Choosing the Right Flight School for You

Learning how to control an aircraft and being able to fly freely in three dimension is not only fun. It can also lead to an interesting career and great travel opportunities. But of course, in order for you to enjoy the rewards of aviation, you must be really good in manoeuvring a plane. You must also have the good, solid knowledge needed to be safe in the air. In other words, you should be properly trained—you must enrol in the best school.

Here’s how to find the right learning institution:

Determine what you need and want. Before you even visit schools or inquire about the trainings they offer, it helps if you already have a general idea of what it is you want from aviation. What is your ultimate goal? Do you simply want to fly for fun, or are you looking forward to a professional career in the aviation industry? Your answers to these questions will help you determine whether you will train full or part time, which can definitely make a big difference in your school selection criteria.

Understand the different type schools. These institutions can be classified under two categories, namely Part 61 and Part 141.

The first is the more common of the two and is mostly preferred by recreational pilots to acquire their licence. Nonetheless, it has a recommended set of skills that every student should master, so the lessons offered are not as wishy-washy as you might think. However, schools operating under Part 61 follow no particular curriculum, so they are free to set their own standards.

As for the Part 141 schools, courses are taught according to the standards set by aviation authorities. These rules are very specific and encompassing, covering everything you need to know about manoeuvring a plane. Hence, if you are looking for professional career in the industry, you should look for these institutions.

Create a list of schools. After determining what type of lesson you are going to take, scout then for institutions offering such trainings. Check the philosophy and objectives of each, and see if they match yours.