Choosing A Flight School? What To Know
If you have made the decision that you're ready to become a pilot, the next step in your adventure will be finding and attending flight school. However, choosing the right flight school is not as easy as picking the first one that comes up in your online search or selecting the one that's closest to your home. Here's a look at some of the things that you need to think about when you're selecting a flight school to get your pilot's license.
Consider The Curriculum
There are two primary types of curriculum that you may encounter with a flight school. It's important that you understand the difference and choose the one that's right for your needs.
For most flight schools, the curriculum is either an FAA-regulated and approved curriculum or one that's been modified by the school and provides the instructors with greater freedom to adjust the course plan. If you want to be sure that you're getting the core technical education that you need without superfluous information, you should choose a school that uses an FAA-enforced educational program.
Assess The Equipment
Getting your pilot's license is only going to help you just so much. If you attend a flight school that relies on older planes and equipment for learning, it's going to leave you ill-prepared for work with newer planes and equipment. Take some time to evaluate the planes and the training systems that you'll be working on to be sure that they are current with the latest technology and instrument panels. That way, you can be sure that you'll be fully prepared for the cockpit when you've gotten your pilot's license.
Evaluate The Instructors
When you're comparing flight schools, the next thing you need to consider is the instructors. Take some time to compare the staff at each of the schools to ensure that you're getting the best team of instructors for what you need.
For example, look for a school that offers instructors with long-term licensing. The longer they have had their pilot's licenses, the more experienced they are likely to be. Additionally, inquire about how many flight hours the pilots have. The goal is to ensure that you're learning from skilled instructors who have been there.
The more you understand the important factors for choosing the right flight school, the easier it is to choose the school that's the best fit for your needs. Consider these points when you start looking for your flight school.