Are you ready to see the world from above as a pilot? Before you take to the sky and kick off your pilot training, there are a few things you can learn and understand so you can feel prepared and walk into your first lesson with confidence.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Your health matters
Underlying conditions can disqualify you from flying and a potential pilot career, so it’s important to make sure you schedule medical exams before your first lesson. An Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) is a certified doctor who conduct physical exams that fit the requirements of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). When you see an AME, they will check your eyesight, hearing and basic bodily functions.
- Flight training is not free
While flight schools aren’t free, they don’t have to be unaffordable! We highly recommend comparing flight schools and ensure you’re comfortable with what you’re paying before you begin your training program. At Jeff Air Pilot Services, we’re proud to partner with Indiana Wesleyan to offer affordable and flexible flight training to help meet budget needs while also making training convenient and obtainable.
- Your instructor is your key to success
Like any other job or project, it’s important to work well with your partners or coworkers. The same goes for flying. Picking the right instructor is one of the most important factors to successfully achieving your pilot certificate. As your mentor, your flight instructor will be an important part of your airline career, even after you secure your Private Pilot’s License (PPL).
At the start of your first lesson, you should discuss your goals with your flight instructor. Good instructors appreciate hearing your thought processes and understanding as they instruct so they can better tailor their teaching methods to your learning style. Effective communication will help you build a strong, trusting relationship with your instructor that will make training fun and rewarding.
- Bring your own supplies
We highly recommend buying or making your own kneeboard so you can stay organized while flying. Having scripts to reference until you’re comfortable with radio work, airport maps, taxi instructions and a journal for post-lesson reflections will help you work through standard operations that are overwhelming your first few times in the sky.
- It’s never a bad idea to get ahead
Part of any pilot program is learning the basics of a plane. However, you can conduct your own research so your first few lessons don’t leave you feeling overwhelmed! A large part of the early stages of flight training will be learning about aerodynamics, weather principles and aircraft systems, but you can still read or watch videos to give yourself a baseline understanding you can build off during your first few lessons.
Another huge weight you can alleviate from your shoulders is taking your written exam early. No matter the subject matter, the thought of a looming exam and the pressure to pass can distract you from completing your best learning in the field. Since there’s no rule against completing your written exam before you finish your flight hours, you could take your test at any point during your training. Aviation school will teach you everything you need to know for the test, so once you feel good about the subject matter — even if you’re still finishing up your flight hours — take the exam!
Ready to take flight?
Everyone’s experience with flying is different, but reviewing these tips can help set you up for a smooth and successful experience. Learning to fly is one of the most thrilling and rewarding things to do, and we’re confident you can earn your PPL! If you’re ready to begin flight school, Jeff Air can help you figure out the right plan that will keep the price minimal and the excitement high.
Our instructors keep safety top-of-mind and will work around your schedule to develop and effective training program that exceeds your expectations. There’s a reason why so many rely on Jeff Air for their flight training, and our 96% satisfaction rate proves it! Contact us today to learn more about how you can get your career started!