Learning how to fly and choosing a flight school for pilot training
Learning how to fly can be a life-changing experience, providing a sense of freedom and accomplishment that is unmatched by any other activity. For any aspiring aviator or those looking for a career in aviation, piot training can open up a whole new world.
From the cockpit of a small airplane, you can not only explore new landscapes and skyscapes but also see familiar territory from a fresh perspective. In fact, it’s more than another perspective. It’s more like adding a new dimension to life. It’s like the difference between seeing the world in 3D instead of just 2D. Whether you’re over a city or a rural area, you get to see it in a way that few people ever do.
Being the proud owner of a pilot licence gives you entry to club that has members all over the world. It’s not an elite club and it’s open to everyone. It does not discriminate in any way; race, culture, gender, etc – everyone is welcome.
Free syllabi for the FAA private pilot
For many people, flying is the ultimate freedom. There’s something special about being able to leave the ground and explore the world from the sky. With the right training by qualified instructors and your persistant practice, you can be on your way to discovering new places and experiences.
Learning how to fly is also a great way to learn about yourself. It takes patience and discipline to complete all the required flight training, and those are two qualities that can be applied to other areas of life. Pilots must be able to focus on the task at hand and make quick decisions, skills that can come in handy when faced with a challenging situation in all walks of life.
So if you’re looking for a new challenge or just want to experience something different, learning how to fly is a great option. All the tools and resources you’ll need are readily available to help you get started, so don’t hesitate to give it a try. You may find that getting your pilot certificate and becoming a private pilot is the best thing you’ve ever done.
Plenty of Resources
There are plenty of resources available to help you learn to fly, including books, online courses, and ground school classes, all of which help to fill in the gaps in knowledge for the student pilot as you progress and prepare for each written exam.
As a beginner, it’s important to find flight training that moves at a pace that suits you. There are plenty of flight schools out there, and your flight instructor will assess your aptitude. You won’t be expected to undertake any flight test until you’re deemed ready.
The first few sessions of flight training can one day lead to a career as a professional pilot. Others will simply enjoy flying as a sport pilot spending their leisure time at their local airport. They may plan trips, visiting flying clubs and associating with other pilots and aircraft owners and generally enjoying all that general aviation has to offer.
Joining a pilots association will broaden their horizons. Some may build on their training, perhaps gaining an instrument rating which will prove their ability to fly in worse weather, and some may go on to become a flight instructor, becoming a valuable addition to flight schools.
Student Pilot Tips
1. Do your research. Before you spend any money do some research into the flight schools in your location. In the long run it will save you money if you find the school and the instructor that best suits you even if it means traveling further than the nearest school.
2. Find the right instructor. We’re all different personality types and sometimes we don’t always gel with everyone around us. As the paying customer you need to be able to switch instructor if you don’t get along.
3. Get the right equipment. Buy the right pilot gear at the start and it will last many years.
4. Take your time. Don’t try to learn everything all at once. Take your time and build on your skills gradually. There’s a lot to learn so take it one step at a time.
5. Use the right resources. There are plenty of resources available to help you learn to fly, both online and in print. Make use of those that are written by pilots for pilots. Learn from the best.
6. Practice, practice, practice. The more you fly, the better you’ll become. Make sure you practice regularly to improve your skills, but also practice the flight planning, checking the weather, and navigation.
7. Enjoy the learning experience. Pilot training can be intensive and challenging at times. You may encounter points at which you feel you’re not making any progress, but keep going. Many who now enjoy using their sport pilot certificate also reached a point at which they wondered whether they would ever be ready for flight test but with the coaching of their flight instructor, they completed the course. So make sure you take the time to enjoy the experience.
7 myths about flight training
1. Learning to fly is expensive
While it is true that learning to fly requires some expenditure it’s actually comparable to many other leisure activities. With careful planning and continuity of practice you can minimise the expense.
2. You need to be an expert in math and physics to learn to fly
You don’t need to be an expert in math and physics to learn to fly; in fact, many pilots will confide that they learned more about these subjects by learning to fly and, where it was necessary, had some extra tuition to overcome any problems.
3. It’s difficult to become a pilot
It’s not difficult to become a pilot, but it does require dedication and persistance. Learning any new skill requires efforst and application, and aviation is no exception. However, as with all big challenges the trick is to take it one step at a time.
4. Learning to fly is dangerous
Some pilots will tell you that the most dangerous part of learning to fly is driving to the airfield! Learning to fly is not dangerous if you take the time to learn about the aircraft and the weather, and as long as you don’t fly beyond your own abilities. Risk is minimised by knowledge and skill.
5. You need a lot of free time to learn to fly
You don’t need a lot of free time to learn to fly; most people can complete their training in a few months. Some even do it with a few weeks, if they have no other distractions and the weather allows it.
