Set high goals, the private is just one step. Pilot ratings
are useful for many career paths, engineers, doctors,
lawyers, race car drivers, ranchers, school teachers. The
goal for a teen is easy because you have time, it seems lie
a lot of time, but it isn't.
He doesn't have to commit to an aviation career, but he can
begin and there are plenty of "new" experiences to keep the
spirit alive. After solo, there are many tasks required to
get the private, cross-country, instrument training doesn't
have to wait for the private. Aerobatics, seaplanes, there
are many training roots in the tree of knowledge.

A year between solo at 16 and a certificate at 17 isn't a
long time and there is plenty to do that will carry forward.


--
James H. Macklin
ATP,CFI,A&P

--
The people think the Constitution protects their rights;
But government sees it as an obstacle to be overcome.
some support
http://www.usdoj.gov/olc/secondamendment2.htm
See http://www.fija.org/ more about your rights and duties.


"Jay Honeck" wrote in message
news:bB0jg.27265$No1.24393@attbi_s71...
| You don't "ramp up" for solo or even the private, you
ramp
| up for a career in stages. The goal is always coming
and it
| isn't just the solo, or even the private, but the CFI
and
| ATP experience level.
|
| That's a good point, Jim, but at 15 I don't think Joe's
ready to commit to a
| career in aviation.
|
| After watching what has happened to the airlines, I'm not
really all that
| enthused about encouraging him in that direction, either.
Although, of
| course, in the next few years a HUGE chunk of the "baby
boom" generation
| will be retiring, and opening up a bunch of left seats...
|
| At this point, I just want him to get his Private.
| --
| Jay Honeck
| Iowa City, IA
| Pathfinder N56993
| www.AlexisParkInn.com
| "Your Aviation Destination"
|
|