When you have flown in an airplane as a passenger have you had the idea that you might want to fly an airplane yourself? Perhaps you have dreamt of flying airplanes since you were a little boy or a little girl. For whatever reason you are interested in becoming a pilot, here are some things to consider.
Ask Yourself Important Questions - Obviously just dreaming about a career in the skies is the first of many steps.
- Are you in good physical condition?
- How much time are you willing to devote to your training?
- Do you already have a Bachelor's Degree that may be required by your flight school?
- Will you have to work a regular job while you go to flight training school?
- How will you pay for flight school?
Proceed With Your Plan - After you have answered all the questions that will help you to determine that you really do want to be a pilot, you'll be ready to get started.
- The flight school you select will be determined by what kind of a pilot you want to be.
- If you have decided to go into the military, find out if you can qualify to get your training paid for by Uncle Sam.
- Talk to as many pilots as you can so that you can learn from their experience.
- For example, if you just want to fly for fun, find out how long you'll have to train to meet the requirements needed to get your pilot's license.
- If you want to be a commercial pilot, talk to pilots who work for different airlines to get input from them.
Your Actual Flight Training - Once you've determined the type of pilot you want to be you'll be ready to choose a flight school, such as the Institute of Aviation at Parkland College.
- At flight school you will begin in the classroom where you will be taught by licensed and trained instructors.
- You'll be surprised at the flight simulator training you will receive, as it is very close to the real thing.
- Obviously you'll have actual flight training in the sky, and you will eventually have to even fly solo when your instructors know you are ready for that big step.
- You'll have mock tests in the classroom that will prepare you for the actual tests you have to pass before you are licensed.
- Of course, you will be tested on your actual flying skills before you are licensed.
Think about writing down the reasons you want to fly. This might help you to determine what kind of flight school you want to attend.
