3 Questions To Ask Before Enrolling in Flight School

Enrolling in flight school is a big decision, whether you’re doing it for fun or are seeking a new career path. Choosing the right flight school is your first course of action. The right school helps you reach the wild blue yonder while ensuring you’re ready for any emergency or eventuality. Take time to review your prospects by addressing why you want to attend before enrolling. Knowing your “why” ensures you’re making an informed decision that aligns with your resources and ultimate goals. Here are three questions to ask before enrolling in flight school.

What Are My Aviation Goals?

The first question to ask yourself is why you want to fly. Are you interested in flying as a hobby, or are you planning to make it your career? You might only need a recreational pilot’s license if aviation is your passion but not a professional goal. On the other hand, aspiring commercial or airline pilots require much longer and more advanced training. It’s “remote work” after a fashion, but perhaps not the sort of remote work reshaping employment that you’re used to! Seriously though, understanding your goals helps you pick a flight school offering the curriculum and training style you require to meet your aspirations. What’s more, knowing your aviation goals helps you stay motivated throughout your learning process when the going gets tough—because sometimes it will!

What Is the Cost and Time Commitment?

The bottom line is flight school isn’t cheap, and the longer you stay in school, the more it costs. Flight school requires a big investment in time as well as money. Obtaining a pilot’s license varies significantly between schools, depending on the type of aircraft and the number of training hours offered. Get a clear initial breakdown of tuition, material costs, and additional expenses, such as fuel or exam fees. Reach out to several schools for more information and visit their websites to get a better idea of what to expect. Time is money, and vice versa, so ponder how much of each you can commit. Full-time training programs for commercial pilots may require a rigorous daily schedule, while part-time programs are more flexible (of course, that also means it takes longer to “take off”). Choose a program best fitting your financial situation, schedule, and lifestyle.

How Are the School’s Facilities and Instructor Credentials?

A school’s resources and instructors make the biggest impact on your experience. Visit the facility and request a tour (if you have a pilot friend who didn’t go there, bring them along to help you assess) before signing up. See if the airplanes and simulators are up to date and well cared for. Look into potential instructors’ backgrounds. Such information is usually available on the website. See if they have the experience and proper certifications to teach new pilots. Naturally, watch for online reviews and comments from previous students or, more importantly, former students. See if the school remains popular with alumni and try to network with grads for greater insight into the school’s rep.

Those are three questions to ask before enrolling in flight school. Stay grounded and do a little homework on the school first before heading off and learning to fly. It could save you time and money and make your learning experience more enjoyable and productive as you prepare for your first flying lesson.