As a pilot, you'll be able to get a job in many different industries. You can choose to work for an airline company or for an individual who needs a pilot for their private jet. You can even get a job in the military. Here are four things you should take into consideration when choosing a flight training school.
1. Decide what aircraft you want to fly
Most airplanes fly by the same basic principles. However, there are some key differences between various aircraft. Decide if you plan to fly small or large planes professionally. Based on your goals, you can choose the flight training program that will teach you what you need to know.
2. Pay attention to class size
If you thrive in environments with personalized attention, you may want to find a flight training school with smaller class sizes. When teachers have fewer students, they'll be able to direct more attention to individual students. Flight training schools with a smaller student to instructor ratio may be more expensive. However, enrolling in such a school can be a good investment if this is the environment in which you'll thrive.
3. Decide if you're comfortable with self-directed study
If you'd like to do well in school and minimize the time you spend in class, you can look for flight schools that emphasize self-directed learning. When you choose self-directed learning, your teacher will provide learning materials, such as books and videos. However, it will be your responsibility to study. If you're confident that you can dedicate yourself to learning, this can be a great way to save time and money.
4. Decide how quickly you want to progress
In order to get your pilot license, you need to log at least 40 hours of flight time, according to The Balance Careers. You may need additional flight hours if you plan to work for an airline. These hours are in addition to the hours you'll spend in the classroom, learning the technical aspects of flying. Some flight training programs progress faster or slower, depending on the needs of the students. If you'd like to get your pilot license as soon as possible, look for an accelerated course and be prepared to spend many hours learning every day. If you have other commitments and don't mind studying for one or two years, you can take a part-time course that will still allow you to meet your goals.