"nick" wrote in message
ups.com...
What's the easiest way for me to fly without commiting to an expensive
school? Can I home study for the FAA test, and then rent a plane for
the 40 hrs. needed?

Asking about the easy way sends off warning flags, if I were the one to
analyze your future success in taking up aviation.

There is nothing easy about it. It is a lot of hard work, and dedication.
It is also not cheap. It will take lots of money to get the certificate,
then lots to fly enough to be safe.

Easy also misses the mark, when considering what is most important in being
a pilot. Competence is the most important, and the best way to competence
is not the easy way. Not being fully competent will make your chances of
killing yourself and possibly others much greater.

Talk to pilots. Talk to instructors, and take an introductory lesson.
Asking about what is the best way to learn to fly, and not waste money would
be appropriate. Asking how to become the best pilot you can be, is
appropriate.

Further research, on your part, is what you need to do, now. This may not
be the best place to start. It is a great place to get answers, but right
now, I don't feel that you know what the best questions are.

Good luck. Stick to it, if you can.
--
Jim in NC