Becoming a Pilot
Becoming a pilot is a rewarding journey. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
1.
Determine the Type of Pilot You Want to Be
There are different types of pilots with varying requirements. Here are the main categories:
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Private Pilot (PPL): You can fly for personal or recreational purposes but not for
commercial gain. -
Commercial Pilot (CPL): Allows you to be paid for flying.
-
Airline Transport Pilot (ATP): This is the highest certification and necessary to become
a captain for a major airline.
2.
Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements
To start flight training, you'll need to:
3.
Find a Flight School
Look for a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or equivalent aviation authority-approved
flight school. You can choose from two types of flight schools:
4.
Start with Ground School & Flight Training
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Ground School: Teaches you the theory of flight, navigation, weather, regulations, and
aircraft systems.-
Check the Home Page for our next scheduled in-person ground school
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Take an online course; we recommend Gold Seal
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Pilot Institute: Offers a self-paced course with 24/7 support, and a
money-back guarantee if you don't pass the written test -
Sporty's: Offers a combination of video and written learning, and
unlimited access -
Gold Seal: Offers an interactive lesson platform, and a satisfaction
guarantee -
King Schools: Offers a quick way to complete the online ground school
-
Gleim Aviation: Offers an affordable course that's aligned with the Gleim
Private Pilot Knowledge Test Book
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-
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Flight Training: Practical lessons with an instructor, typically in small general aviation
aircraft. You'll learn how to operate the aircraft, perform maneuvers, and handle
emergency procedures.
5.
Obtain Your Private Pilot License (PPL)
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Flight Hours: You need a minimum of 40 flight hours (though most students take 50-70
hours to be ready). -
Written Exam: After ground school, you’ll take a written knowledge test. You can take
these exams on site at Rocky Mountain Flight School. -
Check Ride: A flight test with an examiner to demonstrate your skills.
6.
Build Flight Experience
After earning your PPL, you’ll need to accumulate more hours and experience if you want to
pursue commercial or airline pilot certification. Some ways to build hours include:
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Flying solo
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Working as a flight instructor (Certified Flight Instructor - CFI)
-
Flying for a small charter company
7.
Continue with Commercial & Advanced Certifications
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Commercial Pilot License (CPL): More flight hours (usually around 250 hours) and
more advanced knowledge. -
Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP): The pinnacle of pilot certifications, requiring
extensive experience (usually around 1,500 hours).
8.
Consider University Programs or Military Training
Some opt for a degree in aviation, which can help with career progression and airline job
opportunities. Military training is another route if you're open to serving and gaining flight hours that way.
Find out more about our Purdue Partnership.
9.
Look Into Job Opportunities
After becoming a commercial or ATP pilot, you can apply for jobs with airlines, cargo
companies, or corporate flight departments.
Additional Tips
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Stay Committed: Flight training can be costly and time-consuming, but persistence pays
off. We suggest 2-3 lessons/week when getting started. -
Be Ready for Costs: Training can cost tens of thousands of dollars, so consider
scholarships, loans, or working as you go through training. -
Stay Healthy: The medical requirements are strict, so maintaining your health is crucia