My son will be 17 next month and wants to start taking lessons to obtain his private pilot's license. His goal is to attend the Coast Guard Academy and ultimately be a helicopter pilot with the CG. Getting into the Academy aside, his objective is to 1) begin his dream of flying, and 2) show that he has the true desire and aptitude to fly (so that later in his CG career he may have a better chance at getting one of the flight school slots).

With that being said, as a parent I'm reluctant due to his age. Can anyone who's faced this issue with a child provide any insight, and perhaps others have advice on the matter. Our local airport in Joplin, Missouri doesn't offer Helicopter flight training, so fixed wing would be his only option if he's determined to start flying now. Would there be any benefit in your opinion to having fixed wing flight training/experience when being considered later for a slot in helicopter flight school?

Thanks

I believe you're right, once he's up in the air as a student I'm sure it would be a huge motivator. It seems like the logical choice for him now so I'm pretty sure were going to go ahead with it. I've only been reluctant because of his age (and his mother's nerves LOL). Thanks for the advice, much appreciated.