6. Flying is only for rich people
Flying is not only for rich people; there are many affordable ways to learn to fly. As well as light aircraft there are microlights, ultralights, light sport aircraft, and many other aerial vehicles.
7. Flying is a waste of time
Flying is a great way to spend your time; it’s challenging, exciting, and educational. It could lead to new friends, and for some, a new career.
So don’t believe the myths – learning to fly can be a life-changing experience for everyone!
Why people don’t start learning how to fly
1. I’m not afraid of flying, I’m afraid of crashing
From early on in your training you’ll be taught how to land the aicraft in a variety of situations. You won’t be expected to fly solo until your instructor is confident that you can land safely. During your training you’ll also be taught what to do in the unlikely event that the engine stops mid flight. You’ll be taught how to trim the aircraft, pick a suitable landing spot, and glide the aircraft to a landing.
2. I’m not sure if I would be good at it
It’s very common for people to doubt their own abilities. Just remember that those pilots flying in a way that seems effortless were once nervous student pilots who knew nothing.
3. Isn’t it better to leave it to the professionals?
How do you suppose the professionals got were they are? One day, they decided to embark on some flight training. One day, they decided to embark on some flight training that lead to them gaining a private pilot certificate. Now it’s your turn.
4. I’m too old for this
Some people don’t start flying until they’re retired. Grandparents learn to fly. As long as you’re reasonably fit and healthy there’s a pilot certificate of some type waiting for you.
5. What if I can’t learn?
Your instructor will give you any additional training or ground school tuition that you may need. Everyone is different. Don’t get hung up on the number of hours the next guy completed before going solo. We all learn at different paces.
How to Choose Flight Schools
There are many different flight schools around the world and they offer a variety of programs, from introductory lessons to full-blown pilot careers. Choosing the right school needn’t be difficult, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
The first step is to decide what you want to get out of your training. Do you want to learn to fly for recreation, as a private pilot, or are you interested in becoming a professional pilot?
Once you’ve decided what you want to do, research the different schools in your area. Look for a school that has a good reputation and offers the program you’re interested in. Check out their website and read the testimonials.
Visit the flight school and notice how you’re greeted, the condition of the premises, and the general feel and atmosphere. Make sure you ask plenty of questions and get quotes from several schools before making a decision.
13 Questions to ask Flight Schools
- What type of training do you offer?
- How long does the program take to complete?
- What type of aircraft do you use for training?
- Do you offer financing options?
- What is included in your course tuition?
- Do you have any promotions or discounts currently available?
- What is the average cost of your courses?
- What is the hourly rate for flying lessons?
- What is the hourly rate for ground school?
- How many students have you taught?
- What is your student pass rate?
- Can I visit your school to take a tour?
- Can I change instructors if we don’t get along?
Pilot License Ground School
As well as the practical flying lessons that will one day lead to a check ride before you’re finally awarded your private pilot certificate, there is the ground school. Ground instruction will be provided by your flight school but many students supplement this with online courses and books.
The student pilot will need to pass a written exam in several subjects and an oral exam for the Radio Telephony. This will confirm that you’re competent at transmitting and responding using the radio in the cockpit.
Rod Machado’s Flight Training Products
Rod Machado is a world-renowned aviation educator and author. He has written more than a dozen books on the subject of flying, including the best-selling “How to Fly an Airplane.”
Rod’s products go beyond the basics and provide pilots with a complete understanding of what it takes to be a safe, competent pilot.
Rod Machado’s passion for flying is evident in his teaching methods and the products he produces. He has a unique ability to make complex topics easy to understand, and his materials are essential for anyone who wants to learn more about flying.
Plus, Rod’s products come with a money-back guarantee, so you can be sure that you’re getting the best training available.
If you’re interested in learning to fly, then you need to check out Rod Machado’s products. They’re the best in the business, and they’ll teach you everything you need to know about flying.
5 Common Flight School Training Aircraft
These are some of the more traditional training aircraft you might encounter as you start your flying lessons. You can learn in many other aircraft types but these are more numerous.
- Cessna 150
- Cessna 172
- Cirrus SR20
- Diamond DA40
- Piper PA28
The first time new people arrive for their flight training they are starting a journey that can lead to gaining a sport pilot certificate, spending enjoyable days as a sport pilot visiting airfields all over the country.
Others may become a flight instructor, and some may go on to a career in the airlines. Whatever you end up doing, it all starts with the day you showed up for your first flying lesson.
Learning how to fly is an amazing experience. Whether you’re just getting started or are a seasoned veteran, the sense of freedom and accomplishment that comes with learning to fly can’t be matched by any other activity. With so many resources available for those looking to learn, now’s the time to take your first flight!
