Surabhi’s Private Pilot License Funds

Hi there, I’m Surabhi! I’m 16, and ever since I was little, I was fascinated by two things; aviation, and space. I’m going into my 5th year of secondary school (high school junior), here in Ireland. Over the years, I’ve worked hard in school and participated in various extracurricular activities, from math club, debating, tech team, volunteering with CoderDojo, taking part and winning awards at national science competitions, and more. What I mean to say is that I’m highly motivated, and willing to learn. After secondary school, I intend to pursue aerospace engineering in university, so a Private Pilot's License (PPL) would help me gain valuable experience in working under stressful conditions and show that I can accomplish challenging goals. These are skills that every astronaut must possess.

One of my (more expensive) goals is to become a private pilot, and which certainly isn’t easy.  But is essential for my future, and I would really appreciate your help with the finances! There’s a reason why less than 1% of the world’s population have a PPL. It certainly isn’t easy on the pocket. However I would like to be part of that 1%.

The cost of a PPL ranges from €9,000 to €13,000 depending on a number of factors, such as the flight school, and hours for example. I set the goal here as €6k as I want to source the rest of the money myself. By doing part-time jobs, selling my paintings, and setting up fundraising events in my city, I aim to raise at least half the cost by next summer. But this is where I need your help, for the other half.

Full cost breakdown:

45 hours Cessna 152                                                                  €10,080                                  
Exam books + fees                                                                       €895
Flight school membership                                                       €190

17 hours briefings                                                                        €935
+ Medical exam fees, airport charges & fuel prices
                                                                                                Total: ~€12,200

You might be thinking is a PPL really worth this substantial sum of money, time and effort? And yes, 100% yes it is, at least in my journey. See, my long term goal is to become an astronaut one day. I believe a pilot’s license is a small step for the goal, but one giant leap for me, excuse the reference. I would like to become certified before I finish school so that I can gain more flying experience and what better time unlike the present?

 

In all honesty, I do feel nervous and a little embarrassed asking for money when there are people who are in worse conditions than I am, but I remind myself that I’m dedicated and passionate enough to accomplish this goal, and what if others want to help as well? Sometimes people like to help others, even if they don’t benefit from it themselves. It might feel awkward donating to someone you know. “How much should one donate? Is €5 too little, and I don’t want to spend €20. So I mightn’t end up spending at all.” But in fact, one euro you donate is one euro I didn’t have before. Everything matters, and it’s worth a shot!

Thank you so much.

 

P.S. Once I secure my license, contact me and I would love to bring you up anytime :)