Flight Schools – How to Choose a Flight School and Learn to Fly
For those considering a career as a pilot, experienced pilot Jeff Miller offers information and advice about how to make some important decisions in the beginning of the process. Filled with valuable insights, Miller's two articles will help aspiring pilots understand much more about their pursuit.
It all starts with a dream to someday learn to fly. Just as it started years ago with the Wright Brothers, it has somehow started with you. People ask us why we fly. Why do we enjoy it so much? Well, after 22 years of flying experience I still have only one answer to that question. It’s in our blood, I tell them. It’s something innate that we just can’t describe. We have a passion for airplanes and all things aviation. 
When I began my journey, I didn’t have many aviation mentors. I knew that I wanted to fly but wasn’t sure of the best way to start. With this beginner’s informational article, I hope to start you in the right direction whatever your aspirations in aviation are. Whether you want to simply fly for fun on the weekends or if you want to become a captain for a major airline, I will share some insider’s information that will help you get started. Use this article as a tool to help you save time and money in your aeronautical quests. Enjoy. You are about to embark on a journey that only a small percentage of the world is capable of doing.
The following should be considered when deciding how and where to begin your flight training. This by no means is a complete list. It will, however, get you started in the right direction.
Do you want a flight school that offers flexibility or a rigid curriculum
Part 141 schools offer a more structured environment than their part 61 counterparts.
You need to research your flight school options. Don’t just jump in with the first school you come across. A large part of your decision will be based on whether you will fly professionally or if you simply want to fly for your own personal business or pleasure. If your goal is to fly professionally, there are many schools that offer accelerated training programs. Upon successful completion of their curriculum, you are typically guaranteed an interview with one of their affiliated airlines.
Another critical issue is the flight school instructors. Your flight instructors will obviously play a vital role in the type of pilot that you become. You need to speak with the instructors at the flight schools and determine if they will meet your needs and goals.
Based on your goals, you need to do a bit of research. Have an idea of what ratings and licenses you will want to obtain. Additionally, you need to know what the difference between a license and rating is!
Before you start spending money on flying, you should know the FAA medical requirements for the licenses that you seek. Obviously, you don’t want to waste money on training if you don’t meet the medical requirements! Go to the FAA website for medical requirement information (here).
Financial aid may be available to you. In your research, this is an option that you can explore. A link to research various scholarships and grants is here.
Speak with previous and current students of the flight schools you are researching. In my opinion, this is one of the most critical steps. With this step, you will develop a true understanding of the inner workings of the flight school.
Create two checklists to bring with you on your flight school research. One list should be a flight school checklist and the other should be a flight instructor checklist. Some sample checklist items are:
•How long has the school been in business?
•What is the school's safety record?
•What is the availability of aircraft?
•How long has the instructor been teaching?
•How many students has the instructor taught for the license or rating you seek?
With your decision to learn to fly, you will invest a great deal of time and money. Before you get started, the proper research is critical so that your time and money are not wasted!
Written by
Jeff Miller
Jeff Miller has been flying professionally for 22 years. In addition to flying, Jeff has a consulting business. His services range from general aviation consulting to providing advice to those looking for direction in the pursuit of pilot certification. Additionally, Jeff has published a book entitled "The Path To Flight-An Insider's Guide To Pursuing Flight Training." His book provides over 60 pages of insider's information for those looking to learn how to fly. He is currently a Captain on a Boeing 737 for a major commercial airline.
با سلام من این سایت رو برای کسانی که عاشق پرواز هستند طراحی کرده ام و از شما خواهش می کنم که با نظر های خوب خود منو در هر چه بهتر شدن این سایت یاری دهید