You want to become a great pilot but you don’t know where to start? Students should realize that they will become a commercial airline pilot if they have a stable base. This stable base is an excellent flying school and its importance should not be overlooked. Many students often lose a great deal of money trying to get their licenses because they are not taught properly and/or are not motivated.
Good schools will teach you properly and motivate you to become the expert pilot you dream of being. So, what factors should you consider when looking for an excellent flight school?
Reputation
Reputation means a lot when looking for products or services. This is no different for flying schools. The Internet will generally provide useful feedback and information when you study a school. A bad reputation usually means that the school is not suitable and should be crossed off your list.
Security
Does the school you are interested in prioritize safety? Do they have wind limits for new students? Has the school had any serious accidents or had certificates revoked? If you do not feel safe, then you will not be comfortable in the flying environment and you will not be able to fly without fear in the back of your mind.
A good flight school will do everything possible to ensure the safety of its students. A safe environment will allow the student to concentrate on learning to fly. This should be the top priority for all flying schools. If they don’t work safely, stay away!
Aircraft Quality
In aviation, you get what you pay for. You might find a cheaper plane somewhere else, but you might not want to get on it. The quality of the planes will have a big impact on your pilot training. If the plane a flight school has in its fleet is not up to par, your training and your wallet will suffer.
Excessive grounding of the aircraft due to maintenance problems will delay your training, so it is imperative that you find a school that has an excellent standard of maintenance.
Operation
If possible, attend a certified Part 141 flight school, even if your course is Part 61. The difference is that a Part 141 school has been inspected and certified by the FAA and uses an organized curriculum.
The difference is that a Part-141 school has been inspected and certified by the FAA and uses an organized curriculum. The flight costs for the different parts 61 and 141 are not usually very different, but the quality and flexibility of a certified Part-141 flight school will keep you on schedule and on budget.
Cost
Choosing a flight school with the lowest fares is not always the way to go, as there may be safety issues and it may cost you more. That said, a flight school with very high fees does not guarantee safety or quality. In most university or high-end programs, you will pay for the flying time, but you will also pay for the network.
Balancing your finances is very important when it comes to flying. You should find a reputable aviation school with decent prices. If you have to pay a little more for your peace of mind, it might be worth it!
Related: Financial Aid and Scholarships for Flight Training
Alumni
A good flight school will have students who are willing to stand behind their name. The best way to evaluate the quality of a school is to talk to previous students. They will be an endless source of useful information about the flying school you are interested in.
A good question is: where are the former students flying? If there are many students who have not acquired jobs as professional pilots, then that could be an indicator of a bad flying school.
Good teachers
This last point is very important. When it comes down to it, a flight school with bad teachers will produce bad pilots. You will become very familiar with your instructor after being cooped up with them on a plane for hours on end.
You must find an instructor who will motivate you, teach you the right technique and theory, promote safety, be easy to understand, and be available to you when needed. It takes a special person to teach properly, and flight schools must employ the best instructors!
With these points in mind, you will be well on your way to finding an excellent flight school. In aviation you don’t have to settle. If you settle for a mediocre flight school, then you are preparing to fail. Having a good and stable base will give you the tools you need to become a complete pilot.