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Becoming a Pilot How to start and what to aim for?
-What is the best way to start flight school
-Is learning to fly difficult
-Is becoming a fighter/naval pilot difficult
How should I start out in general
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3 answers
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Your best source of information (we call it "gouge") for what is involved in the process to become a United States Naval Aviator can be found in the forums on the Airwarriors website.
Best source you'll ever find.
Best source you'll ever find.
Updated
Iryna’s Answer
Hi William!
Starting flight school and pursuing a career as a pilot, especially a fighter pilot or naval aviator, involves careful planning and dedication. Here’s a guide to help you understand the process, the challenges you might face, and where to begin.
1. Understanding the Path to Becoming a Pilot
Types of Pilots: The journey varies depending on whether you want to become a private pilot, commercial pilot, military pilot (fighter pilot or naval aviator), or another type of aviator.
Licensing Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the licensing requirements set by aviation authorities (e.g., FAA in the U.S.) for different types of pilots.
2. Starting Flight School
Research Flight Schools: Look for accredited flight schools that offer the type of training you need (private, commercial, or military). Consider factors such as cost, location, aircraft availability, and instructor experience.
Introductory Flight Lesson: Many flight schools offer an introductory lesson. This allows you to experience flying first-hand and decide if you want to pursue further training.
Funding: Determine how you will finance your training. Options include personal savings, loans, scholarships, or assistance programs.
3. Initial Requirements
Age and Education: Most flight schools require students to be at least 17 and have a high school diploma (or equivalent). Certain military programs may have specific educational prerequisites.
Medical Certification: Obtain a medical certificate from an FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner. This ensures you meet the health and fitness requirements to fly.
4. Training Process
Ground School: Begin your training with ground school, where you learn about aviation theory, navigation, weather, regulations, and aircraft systems.
Flight Training: Progress to in-flight training with a certified instructor. This includes both dual instruction (with an instructor) and solo flights, covering skills such as takeoffs, landings, navigation, and emergency procedures.
Hours Required: For a private pilot license (PPL), you typically need a minimum of 40 flight hours, although most students require more to feel confident.
5. The Challenge of Learning to Fly
Difficulty Level: Learning to fly can be challenging but is doable with dedication and practice. Key aspects include mastering flight maneuvers, understanding aircraft systems, and developing communication skills for air traffic control.
Time Commitment: Training often takes several months to complete, depending on the frequency of lessons and individual learning pace.
6. Becoming a Fighter Pilot or Naval Aviator
Military Path: To become a fighter pilot or naval aviator, you typically need to join the military. This often involves enlisting or applying for an officer program (like ROTC or OCS).
Training Pipeline: Military pilot training is rigorous and includes flight school after initial training, followed by specialized training for specific aircraft.
Physical and Mental Demands: Military pilots face intense physical tests, stringent medical requirements, and must excel in flight training. Mental agility, discipline, and leadership skills are also crucial.
7. Recommended Steps to Begin
Assess Your Goals: Determine whether you want to be a civilian pilot, military pilot, or both. This will shape your training and educational requirements.
Research Options: Investigate local flight schools or military recruitment offices to gather information specific to your interests.
Take Introductory Lessons: Schedule an introductory flight lesson and visit schools to get a feel for your learning environment.
Prepare Academically: Consider taking subjects like math, physics, and geography to build a strong foundation for flight training.
Starting flight school can be a rewarding experience, paving the way for a career in aviation. While learning to fly and achieving military pilot status can be challenging, with proper planning, preparation, and determination, it is an achievable goal. Focus on gaining the necessary education, experience, and certifications, and seek opportunities that align with your ambitions in aviation.
Good luck!
Starting flight school and pursuing a career as a pilot, especially a fighter pilot or naval aviator, involves careful planning and dedication. Here’s a guide to help you understand the process, the challenges you might face, and where to begin.
1. Understanding the Path to Becoming a Pilot
Types of Pilots: The journey varies depending on whether you want to become a private pilot, commercial pilot, military pilot (fighter pilot or naval aviator), or another type of aviator.
Licensing Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the licensing requirements set by aviation authorities (e.g., FAA in the U.S.) for different types of pilots.
2. Starting Flight School
Research Flight Schools: Look for accredited flight schools that offer the type of training you need (private, commercial, or military). Consider factors such as cost, location, aircraft availability, and instructor experience.
Introductory Flight Lesson: Many flight schools offer an introductory lesson. This allows you to experience flying first-hand and decide if you want to pursue further training.
Funding: Determine how you will finance your training. Options include personal savings, loans, scholarships, or assistance programs.
3. Initial Requirements
Age and Education: Most flight schools require students to be at least 17 and have a high school diploma (or equivalent). Certain military programs may have specific educational prerequisites.
Medical Certification: Obtain a medical certificate from an FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner. This ensures you meet the health and fitness requirements to fly.
