Facts and Tips for Flight Training Students

Have a passion for flying? Now is the best time to gocall and talk to the instructors, visit the school if possible
to flight training school. Location is an important thing toand then decide what flight school will give the best
consider when you are looking for a flight trainingeducation for your money.
school. What state the school is in and what theIs It Hard to Learn to Fly?
weather is like is critical for your getting yourIf you have the passion, the skill will come. People of all
commercial pilot license. Here are some facts and tipsshapes and sizes, ages and abilities have learned to fly.
to help you choose the right school for your flightIt's fun, and from the beginning of your training, you get
training.to do most of the actual flying! On the practical
5 Facts About Flight Trainingside—While flying isn't a difficult skill to learn, you'll
- FACT: The current recession has created fiercehave to be willing to stick with it until you meet all the
competition for jobs in all industries. Now is the perfectrequirements.
opportunity for you to start your flight training in anIs Flying safe?
industry that has tremendous potential!A well-built and well-maintained aircraft flown by a
- FACT: Airline jobs are not going away, the demand iscompetent and prudent pilot is as safe or safer than
beginning to increase. For many current airline pilots, themany other forms of transportation. Flight schools
mandatory retirement age is approaching!aircraft are also highly maintained.
- FACT: The FAA is now taking a more serious lookWhat is the difference between a recreational pilot's
at airline pilot flight training. This is forcing the airlinecertificate and a private pilot's certificate?
industry to take a harder look at candidates for pilotAs a recreational pilot, you have to fly within 50
replacements!nautical miles of the airport where you learned to fly,
- FACT: Professional Pilots must now have first-rateyou have to fly during the day, and you can't fly in
knowledge and continually upgraded skills if they wantairspace where communications with air traffic control
to hear the word "Hired!" Pilots who train at qualityare required. You are better off just getting your
aviation schools and who possess the technicalprivate pilots license. It will only take you a couple more
knowledge, first-rate flying skills and a professionalhours. A private pilot doesn't have these limitations. It
attitude will have the hiring edge!usually takes fewer lessons to get a recreational pilot's
- FACT: Professionalism and knowledge are nowcertificate than a private pilot's certificate. Some flight
prerequisites for entrance into the worldwide airlineschools do not offer the recreational pilots certificate.
industry. Fast paced, "fast track" programs, orFinancing
self-study courses will not meet the new airline industryNow is the best time to go to flight training school. The
standards.economy is improving and the commercial pilot job
Q and A for Future Flight Training Studentsmarket is opening up. By 2011, experts predict the
Where can I get flying lessons?commercial aviation business will be booming again.
To find the top flight schools in the United States, visitFAFSA - or Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
flight school directories at the following websites:This is your first step for flight school financing. Use it
pilotjourney, Bestaviation,aopa, andto apply for federal student financial aid, such as the
aviationschoolsonline.Pell Grant, student loans, and college work-study. Most
All of these directories offer a search by zip code, city,states and schools use FAFSA information to award
state or name of the school. Choose a couple oftheir financial aid. Visit FAFSA website for more
schools first so you can compare. Do your research,information.