Are you a interested in learning how to fly? My son is, and just got the ball rolling last year. Whether it’s a private or commercial license that you’re after, flight school is where it all starts. This blog post is a “quick start guide” with some helpful resources for those who are just getting started.
The Gear
Thankfully, this is a short list, because almost everything you’ll need for training is built into the program.
If you already have it, purchase a laptop or tablet (i.e. the Apple iPad), making sure to check the technical requirements of the school first.
When you first show up, a sturdy, medium-sized backpack for college is sufficient for stowing your papers, tablet/laptop and a good quality headset. Many pilots prefer the functional, minimalist look for their flight bag. Something more lightweight is also ideal, since space is limited inside of simulators and cockpits.
As far as clothing goes, this will depend on whether you’re getting a private or professional license. The latter situation obviously calls for classier dress, but don’t dress like a slob and show up in a hoodie and track pants simply because flying is going to be a hobby. It’s ok to dress down a little, but always show respect for yourself and others by the way you present yourself.
The Tuition
There are many ways to get funds for flight school. The most obvious one is something I hope you’re already doing right now – working and saving up money! That aside, here are some other financial resources:
- Start a GiveSendGo campaign for your training
- After saving up a down payment, apply for a student loan. I strongly suggest that parents do NOT co-sign on a loan for a young adult.
- Look into Airline Sponsored Training programs which offer tuition assistance, stipends, travel privileges and other perks while still in school. They can also put you on a direct path to a career with a specific airline.
- Apply for as many aviation scholarships as you can!
Keep in mind that unless your son has saved up a lot of money beforehand, there will be a period of time during school/training when he’ll be basically broke! Good options to offset this are a part time job or joining the Reserves.
The Requirements
You’ll never get off the runway without a few basic requirements!
If you’re only interested in a private license at this point, you can fulfill your dream of flying in the US with no formal education. The good news is that after getting a private license, you’ll be 20% of the way to becoming a professional pilot if you so choose.
- High school diploma or GED (for professional career)
- Pilots must pass an FAA medical exam to fly. You’ll need to get a medical certificate from an Aeromedical Examiner (AME). Call the flight school to which you’re applying if a referral is needed.
- You will also need an FAA Student Pilot Certificate to fly with your instructor.
- You have to be at least 16 years old before you can solo an airplane (14 years old for operation of a balloon or glider), and 17 before you can be issued a pilot certificate.
Don’t go spending or borrowing a lot of money until you check out all your local options. Your son should be able to get a Private Pilot Certificate within 5-7 months.
Ready to Launch!
Once you’ve gotten all your ducks in a row, it’s off to “ground school,” where you acquire the practical knowledge crucial to flight planning and actual flying. Next comes flight lessons, first in a simulator and then in aircraft.
Best of luck on your journey to the skies! If you have any questions, experiences or advice to share, leave me a comment!
This educational post is made possible by a partnership with Responsival.
Hi Anne Marie! Thank you for posting about teens interested in becoming pilots! I found this post by searching for just that! My son is going to be a senior in HS this year and he is also interested. Do you mind sharing which flight/ground schools you researched? Did your son already enroll? This is a whole new world to me, as I’m really only knowledgeable about traditional 4-year colleges. Any information you can share would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!
Hi Suz and sorry my reply is so late! I haven’t been getting comment notifications and can’t figure out why. My son applied for some scholarships but we haven’t heard back on anything yet. I would recommend starting with ATP since they have so many programs that help offset cost and in some cases even pay a little. The other option is to check in your local area (don’t know what cities you’re near) for schools that offer private licenses, and he could go ahead and get that under his belt. Before spending a lot or borrowing a lot, it’s best to look into local options. A Private Pilot Certificate can be earned in approximately 5-7 months. – Anne Marie