Welcome to the exciting world of aviation! These next months or years in your life will be an exciting chapter filled with experiences that will shape the kind of pilot you will become. It can all be a little stressful at first glance, but with careful planning, realistic expectations, and no small amount of dedication you will be well on your way to a bright future!
There are many steps towards becoming a pilot, and finding the right flight school for you is absolutely instrumental for success. A simple Google search for flight training may return dozens of nationwide options! Knowing what to look for and what questions to ask will help you find the right fit for you.
Different Types of Flight Schools
There are many different options regarding the type and focus of each individual flight school. Some schools are purely focused on career driven pilots looking for the quickest training possible. Others may cater to recreational pilots more by offering flexible pay by the lesson options. Many schools may offer both of these choices. Here are some of the main options.
Part 61 Flight Schools (the most common type of school that allows training to begin at almost any time).
Part 141 Flight Schools (set courses typically used by university programs and allow for less flight time needed).
Part 142 Flight Schools (these also use FAA approved courses but use flight simulators for most of the training).
If a college degree is part of your interest, there are many options for in person and online degree programs. Typically an in person undergrad programs will take four years to complete, whereas an online bachelor's degree may be completed in two years. Tuition is also typically cheaper for an online option. It is also important to note that no major airline is explicitly requiring a degree as of 2023.
For those wanting to complete their flight training in as little time as possible, a "fast-track" or "zero-to-hero" type program may be best for you. These programs are highly intensive requiring full dedication in and out of the cockpit. Most will have structured courses for both ground and flight lessons to ensure that every task is completed.
Flight Training Aircraft
Across all of general aviation, there is a wide range of aircraft you will come across. Nowhere is this more important than in flight training. Aircraft in a flight school fleet can go through quite a lot of punishment. It is generally a good idea to fly with newer aircraft that have had the most up to date safety features integrated and may be in the best overall condition. Many flight schools today have their own maintenance facilities. This is very important in ensuring proper and timely maintenance on a regular basis.
Aircraft availability is another very important factor. Many flight schools pack the schedule of each of their aircraft for peak profit. This can have huge repercussions if there is not another airplane around to take their place. Finding a school that appropriately schedules it's students and ensures that there is room for growth with be very beneficial.
Location
Depending on the location of your prospective flight school, you can get as many as 340 flying days a year, or as little as 200 flying days a year. Weather plays a huge part in the timeframe of your training, and choosing a fair weather location has many benefits. It is also important to find a location that has the right amount flight training traffic that will be conducive to your success. If an airport or the surrounding airspace is so busy it prevents your from learning, your training may take longer.
Financing Options
Whether you are looking for a full flight training program or to attain your Private Pilot certificate for recreation, financing may be something to look into. Interest rates, deferment periods, and term lengths are all important factors to consider. It is also important to note that once your training is completed, paying the maximum amount possible per month will help overcome the interest.
Housing
Many flight schools now offer housing to their students. Having a comfortable place to relax after a long day of flight lessons and ground school are huge factors. The price and quality of this can vary wildly. Whenever visiting the flight school itself, ask to see the housing in addition.
Remember that everyone before you who went through the process of becoming a pilot had the same questions that you do! There is a wealth of knowledge and help out there, so make sure you are well informed prior to making a decision on what path to take. I look forward to seeing all the new pilots 2024 will bring, and I hope this served to ease just a bit of the stress.
- Austin Pulliam Director of Operations for FlyBright Pilot Academy
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