What Should I Expect from Aviation Training?

There are three aspects to aviation training: classroom, simulation, and actual flying experience. This type of training is required for anyone who wants to fly a commercial or private jet. The term aviation refers to any type of mechanical flight, and the same training and skills are required to fly a light-body plane or glider as a passenger plane. People who are precise, mathematically inclined, and able to think quickly in a crisis find the greatest satisfaction in aviation training. A licensing exam must be successfully completed before you can fly a plane of any description.

The first part of this training program is the classroom component. Required courses include physics, calculus, vectors, geometry, and telemetry. Additional courses in flight mechanics, aerodynamics, and geography are also part of this program. Many people underestimate how much math and physics knowledge is required to fly a plane. Consider this when planning your aviation training.

The second part of the training program is flight simulation. All flying schools have a flight simulator. This tool in invaluable when training pilots. Students can be given control over the plane in a safe environment, allowing them to learn from their mistakes and practice the skills necessary with little risk.

Many schools have a specific number of simulator hours that students can have as part of the standard program. Candidates who require additional hours may find there is an additional charge for this. This equipment is very expensive and requires significant power and technical staff to operate and maintain.

After passing several key tests in the simulator, students are allowed to complete short training flights in a real plane. The flight instructor is with the student at all times and has optional controls they can use, should it become necessary. There are a standard set of maneuvers and skills that students must execute independently to pass aviation training.

Aviation training is one of the most expensive training programs available. For many people, it is the realization of a childhood dream. However, it is important to weight the costs and time required to complete this training program before you begin.

A pilot training program is usually eight to 12 months of full-time school. Part-time programs often take two to three years to complete. Review the employment opportunities available to you upon completion of this training and determine if this is the right program for you.