4. Training Process
Ground School: Begin your training with ground school, where you learn about aviation theory, navigation, weather, regulations, and aircraft systems.
Flight Training: Progress to in-flight training with a certified instructor. This includes both dual instruction (with an instructor) and solo flights, covering skills such as takeoffs, landings, navigation, and emergency procedures.
Hours Required: For a private pilot license (PPL), you typically need a minimum of 40 flight hours, although most students require more to feel confident.
5. The Challenge of Learning to Fly
Difficulty Level: Learning to fly can be challenging but is doable with dedication and practice. Key aspects include mastering flight maneuvers, understanding aircraft systems, and developing communication skills for air traffic control.
Time Commitment: Training often takes several months to complete, depending on the frequency of lessons and individual learning pace.
6. Becoming a Fighter Pilot or Naval Aviator
Military Path: To become a fighter pilot or naval aviator, you typically need to join the military. This often involves enlisting or applying for an officer program (like ROTC or OCS).
Training Pipeline: Military pilot training is rigorous and includes flight school after initial training, followed by specialized training for specific aircraft.
Physical and Mental Demands: Military pilots face intense physical tests, stringent medical requirements, and must excel in flight training. Mental agility, discipline, and leadership skills are also crucial.
7. Recommended Steps to Begin
Assess Your Goals: Determine whether you want to be a civilian pilot, military pilot, or both. This will shape your training and educational requirements.
Research Options: Investigate local flight schools or military recruitment offices to gather information specific to your interests.
Take Introductory Lessons: Schedule an introductory flight lesson and visit schools to get a feel for your learning environment.
Prepare Academically: Consider taking subjects like math, physics, and geography to build a strong foundation for flight training.
Starting flight school can be a rewarding experience, paving the way for a career in aviation. While learning to fly and achieving military pilot status can be challenging, with proper planning, preparation, and determination, it is an achievable goal. Focus on gaining the necessary education, experience, and certifications, and seek opportunities that align with your ambitions in aviation.
Good luck!
Updated
Wayne’s Answer
William - the first thing you need to do is see if you can pass a FAA 1st Class Medical Certificate. This certificate is required to fly as a Pilot for the Major Airlines, i.e. United, American, Delta, etc. Here is a link to the FAA web site: https://designee.faa.gov/designeeLocator
The 1st Class is required every 6 months.
You can fly as a commercial pilot with a 2nd Class Medical - which is required to be renewed every 12 months.
You can fly as a "not for hire" pilot with a 3rd Class Medical which is required to be renewed every 24 months.
Web site for medical certification: https://www.faa.gov/pilots/medical_certification
You can visit any flight school in your area and they can give you guidance. You can also get about a 1/2 hour introduction flight.
After your introduction flight and this is what you want to do, then you can take a ground school course which you can self-study. Then get a ground school instructor or Pilot instructor to sign-off that you have the knowledge to take the written exam and if you pass, the exam it is good for 24 months.
The school should provide you with a "breakdown" of the costs.
If you decide to go for your Private Pilots License, you should have around $15,000. When you are learning you want to fly around 3 times per week, this reduces the amount of "relearning" if you fly once a week or every other week.
If you want to fly in the military, you need to be an Officer which requires a 4 year degree. You can check with a military recruiter who represents the Branch of Service you want to join and they can provide with the best way to accomplish your goals.
Here is a link to a video on becoming an Air Force Pilot: https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=requirements+to+be+fighter+pilot&mid=FA7C63130AEEA6449B63FA7C63130AEEA6449B63&FORM=VIRE
Best wishes on your journey
The 1st Class is required every 6 months.
You can fly as a commercial pilot with a 2nd Class Medical - which is required to be renewed every 12 months.
You can fly as a "not for hire" pilot with a 3rd Class Medical which is required to be renewed every 24 months.
Web site for medical certification: https://www.faa.gov/pilots/medical_certification
You can visit any flight school in your area and they can give you guidance. You can also get about a 1/2 hour introduction flight.
After your introduction flight and this is what you want to do, then you can take a ground school course which you can self-study. Then get a ground school instructor or Pilot instructor to sign-off that you have the knowledge to take the written exam and if you pass, the exam it is good for 24 months.
The school should provide you with a "breakdown" of the costs.
If you decide to go for your Private Pilots License, you should have around $15,000. When you are learning you want to fly around 3 times per week, this reduces the amount of "relearning" if you fly once a week or every other week.
If you want to fly in the military, you need to be an Officer which requires a 4 year degree. You can check with a military recruiter who represents the Branch of Service you want to join and they can provide with the best way to accomplish your goals.
Here is a link to a video on becoming an Air Force Pilot: https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=requirements+to+be+fighter+pilot&mid=FA7C63130AEEA6449B63FA7C63130AEEA6449B63&FORM=VIRE
Best wishes on your journey