Being a pilot has long been a dream of many people, thanks to the golden opportunities, the chance to see exotic countries, and the constant views from above the clouds. While it is glamorous in parts, there is a long path you need to travel in order to get there. Flight school is a step that you must take if you are hoping to one day be a successful pilot. Though it requires lots of time, effort, and courage, it is possibly one of the most rewarding careers to join. With all this in mind, there are some crucial things to know before you start to consider applying to flight school.
You need to go to an esteemed flight school
A big part of what affects your chances of becoming a pilot is the flight school where you train. Though there are many out there for you to choose from, there are some that rise head and shoulders above the rest in terms of what they offer. It isn’t just down to the range of qualifications they have, but the quality of their training materials, the job prospects they can guarantee, and the comfortable surroundings they have for you to train in. You need to ensure that you are getting great support throughout your course, as there will be times when it is a struggle. Having an inspiring environment will help you overcome these small obstacles to guide you on your way to becoming a pilot.
It’s not an easy ride
Many people get caught up in the image they see of pilots on television and in movies. While there are some unbeatable parts of the job when you get there, that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Training will test you to your highest limits and will put you through a variety of exercises you may find yourself stuck on. However, at the end of this, you will find yourself more resilient and better equipped to deal with any curve balls the job might throw you. Not only this, but the course you must undertake won’t be one that you can commit to in your spare time, and it sometimes can come at a cost to your social life. Once you complete it, you will find yourself having more free time than you though, but in the meantime, your time is the most valuable thing you can give.
It can be expensive
Time isn’t the only thing you need to put into the training, as some courses can be particularly expensive to undertake. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can fund your time in flight school, but only if you know where to look. If you can, sit down and research where has the best scholarships, who can offer funding for you to complete your training, and what kinds of part-time jobs you may be able to have alongside your course. All these funding sources are being more generous in light of the recent shortage of pilots. It’s worth bearing in mind that having some savings will help you have a healthy quality of life when you are out of a full-time job for a year or two.
