16 to obtain a student certificate

[Vance Harral]

Yes, but one does not need a student pilot certificate to receive dual instruction, only to solo.

I can see why the local flight schools might not be particularly interested in teaching an 11-year-old.  There's a certain cognitive ability and practical height requirement for the instruction to be meaningful, whether it's logged or not.  But each kid is different, and there's no specific reason younger kids can't have a lot of fun and a great experience on an occasional instructional flight.  As with any other endeavor, makes sure it's the kid's desire, not the adults surrounding him/her.

Regrettably, I'm not in that area, or I'd be happy to offer a ride.  With a little perseverance, the OP can probably link up with someone like-minded.

[Brian E.]

Agree with @Vance Harral I've given a fair amount of occasional instruction (1 - 2 times a month) to aspiring pilots.  They develop a lot of confidence, have fun and many are able to solo on their 16th birthday.  

 

[BDPetersen]

My son ( the Delta captain ) was doing a fine job flying C150’s at 11 or 12. TO & L, too. I stopped getting airsick at that age when I moved from the back seat of the Stinson to the front and was invited to fly. 
I’m close to Akron but my schedule is unreliable or I would offer to give the kid a chance. Must be a young CFI out there somewhere.

[Fly Boomer]

12 hours ago, Vance Harral said:

As with any other endeavor, makes sure it's the kid's desire, not the adults surrounding him/her.

Excellent observation.  Not sure I was aware of this when I was in the "parent" generation, but I see (more) clearly now that I'm in the "grand" generation.

[Browncbr1]

I don’t want to start an argument, but someone may be able to post a letter or far showing otherwise…. I understand that a student by definition receives instruction.   Therefore, it is not permissible to instruct students and log unless they meet the minimum requirements of 61.83   
 

it seems to me that no matter what, the minimum flight experience requirements for ppl certificate can only be logged starting on their 16th birthday. 

 

Edited April 30, 2023 by Browncbr1

[Vance Harral]

I quote straight from the proverbial horse's mouth: the FAA.  Look at the very first question at the top of https://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/student_cert

Again, you are confusing have a student pilot certificate - which you need to solo - with being a student.  Those two things are completely independent.

[rbp]

GLIDERS!

an excellent way to build skills that carry directly into power planes

14 CFR 61.83(b) To be eligible for a student pilot certificate, an applicant must: (b) Be at least 14 years of age for the operation of a glider or balloon

https://www.hcnews.com/news/14-year-old-completes-first-solo-glider-flight-glider-club-works-to-instill-aviation-passion/article_d4ae02aa-171a-11ed-9f6b-9346b31fac89.html

 

[Browncbr1]

19 hours ago, Vance Harral said:

I quote straight from the proverbial horse's mouth: the FAA.  Look at the very first question at the top of https://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/student_cert

Again, you are confusing have a student pilot certificate - which you need to solo - with being a student.  Those two things are completely independent.

Interesting.  I haven’t been able to find that anywhere in the FARs. 

[Vance Harral]

48 minutes ago, Browncbr1 said:

Interesting.  I haven’t been able to find that anywhere in the FARs. 

You are looking for something that doesn't exist.  There is no FAR or other government regulation that constrains the ability of U.S. Citizens to receive and log dual flight instruction.  Looking for an FAR that expressly permits children to do this is like looking for an FAR that expressly permits women, Christians, Democrats, people who live in Tennesee, etc. to receive and log flight instruction.

There are restrictions on non-US citizens seeking flight training in direct pursuit of a certificate or rating.  There is also the Child Pilot Safety Act which prevents children from manipulating the controls of an aircraft in pursuit of an aviation record.  I presume neither of these things apply to the OP, though only they know for sure.