As a pilot, you will make many important decisions throughout your professional career. Among them, one of the most important which will directly impact your career is which flight school to attend. While there are many flight schools throughout the United States, they each offer a different experience that may not always cater to every individual, so it is important to do your research and find the perfect school for yourself.
With that in mind, here are three key tips to consider when you start your journey as a pilot and begin searching for a flight school to attend.
Integrated Or Modular Training?
While a lot of factors will vary between schools and regions, for the most part, flight schools can be divided into two different categories: integrated and modular training. Integrated training typically refers to a program that offers a complete package and set schedule, beginning in high school or college and directly tying into your flight training and licensing.
If you want a fully guided and streamlined process from start to finish, this is probably the best option for you. On the other hand, modular training refers to programs with looser schedules, perhaps only flying a few hours a week or only on the weekends. You can essentially set your schedule and progress as quickly or slowly as you would like, tackling one thing at a time as you juggle any other obligations or responsibilities you may have.
Depending on your budget, lifestyle, and career goals, picking between the two can make a difference in how efficiently and effectively you reach the goals you have set for yourself. Either option will teach you how to fly, just in different ways.
Do Your Research
Picking a flight school is a big decision that will affect your professional career as a pilot, so you want to make sure you are going to a school well suited to achieve your goals and needs. One factor you should consider before committing is conducting a tour of the school and its facilities.
When you visit, the first thing you want to check is if the quality of the facilities is to your liking. Ensure that they have well-maintained and well-equipped airplanes, good quality equipment, and enthusiastic and experienced instructors who will provide you with proper briefing and debriefing before and after your lessons.
Additionally, you should check the certifications and ratings that the school can help you acquire, as different schools follow different curriculums and may not always have what you need for your career. Finally, do some research into the school’s flight safety history, which is far more important than any other consideration on this list.
Location
Besides the more flight-related aspects of picking a flight school, the location of the school is also very important. Depending on where you live and where you want to study, you may have to move so you live close enough to attend classes. The school’s location can affect housing costs, work prospects, and distance from your family.
Furthermore, schools in different regions experience different kinds of weather, so it may be beneficial to attend a school that can prepare you for any kind of weather, something that will be important in your career as a pilot.
Airlink Flight School
If you have yet to decide on a flight school to attend, consider Airlink Flight School to get you started on your path to earning your wings. With locations in Maine and Florida, our flight training programs can set you on your path to becoming a commercial pilot in as little to 6-12 months. If you would like to enroll, contact us today to start your journey as a pilot.