You may want to learn to fly because you want to be a commercial pilot. Or, you want to learn flying because you love it!
Either way, selecting a good flight school can’t be discounted.
It is a crucial decision that will impact your aviation career. Unfortunately, many students end up transferring to another school after they have enrolled in a flight school.
When it comes to selecting good flight training schools, there could be many options. But it is always good to have a variety of choices.
We want you to make the best decision for yourself, so we’ve come up with certain factors to keep in mind while selecting a flight school.
Have a look.
Academy Size
There are many types of flight schools. For starters, there are small programs at local airports. Or larger ATOs that train pilots for commercial airlines. Many others fall somewhere in the middle.
No one size is right. However, you may want to factor the type of training into your decision. It is crucial to find the right school and instructors for pilot training if you are interested in a career.
Consider a school with modern airplanes, helicopters, and a quality maintenance program to ensure you learn what it takes to ace the sky. Hillsboro Aero Academy can be a good option.
Part 61 vs. Part 141 Flight Schools
You’ll likely come across the terms “Part 61/Part 141” when researching flight schools. These FAA regulations define the minimum requirements for a flight school to train its pilots and what they must do to become certified.
These two approaches have the most significant difference in training methods.
Part 6
This method is more flexible, as the instructor can adapt the syllabus and lesson plan as the course progresses. This is the most common, especially for smaller flight schools.
It allows for greater freedom for both students as well as instructors.
Part 141
This approach is more rigid and should be reserved for universities where federal funds have been issued. The syllabus and outline must be approved by the FAA before it can be implemented.
Part 141 schools offer a structured and more intensive environment for students.
Note: Non-University schools may claim that you can complete your Private Pilot License in 35 hours at a school with 141. The truth is, you are unlikely to finish your Private Pilot license in 35 hours, as the national average is way higher.
The final decision of choosing a flight school will be yours. However, the flight school must follow a curriculum, which includes lesson plans, stage checks, and progress reports.
The School’s Infrastructure
You want the right environment to learn when you are learning something serious like flying an Airplane. A flight school’s facility can speak volumes about its professionalism.
Pay attention to these things:
- How is the facility maintained?
- Are you sure your office is clean?
- Is there any noise in the briefing rooms?
- How is the ramp/tarmac condition?
- Is the bathroom clean?
- Is it professional?
- What number of other students will you find when you visit?
- Are they equipped with modern technology?
Training Fees
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s cost calculator shows that a private license costs on average $9,900. A recreational license costs about $7,700, while a sport license costs about $4,400.
You don’t want your budget to be stretched on an expensive option. However, you don’t want a less expensive flight school to cost you as much.
So, consider the above factors before deciding how much to pay for a flight school.
Final Word
Everybody learns differently and has different preferences. You can ensure you learn your flight training the right way by considering the factors discussed above.
Good luck!
