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Flight operation is a very serious matter. This is something that should never be taken lightly because the risks involved aviation industry is really big and they come in large numbers. This is why getting oneself enrolled in a very reputable flight school is important if one wishes to become a good pilot.


Flight schools offer various types of licensure or certification that permit a person to fly different types of aircraft. Most countries have a federal or civic agency that dictates the requirements for the school's curriculum. You need to get a doctor's seal of approval before attending any school, and again, regulations vary by country.

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Steps

  1. Attend Flight School Step 1.jpg
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    Select a qualified flight school with certified flight instructors.
    • The particular government entity that mandates requirements for to obtain a pilot's license also may have a school locator that can help you begin the selection process. The United States' agency, the Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, has such a tool.
    • Different licenses are available depending on the type of aircraft you wish to fly and whether you will fly professionally or recreationally. A PPL is the designation for a private pilot's license according to the Joint Aviation Authority, or JAA, which governs flight schools in European countries. According to the JAA, the "JAA-FCL 1" is the general term for rules regarding an aeroplane license; "JAA-FCL 2," specifies the criteria for a helicopter license. Similarly, the FAA also has licenses for private and recreational pilots.
    • The school that you select must have a flight instructor with the knowledge and certifications to train you for the appropriate license. For example, in order to become an air transport pilot, the school should have an instructor with such a license.
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  2. Attend Flight School Step 2.jpg
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    Obtain a certificate from a doctor that proves you are fit to fly. In some countries, a doctor must perform the examination at specific facilities.
    • The JAA certifies authorized medical examiners (AMEs) to provide assessments. AMEs are located throughout the JAA member-states, and are often simply physicians in hospitals and clinics.
    • The CAA, or Civil Aviation Authority, in Great Britain mandates that commercial pilots undergo an the initial medical examination at the United Kingdom CAA Aeromedical Centre (AMC) at Gatwick airport in West Sussex. The examination takes around half a day to complete.
    • The FAA requires you to see an Aviation Medical Examiner, or AME. You can find an AME in your area by visiting the FAA's website.
  3. Attend Flight School Step 3.jpg
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    Pay the flight school's tuition. There are several variables that determine your total tuition cost.
    • While the FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight time to become a private pilot, the number of hours that it takes you may vary by state. However, many training facilities note that 55 hours of flying is more realistic.
    • Many schools suggest that students take at least two classes a week, which correlates to finishing in 6 months.
    • Unlike paying a semester of tuition in a lump sum at a traditional university, you can pay for lessons as you take them. Some schools may offer discounts if you pay for several classes at a time, and some schools offer financing.
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Tips

  • Flight school is costly, but you will save yourself money if you estimate your costs ahead of time to ensure you can afford to fly at least twice a week. If you fly frequently your skills will steadily progress, you won't have to relearn things you forgot as you would if there are long gaps between classes.

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Sources and Citations

Article Info

Categories: Flight Training

In other languages:

Español: Cómo asistir a una escuela de vuelo

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