Lots of people would like to become pilots. After all, who wouldn’t want to sit on the best seat on the plane and travel the world daily? Being a pilot is a dream that many people want to achieve. However, obtaining the qualifications necessary is a long and challenging process, which we will look at in detail.
Learning to fly is an exciting venture, and becoming a pilot will grant you access to many new landscapes in the air. However, the training, rules, and general guidelines, like far part 91, are challenging. Knowing what you’re signing up for when you begin pilot training is essential because that is critical. Let’s take a closer look at what pilot training entails.
It is a Complex Process
Your journey to becoming a pilot begins at a flight school. Inexpensive flight schools, such as ENAC or CAE Oxford, are good examples of these schools. If you are in a position to join a pilot school at the age of 18, then let nothing hinder you. You must be at least 21 to acquire an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). Qualifying as a pilot may take up to 18 months if you are a beginner in the pilot field.
New and freshly graduated pilots attain a Commercial Pilot Licence’ and an ‘Instrument Rating.’ All these make up a frozen ATPL which individuals can use to apply for first officer positions. According to UCAS, after 1,500 flying hours, the ATPL becomes unfrozen to allow individuals to apply for Captain positions. Even though this process can take a few years, along with other activities, including exams and medicals, it is worth the wait.
It is an Investment in Your Future
The high cost of becoming a commercial pilot can make it an expensive undertaking. Such an investment is an opportunity to plan for the future of a prospective pilot. Before committing to such a course of action, prospective pilots should be sure it is the right path.
Even so, there are ways around this financial obstacle.
Loans or sponsorships are two examples of how pilots can lessen the financial burden of training. Airlines mainly offer sponsorships to students even though the selection process can be vigorous. Individuals need to look for flight schools with a good connection with banks for easier loan application and processing.
It’s Worth Your Effort
Many people think being an airline pilot is a drenched dream job due to the significant effort and financial pressure it entails. Even though new pilots may not be granted immediate access to the cockpit following their training, it is unquestionably worth the wait. UCAS advises prospective pilots to be patient for at least 18 months after training before getting their new job. So long as they follow the general far part 91 guidelines.
How Long Will the Course Last?
In the United States, the PPL requires 40 flying hours. The number of required flying hours in other countries varies, but most are quite similar. But you should note that only some people are to grab and learn everything in the minimum number of hours. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they are slow learners.
The PPL requires between 60 and 70 hours on average, with some individuals taking hours into three figures. There are several other reasons why this is the case. For example, bad weather may intervene during a flying course, meaning the student forgets certain things and has to repeat them. Or an individual may struggle with some aspects of the course, such as radio use, navigation, or aircraft handling. It is, therefore, difficult to estimate how long the course will last.
Conclusion
The process of acquiring the necessary qualifications to become a pilot is both challenging and expensive. Regardless of how long it takes, it is undoubtedly worth it. It is important for individuals interested in becoming pilots to be aware of the cost of the course, along with the types of financing available to help pay for the training and other expenses associated with the course.
It is important for individuals interested in becoming pilots to be aware of the cost of the course, along with the types of financing available to help pay for the training and other expenses associated with the course.