If you are considering going to school to get a pilot's license, you need to find a flight school that offers the training you are looking for. Not all flight schools are the same, and if you are just getting started, basic flight training may be all you need. If you want to advance your license then you need a school that has more to offer.
Finding Your Flight School
There are many options for attending a flight training school. If you are attending college, check with the school because there are some that offer flight training. If you attend a college, the classroom training is more then likely going to be on campus, and the flying will be with someone the school sets up for you. Often a flight trainer at a local airport will handle the flying time and hands-on training you need.
Local schools are also a good option. Many small airports have flight training schools that people can attend and learn to fly small aircraft. Most of these are in rural areas, and the training is limited to single-engine aircraft, but it is a good starting point. Often, the training is one on one, and if there are classes with multiple students in it, they will be small.
Training Requirements
Depending on the type of license you are working toward, there are requirements that dictate the number of flight hours you need and the amount of classroom training you have. Just because you are learning to fly a single-engine aircraft does not mean that the training is going to be less. Check with the school about the requirements before you sign up so that you are sure you will be able to attend all the classes. Missing even one class can set you back and cause you to miss something critical in your training.
Aircraft For Flying Time
The school will provide the aircraft you will be flying during your training and most likely for your testing as well. Many times the final flight test is conducted at the school, making it easier for the student. The instructor at your school will give you the details about the testing when you get close to the end of your training. When you are getting to that point, you should have all the skills you need to pass the test but make sure you ask any questions you have, and your instructor will go over the areas of concern with you.
