Dreaming of being able to fly is as old as man himself. Who hasn’t watched birds soar gracefully across the sky, wondering what it would be like to do what they do and see what they see? Some have even strapped large balloons to lawn chairs to feel that thrill, but fortunately, there are better ways to do so.
If you’ve ever stopped at an airport to watch airplanes take off and land or looked up when an aircraft flies overhead, you have the seeds of this dream in your soul. You might not have seriously considered what it takes to learn to fly, and you may even doubt whether you have “the right stuff” to do so. However, the fact is that thousands of ordinary people earn their pilot certificates every year—and so could you.
Some people hesitate to pursue flight training because they believe it’s too expensive, but it often costs no more than a family vacation to Europe or a nice jet ski, with benefits that last much longer. The only thing standing between you and your dream is the decision to get started.
The motivation to become a pilot varies widely. Some aspire to build a career as a corporate or airline pilot, recognizing the plentiful job opportunities. Others, tired of airline delays, security checks, and airport congestion, see owning or renting an airplane as a way to make their travel more enjoyable and efficient. Many simply want to experience the freedom of flying, taking family or friends on weekend getaways to the beach, or visiting relatives. There are as many ways to utilize a pilot certificate as there are people who possess them.
Whether your goal is to earn the certificates and ratings required to become an airline pilot or simply to fly recreation, the first step is the same: earning a Private Pilot Certificate. To achieve this, you must meet some basic medical requirements, complete ground school, and undergo flight training. The number of hours needed for ground and flight training varies by student, depending on their ability and preparation for lessons. While the FAA has minimum hour requirements, a more realistic approach is to consider the average time it takes to obtain a private pilot certificate. At American Flyers, the average is around 50 hours of flight time, while the national average is much higher.
Your training schedule will be tailored to your availability; you don’t have to fit into a strict structure of our making. Some students prefer to progress through training as quickly as possible, training several days a week. The more often you train, the less time you’ll need to review and regain your momentum from the previous lesson. At this pace, you could finish in just a few weeks. Others may not be in a hurry and might choose to train only a couple of times a week, completing their training in a few months time. While it’s possible to train less often, keep in mind that the overall hours required will likely exceed the average due to the need for additional review and to regain muscle memory lost between lessons. The bottom line is that you can choose what works best for you.
When your training is complete, you’ll most likely fly with one of our check airmen to ensure you have met all of the requirements and are safe to become a private pilot. Once you have that certificate in hand, you’re free to fly wherever you want, as long as certain minimum weather conditions are met. Then, your dream becomes a reality.
The next time someone stops at the airport to watch airplanes take off and land, it might be you they see. Fulfilling a dream is a rewarding experience, and it’s not something we get to do all that often in life. Give us a call, and let us help you make that dream come true.