3 answers
Rashad
Student
Lilburn, Georgia
1
Question
Updated
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What should I expect when training to become a Pilot?
I am currently a seinor about to go to college for aviation. I am wondering what I should look forward to and some hardships I might run into.
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3 answers
Guye R. Winfield IV
Talent Acquisition
3
Answers
Pembroke Pines, Florida
Updated
Guye R.’s Answer
Training to become a pilot is an exciting and challenging journey. You will begin with ground school, where you learn the fundamentals of aviation such as aerodynamics, navigation, weather, and FAA regulations. After that, you will move into flight training, which is the hands-on part where you fly with an instructor and eventually solo. College aviation programs often combine academics with flight training, so you will be working toward both a degree and your pilot certifications. You can look forward to milestones like your first solo flight, cross-country trips, and mastering maneuvers. It is a rewarding experience because every step brings you closer to a career that very few people achieve.
The bulk of the time in becoming a pilot is spent building flight hours and gaining experience in different conditions. This is essential for advancing to higher certifications and meeting minimum hour requirements for commercial or airline careers. There are also challenges you should be prepared for. Flight training can be expensive and time-consuming, so budgeting and time management are important. Weather delays and aircraft availability can slow your progress. The learning curve is steep because you need to memorize procedures, understand complex systems, and stay calm under pressure. Written exams and check rides can be stressful since they require both technical knowledge and practical skill. Balancing college coursework with flight training can also lead to fatigue. Despite these hardships, persistence pays off and the sense of accomplishment is incredible.
Research what type of flight school is right for you.
Don't forget you can create a life as a pilot by also joining the military.
Make connections in the industry
Consistency and persistence
Study study study!
The bulk of the time in becoming a pilot is spent building flight hours and gaining experience in different conditions. This is essential for advancing to higher certifications and meeting minimum hour requirements for commercial or airline careers. There are also challenges you should be prepared for. Flight training can be expensive and time-consuming, so budgeting and time management are important. Weather delays and aircraft availability can slow your progress. The learning curve is steep because you need to memorize procedures, understand complex systems, and stay calm under pressure. Written exams and check rides can be stressful since they require both technical knowledge and practical skill. Balancing college coursework with flight training can also lead to fatigue. Despite these hardships, persistence pays off and the sense of accomplishment is incredible.
Guye R. recommends the following next steps:
Dennis Nguyen
Flight Instructor
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Dennis’s Answer
Expect to do a lot of studying learning different topics in aviation, such as aerodynamics, aviation law, meteorology, airspace, and more! It's a lot of information to take in, so be sure to take lots of notes and don't be afraid to ask questions if needed. Going to college for aviation also means balancing a school schedule with a flight-training schedule, so be sure to have some days to study and catch up if needed.
Being a pilot is a very rewarding career, but it all starts with having the right mindset and discipline. Put in the work, meet other pilots, and enjoy the journey in college!
Being a pilot is a very rewarding career, but it all starts with having the right mindset and discipline. Put in the work, meet other pilots, and enjoy the journey in college!
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
517
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Becoming a pilot is an exciting journey that starts with a high school diploma and good skills in math and science. You’ll need to pass FAA medical and written exams and understand basic airplane concepts. Hands-on experience is also important. Many colleges, like Embry-Riddle, Purdue, and UND, offer programs where you can earn a degree while learning to fly. Studying aerospace, aeronautical, or mechanical engineering is a great choice, as these fields teach you about aircraft systems and aerodynamics. Remember, you’ll still need specific flight training and certifications to become a pilot.
Pilot training is thrilling and combines classroom learning, simulators, and real flight experiences. You can gain practical skills through projects, internships, volunteering, flight clubs, and even using tools like Microsoft Flight Simulator. Programs like King Schools, Sporty’s, and Gleim help you prepare for FAA exams. Although challenges like high costs, long study hours, and weather-dependent schedules exist, success is within reach with strong academics, discipline, and resilience. Mentorship and a mix of practical and theoretical experience are key. By earning certifications like the PPL, IR, CPL, ME, and eventually the ATPL, along with a degree and hands-on training, you’ll be well-prepared for a rewarding career in aviation.
Pilot training is thrilling and combines classroom learning, simulators, and real flight experiences. You can gain practical skills through projects, internships, volunteering, flight clubs, and even using tools like Microsoft Flight Simulator. Programs like King Schools, Sporty’s, and Gleim help you prepare for FAA exams. Although challenges like high costs, long study hours, and weather-dependent schedules exist, success is within reach with strong academics, discipline, and resilience. Mentorship and a mix of practical and theoretical experience are key. By earning certifications like the PPL, IR, CPL, ME, and eventually the ATPL, along with a degree and hands-on training, you’ll be well-prepared for a rewarding career in aviation.