| There are approximately 1400 flight training schools in | | | | school doesn't have a professional feeling and a |
| the United States so there's big selection to choose | | | | business-like attitude then maybe that flight training |
| from. It goes without saying that the competition to | | | | school isn't right for you. |
| earn your business is fierce. So how do you decide | | | | Student Housing Options |
| which school is right for you? You need to do your | | | | You are most likely going to be living away from home |
| homework before you go to school. Here are ten | | | | when you attend a flight training school and housing |
| useful tips for picking a good commercial flight school: | | | | can get pretty expensive. Take a look at housing |
| Location | | | | facilities – if they even offer it. Is the housing |
| Location is very important when you are looking for a | | | | comfortable and clean? Is it quiet? Do they offer |
| flight training school. What state the school is in and | | | | amenities like a fitness room and internet connection? |
| what the weather is like is a key factor for getting a | | | | Check the local market for real estate listings, prices |
| commercial pilot license. Florida is a great place to earn | | | | and availability. |
| your wings. The average median temperate in central | | | | Cost of Living |
| Florida is 75 degrees and the skies are clear and | | | | Is the flight training school in a big metropolitan area full |
| sunny over 280 days out of the year. The mild climate | | | | of traffic on the ground - and in the air? Is it an |
| makes flight training a pleasure. The good weather | | | | expensive city where you have to worry about prices |
| allows you to log more flying hours faster, get your | | | | instead of grades? Take a look at the cost of living |
| degree quicker and be on your way sooner to an | | | | index of the city the school is in. This is easy to do just |
| aviation career. | | | | by going to Google. A city with a low cost of living will |
| Some of Florida's flight training schools - however - are | | | | be a better environment for learning. |
| in major urban areas like Miami, Fort Lauderdale and | | | | Financing Options |
| Orlando. High density traffic on the ground means high | | | | Does the flight training school give you a choice of |
| density traffic in the air. Look for an aviation school in a | | | | payment plans or do they want all their money up |
| town or small city that isn't congested. This will be | | | | front? It is important to have payment plans and |
| easier when you are learning to fly. | | | | options. We are still in tough economic times and that |
| Facilities | | | | makes it even tougher for a flight school student. |
| A first impression is a good impression. What does the | | | | There are many government loans out there - Federal |
| facility look like? If it is cluttered, unattended to or run | | | | Stafford Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, Pell Grants, |
| down, chances are your flight training will be the same. | | | | Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants, |
| A clean and professional facility usually means a well- | | | | Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant and Career |
| run organization. | | | | Training Loans from Sallie Mae. If a flight training school |
| Fleet Condition | | | | can't help you navigate through the intricacies of a |
| Are the planes new? If not, how old are they? How | | | | federal loan, maybe you should consider another flight |
| many planes are in the fleet? Are they properly | | | | school. |
| maintained and do you have access to the | | | | Veteran Benefits |
| maintenance logs? A training plane should be serviced | | | | If you are a veteran, make sure the flight training |
| after every 100 hours of flight time. It doesn't have to | | | | school is approved for the GI Post 9/11 Bill. The Post 9 |
| be new when you are learning to fly but it does have | | | | 11 Bill provides financial support for education and |
| to well-maintained. | | | | housing to individuals with at least 90 days of service |
| Ground School | | | | on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals |
| Flight simulators are an essential part of any flight | | | | discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 |
| school. Make sure you inspect the flight simulators if | | | | days. You must have received an honorable discharge |
| you visit the school or ask about them if you are | | | | to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. |
| unable to tour the facility. Various categories of flight | | | | Reputation |
| simulators and flight training devices are used for pilot | | | | Check the reputation of the flight training school you |
| training. These vary from relatively simple Part-Task | | | | are considering. You can do this through the local FAA |
| Trainers (PTTs) that cover one or more aircraft | | | | Flight Standards District Office, the Aircraft Owners |
| systems, Cockpit Procedures Trainers (CPT) for | | | | and Pilots Association, National Air Transportation |
| practicing drills and checks, to Full Flight Simulators | | | | Association, the Better Business Bureau or Chamber |
| (FFS). Every flight training school worth its' weight has | | | | of Commerce. They can give you information on a |
| one, all, or a combination of these flight simulators. | | | | school's business practices and safety record. Look |
| Professionalism | | | | for a school with a good record of getting graduates |
| More than any other vocation, commercial aviation is a | | | | work. Many flight academies have job connections |
| business of professionals. It is important that you keep | | | | with commuter and regional airlines. It is important for a |
| a professional attitude at all times. So where does all | | | | flight school to help you get your first job. |
| this professionalism begin? It begins at flight training | | | | These are the "Top Ten" things to look for when you |
| school. Tour the facility and meet the faculty. Do they | | | | are applying for a flight training school. Good luck with |
| treat you professionally and respectfully? If the flight | | | | your new career! |