Welcome to the exciting world of aviation! A flight school should be dedicated to guiding you through every step of your journey to becoming a pilot. Whether you're aiming for a career in the skies or seeking the thrill and convenience of flight, we've got you covered. In this blog, we'll walk you through the essential steps to get started.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before you invest time and money on this adventure, it's crucial to ensure you're eligible for flight training and pilot certificates. Common eligibility concerns include:
· Drug or alcohol criminal convictions
· Certain medications such as for ADHD, anti-depression, or anti-anxiety
· Certain physical or mental health diagnoses
· US citizenship status: You can still do flight training if you're a non-US citizen. Your flight school can guide you through the AFSP (Alien Flight Student Program) / FTSP (Flight Training Security Program) approval process. This process takes an average of 2-4 weeks.
· Age: 16 years old to solo an airplane, 17 years old to be a private pilot, and 18 years old to be a commercial pilot. However, flight training at a young age (often as early as 12 years old depending on maturity and dedication) has incredible benefits to one’s educational process, work: life skills, confidence, study habits, accountability, responsibility, etc. Flight training at any age still counts towards many flight time minimums. (Subscribe to our newsletter for an upcoming blog on the benefits of flight training at a young age.)
If you have any concerns on eligibility for a pilot certificate or aviation medical, it is important to consult an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), FAA Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI), an aviation attorney, a FAA Regional Flight Surgeon, and/or your local FAA FSDO (Flight Standards District Office) for an evaluation of your concerns. Common prescriptions such as ADHD medication or Emotional Support Animals (often representative of an anxiety or depression diagnosis) is causing delays or denials to aviation medicals and pilot certificate eligibility so, if you have any concerns, it is important to seek professional clarification prior to applying for an aviation medical or pilot certificate because a denial can cause unnecessary delays during future special approval processes. Many people make their own determinations of ineligibility prior to consulting with a professional when what they assume to be an issue may not be. Also, there may be a process to accommodate certain issues such as a special issuance authorization or statements of demonstrated ability (SODA).
FlyBright Pilot Academy is not an authority for eligibility determination or is a licensed medical practitioner. The above statements are for preliminary informational purposes only and you should consult the experts listed above, such as the FAA, AME, Flight Surgeon, aviation attorney, etc. and read official publications.
Step 2: Obtain an Aviation Medical
The next step is to get an aviation medical certificate. For those aiming for a professional pilot career, a 1st class aviation medical certificate is advisable, but there are plenty of pilot jobs that only require a 3rd or 2nd class aviation medical. If you're pursuing a private pilot certificate for leisure and convenience of travel, a 3rd class aviation medical will suffice. Get an aviation medical early to ensure your eligibility before you invest time and money in training. Contact an AME, CAMI, or FAA regional Flight Surgeon with any concerns about eligibility, as being first denied can delay future FAA special approvals.
Briefly, the different classes of aviation medicals (1st, 2nd, 3rd, or Basic Med) allow a pilot to do different types of flight operations. Depending on one’s age and aviation medical class desired, an examination will be more or less thorough. Getting a medical is nothing to be stressed about after proper research and calling an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) ahead of time with questions and concerns. For more information on medicals, visit: 4 Types of Pilot Medical Certificates (Requirements and More) (flyingmag.com)
Step 3: Find the Right Flight School
Choosing a flight school that aligns with your goals and preferences is crucial. Consider factors like the school's professionalism, willingness to converse on your goals and aviation passion, training programs, instructor experience, quality of aircraft, and facilities. A key indicator of a good flight school is one that is led by a career flight instructor with thousands of hours of specifically flight instructional experience and many years of flight school management. Another important indicator of a good school is one that is willing to spend time with you, such as providing tours and hours of conversation about your goals and expectations, their flight school, program, personnel, aircraft, facilities, career opportunities, or ways to enjoy a private pilot certificate, challenges and rewards of flight training, etc. Check out our other blogs for detailed guidance on selecting the best flight school for you.
Step 4: Paying for Flight Training
If you're considering financing, expect the application process to take 1-4 weeks, depending on your document submission speed. A co-signer is likely necessary since flight training loans don't have an asset for banks to repossess. Although these loans might have unappealing interest rates, the very high earnings of a pilot make early repayment common practice; many people pay back their loans the first year or two of a professional pilot position. Also, many people refinance their loans after obtaining a commercial pilot's license because banks see much less risk at this point. If paying cash, most flight schools require 30-50% upfront and with subsequent payments upon earning certificates or exhausting the initial payment.
Whether financing or paying cash, understanding the flight school's refund policy is important. Most flight schools, rightfully so, do not offer 100% refunds due to their upfront investments such as, acquiring and relocating aircraft, hiring more instructors and administrators, acquiring more classrooms and housing, and reserving flight time slots for a student’s program. Upon enrolling in a flight training program, a mutual commitment is made between the school and the student, and this commitment should not be taken lightly. A good flight school will be transparent with their expectations for students and what you can expect from them, as should be explained in enrollment documentation and agreements.
Step 5: Selecting a Start Date
Once you've sorted out eligibility and funding, it's time to choose your start date. Before you start classes, ask the flight school how to prepare. This often includes gathering necessary documentation and completing pre-study assignments to jumpstart your training.
Embarking on flight training is a significant commitment, but with the right preparation, it can be a smooth and fulfilling journey. Contact us today, FlyBright can help you reach new heights!
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