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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:

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

  • 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

    • Take an online course; we recommend Gold Seal

      • 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

  • 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)

  • 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:

  • Flying solo

  • Working as a flight instructor (Certified Flight Instructor - CFI)

  • Flying for a small charter company

7.

Continue with Commercial & Advanced Certifications

  • 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

  • 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

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