How to Become a Pilot: Basic Intro

Pilot in the cockpit of a small commercial aircraft above a rural landscape.

Nothing quite compares to the exhilaration of piloting an aircraft. Whether a person is considering a job as an airline pilot, or wants to fly for fun, the first step in becoming a pilot is gaining the education necessary for a pilot's license.

Find a Flight School Nearby.

Many general aviation airports are home to flight schools, and the chances are that a school will be close by. Visiting the flight school gives the student a chance to see first-hand how the school operates and helps determine the steps the student needs to take. Another advantage is that general aviation airports are good places for the student to talk to already licensed pilots. Pilots love to talk about flying, and the beginning pilot can get advice that will help in the future.

Establish a Budget.

Flying lessons are not cheap; aircraft rental fees, fuel, instructor's fees and more add up quickly. By figuring out the hourly cost, the student can determine how often he may take lessons, and schedule them accordingly. This budget will also determine how fast the student may get his license; the more flight time the student puts in each month, the sooner he can make that all-important solo flight.

Schedule an Introductory Flight.

An introductory flight gives the prospective pilot a chance to see what is involved in flying a plane, from the walk-around inspection to observing the pilot in flight. It also gives the student a real perspective of the size of a private plane; many people are surprised to find that private aircraft are much smaller than they think, and often cramped inside. In some cases, this may be a drawback; if not, it is time to look toward the next step.

Getting a Student Pilot's Certificate

A student pilot's certificate will require a physical to determine if the prospective pilot is healthy enough to operate an aircraft. A caveat to this is that those seeking a sport certificate are not required to pass a physical; however, many flight schools may not have sport aircraft since this is a recent addition to flying. Regardless of the license sought, becoming a pilot is an easily achieved dream with some planning and perseverance.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (www.aopa.org) is an excellent resource when searching for more information on becoming a pilot, including the different flying certificates available, booking an introductory flight, and a list of prospective flight schools and instructors.

The first step in becoming a pilot is gaining the necessary education