STUDENTS PILOTS
INFORMATIVE INFORMATION FOR ASPIRING PILOTS
ASPIRING PILOTS can launch their aviation interest by visiting a local airport - specifically the General Aviation area of larger airports, and the local flight operator at smaller airports, typically referred to as the FIXED BASE OPERATOR. Look in the phone book Yellow Pages under Flight Schools or Pilot Instruction to find the phone number of the nearest flight school in your area. Making an appointment will save you time in your search.
ASK TO speak with the Chief Flight Instructor, or a Flight Instructor, who can give you specific information on what it takes to begin your journey to become a pilot. Many times you will be offered an introductory flight, which may be offered at a discount price. Cessna Aircraft has a website offering an introductory flight for $99. Click on this link to find the nearest Cessna Pilot Learning Center, www.learntofly.com.
ASPIRING PILOTS can review the Airplane Owners and Pilots Association website, http://www.aopa.org/learntofly/ where a wealth of free info is available to assist your desire to become a pilot.
ASPIRING PILOTS usually want to know how much learning to fly will cost. That's certainly a very good question. Learning to fly is expensive, yet many pilots got their start by working at the airport, and trading work for flying lessons. If that option doesn't work for you, loans and scholarships may be your avenue to learning to fly.
HOW MUCH does it cost? The cost can vary by your location, and the type of aircraft you use for training. Generally, a Private Pilot's license will cost between $5,000 to $8,000, on average. ATP Flight School advertises on their website, www.ALLATPS.com that their Private Pilot program encompasses 85 hours, includes housing, and costs $8,995. The AOPA offers a great discussion on obtaining financing or scholarships, http://flighttraining.aopa.org/learntofly/finance/.
HOW LONG will it take to obtain the Private Pilot's license? The national average is around five months. This includes the minimum of 40 hours of flight instruction, however 75 hours of flight instruction is the national average. Pilot training includes a mix of flight instruction and ground classroom/self-study instruction. Some flight instructors prefer aspiring pilots to complete the ground instruction portion before beginning flight instruction lessons. In reality, an integration of ground and flight instruction is the best path to reinforce the elements of learning to fly. You might ask if you can learn to fly by taking a shorter course. Actually, the Federal Aviation Administration, (FAA) prescribes the minimum required flight and ground instruction, through the Private Pilot Practical Test Standards.
LEARNING TO fly sounds like a strong commitment of time, money, and focus. It certainly is the case. Learning to fly is also a very rewarding endeavor - one that will allow a new dimension to life almost like no other endeavor. Learning to fly is FUN, EXCITING, and could lead to a new career, or just add a great hobby to your life.
FLYING IS open to all aspiring pilots. Regardless of your gender or race, flying can take you far, and open new windows of opportunity to your life. In the professional ranks of aviation, there are now hundreds of women and folks from varied ethnic backgrounds flying corporate jets and airliners. For women interested in aviation, click on this website link, www.wai.org/.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES abound for the aspiring pilot to explore. Many colleges offer aviation related degrees in their curriculum, and many of them partner with small commuter airlines, such as American Eagle, ASA, COMAIR, Expressjet, NWA Airlink, Republic Airways and SKYWEST. Pilots may be offered jobs at these airlines, depending on qualifications and experience, and individual airline hiring practices. Included in the sidebar on this page are some college and aviation training academy website links for you to explore. THERE IS a wealth of information on the internet about how to become a pilot. Certainly, just beginning is sometimes a big challenge. Many years ago I was in your shoes. As I was able to receive help and assistance from many others to begin my aviation career, I'm more than happy to assist you. Email me with your questions, and I'll be glad to provide you with FREE Aviation Guidance, ByronCobb@jettutor.com. Good luck in your quest to become a pilot.
