Which Flight Training Program is Right For You
There are over 300 two- and four-year colleges with aviation programs and aviation schools in the United States and world-wide that offer various aviation programs (including non-engineering programs) to students interested in pursuing a career in aviation.
Florida is a great place to earn your wings. The weather stays warm through out the year, almost all 365 days! The moderate and mild climate makes flight training a pleasure. The good weather allows you to log more flying hours faster, get your degree quicker and be on the way sooner to your new aviation career.
Being a pilot is a well-respected job in the community, and the pay is good in general. The education path you choose depends upon the type of pilot you want to become: a commercial pilot or just want to fly as a hobby with private pilot license in hand. Whereas many pilots formerly came from the military where they gained their flying experience, more and more these days have a college education, an aviation degree even, with flight training from schools that are Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified. As a result, more employers are reportedly beginning to require college degrees as well.
Some airlines hire high school graduates, but most prefer airline pilots with at least a 2 year degree. As the number of college-educated applicants increases, this is becoming an educational requirement. It takes much more than completing an educational aviation program to become an aircraft pilot, however. Depending on their responsibilities, pilots these days must have hundreds to thousands of hours of flight experience behind them. They might also have to fulfill other requirements.
Types Of Flight Training Programs
There are four items to consider when choosing the best flight training program: hands-on training, equipment, admissions requirements, and faculty. A flight training program can be part of a larger college, but can also be an independent school. The best flight training programs are affiliated with the local airfields or airplane pilot training programs. In the United States, the military is a popular option for flight training.
Selecting the best school should be based on your own goals, achievements, and skill levels. Select a school where you will be both challenged and successful. The best school is often a matter of specialized programs, designed to provide additional skills or support. For example, the best school for someone who does not like crowds would have small class sizes and be on a small campus. Students who prefer a lot of social interaction as part of their learning process might benefit from being in a larger school, with a broader range of programs and students.
The best flight training programs have a wide range of equipment available for student use. This includes full- and half-size airplane models, flight simulation programs, opportunities to practice in specially designed planes, and other simulation programs. Check the average class size to ensure you will have ample opportunity to use this equipment. This is critical, as practical skill as a pilot is required to obtain a flying license. Source
Why Flight Experience is a Must
In addition to solid education, flight experience is also a must for a pilot license. The Armed Forces provide many experienced airline pilots due to extensive flying time. Also appropriate are flight schools or lessons from FAA-certified flight instructors. Training includes a week of company indoctrination, 3 to 6 weeks of simulator training on the ground and 25 hours of initial operating experience. Once or twice a year throughout their career they must attend training or checks.
For a license, applicants must by 18 or older and have 250 hours of experience in the air. They also need to pass an exam and have 20/20 vision with or without corrective lenses, good hearing, no physical handicaps that could impair performance, and be in good health. They also need to be rated by the FAA to fly by instruments in periods of low visibility. And airline pilots working as captains must have an air transport pilot’s license.
Airline pilots may advance into other flying jobs such as flying corporate planes. A small number find jobs at the airlines as flight engineers. Seniority helps determine the most desirable routes. With 1 to 5 years of experience they become first officers and with 5 to 15 years they become captains.
Aviator College Degree Program
Approved by the FAA for a Restricted ATP Certificate at 1250 hours
2 year Associates Degree Program
The Aeronautical Science Program prepares the graduate for a career in the aviation industry by providing a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, aeronautical sciences, aeronautical technology, and the aviation industry. The graduate will receive an Associate of Science Degree from Aviator College with flight ratings from private pilot through commercial, with Flight Instructor ratings. This training is necessary to obtain employment, and by completing the associate’s degree you will set yourself apart from other applicants since a degree is preferred in the airline industry.
The flight portion of the program consists of a minimum of 565 flight hours and more multi-engine time than any other college or flight school today. Our large multi-engine fleet is equipped with Garmin 430s, and ASPEN EFIS is being introduced. Single engine fleet consists of Piper Warrior III with all glass (EFIS systems). Ground school is taught in a classroom environment.
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