You want to be a professional pilot. You understand you must go to a flight training academy, but you've never flown an airline -- so how do you find out what flight school is the best for you? Here are some tips on questions to ask:
1. Experience: Does the school have the experience and financial security and stability that comes with many years in professional flight training?
2. Quality of Instruction: If the school is in the U.S., is it nationally accredited? VA approved (if you are former U.S. military and eligible for GI benefits).
3. Aircraft Training Fleet: Are the aircraft old and thereforelikely to be down for maintenance too much? You can't learn to fly, if the aircraft are always in the shop for repairs. And are there sufficient aircraft for the student population?
4. Programs: Does the school offer programs from Private Pilot all the way through Airline Transport Pilot, including Certified Flight Instructor, Certified Flight Instructor Instrument and Certified Flight Multi-engine Flight Instructor courses?
5. Hiring of Graduates: Does the school commonly hire its graduates as instructors, to build more hours flying while earning a salary?
6. Diversity and a U.S. Visa: This is important for international students...Is the student body diverse and international to provide a more stimulating learning environment? Is the school authorized by the U.S. government to issue M-1 and J-1 visa forms to facililtate entry of non-U.S. citizens?
7. Financing: Does the school offer financing options or assist locating financing for tuition and living expenses?
8. Weather: This is very important...How's the weather in the local area? Year-around good weather means more flying opportunities for students and faster course completion. If the weather isn't good, you can't fly! Do you really want to just sit around waiting for good weather?
9. Cost of Living and Life Style: Does the local area provide a lifestyle that suits you? Is it attractive with things to do when you have time off from studying? Is it affordable? Most students are on a budget.
10. And Most Importantly: Does the school have a strong and long history of graduates hired as commercial airline pilots throughout the world?
Comments