Clarifying the project
Clear motivations and objectives are decisive to make right decisions.
What do I want?
What can I do with my training?
How can I support this activity on the long term?
Worst thing is not to do anything by lack of answers. Here are some guidelines to get started as efficiently as possible.
Identifying motivations
Piloting is a great idea, but what do we want to become as a pilot? Airline pilot? Private pilot? Do we want to fly at night also, under instrument flight rules? What about getting paid? Flying local or abroad? What for? For leisure or to carry out missions? Alone? As part of a crew, with friends or relatives? What is my budget? How much time can I spend studying and flying? Depending on what we may need, can afford or fancy, maybe ultra-light should be considered as a good start?...
Thinking out of the box
Flying an ultralight might be a good option to learn how to fly an airplane. After all, is it ever different? Same aerodynamic principles, same instruments, sometimes higher performance, less regulations, less paperwork, and even a parachute. Despite the possible feeling not to fly the most prestigious vectors, flying will remain affordable and you will start learning how to be a pilot. Get rid of pre-conceived ideas, just do it!
Moving on to airplanes
The requirements to fly an aircraft are higher. You will need to know more in quantity and quality. But if you had a good training as an ultra light pilot, getting a PPL will be easy. The real advantage is the access to additional qualifications, such night rating, instrument rating and the possibility to prepare the commercial or airline transport pilot licence. You can also fly with more than one passenger, discover aerobatics and how to recover from difficult situations and take part to cross-country contests. Being aware of these options can help making a decision.