Is Flight School a Good Idea?

Young pilot student in her uniform flying light craft plane in the sky. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

The truth is that while college is meant to prepare you for a job in your field, many people graduate feeling lost. They enter a job market that may be drastically different from what they expected when they started, they find themselves in debt, and their prospects are all for entry level jobs that are seeking people with more experience than they have. When you have graduated and are feeling lost, flight school may be the unlikely answer that you have been looking for.

What Does Flight School Offer?

Essentially, a good flight school gives you the training and the certification that you need to fly. You may find yourself flying for airlines or looking into the lucrative world of private aircraft charter like this. Though the schooling does take some investment, it is also an investment that is paying off immensely. The number of pilots is set to decrease in the next ten years, as more pilots retire, and it is a field that is currently looking for new professionals. When you are looking for a program that will help you get a job right away, flight school is an excellent choice.

Furlough Ready

One reality that many pilots face is that they are typically furloughed at some point in their career. This means that you will spend some time out of work. If you already have a degree in a non-aviation related field, you are going to be ahead of the game. This means that when you are furloughed, you will be able to get a job in another field until you can fly again.

Passion for Flight

If you are someone who has always looked up and wondered how you could join the birds, this is the field for you. Flight is a passion, and if it is one that you have, flight school will nurture it. However, it is important to remember that it takes passion of your own to carry you through the schooling. Flight school is tough, and adjusting to a pilot’s life is challenging, especially if you are used to a normal 9 to 5.

Are You Willing to Stay Clean?

Things like drugs and alcohol issues are the kiss of death when it comes to becoming a pilot. In an industry where the lives of many people rest in the hands of two professionals, you cannot afford even the slightest hint of any wrong-doing. If you think that you cannot live the clean lifestyle required, pass on flight school and do something else.

Are You a Networker?

Like many tight-knit, highly skilled professions, the aviation industry is one that is run on networking. Are you someone who gets along with others; are you good at making sure that you make the right friends? Networking is one of the best ways to get a job in this industry, especially if you are new.

Is Your Spouse on Board?

Piloting, especially in the first few years, is highly sporadic, unpredictable work. You need a spouse who is willing to put up with that. Like any other job, your spouse needs to be on-board with your decision. Otherwise, the strain is going to start showing fast!

Take a moment to think about whether flight school is for you. Whether you work for a private aircraft charter or a huge airline, it is demanding, but if you are fresh out of college and looking for a path, you may find that it leads straight to a runway!

Sarah is a small business owner, and is currently learning about marketing, using the internet. Aside from working on her own business, she likes to use social media, and read travel books.