If there’s one thing everyone wants, it’s to fly. One survey shows it to be the fourth most desirable superpower. But while we can’t grow wings ourselves, there are some other more practical options out there for those who want to take to the sky.
Don’t be intimidated, anyone can learn how to fly. Here are five quick tips to follow for learning to fly a plane.
1. Set up an Introductory Flight
Many flight schools offer an introductory flight to give you a feel for flying a plane. During this flight, you’ll go up with a pilot and get to take the controls for a little to see what it’s like. If you can get through that, you’re on your way to being a pilot.
2. Go to Flight School, Study Up
The best way to go about learning is to enter a flight school. Look into the best flight schools in your area, and try to find a good instructor. The difference between a good and bad instructor and school can make all the difference.
There are two different types of flight school in the U.S., Part 61 and Part 141. Part 61 schools are slower, allowing you to go at your own pace and do a lot of work from home. Part 141 schools are faster and cheaper, for those that want to go headfirst into flying.
3. Get Your Medical Certificate
It’s not the most exciting part of the process, but pilots need their aviation medical license. There are three classes of these. You’ll need a Class 1 license to get paid for higher-end jobs, a Class 2 for more limited jobs, and a Class 3 if you’re flying as a hobby or for transportation.
This is a necessary part of being a pilot. The quicker you get it done, the quicker you’ll be able to get flying.
4. Know the Basics
Flying isn’t all about being in the air. It’s also about knowing the technical aspects. It’s important to learn about the different pilot certificates, how to read the controls and gauges, and to have a basic knowledge of maps and charts.
Pay attention in flight school and take lots of notes. The best pilot is a knowledgable one.
5. Fly Often When Learning to Fly a Plane
You need 40 hours of flight time under your belt to become a private pilot. Additionally, you need 250 hours to become a commercial pilot, and 1,500 to become a certified airline pilot. No matter how you look at it that’s a lot of flight time, so the more you fly the better.
Make time in your schedule to fly with your instructor, and try your hardest to get better each time. Dedication and determination will win you that license.
Ready for Takeoff
Follow these five tips above and you’ll be learning to fly a plane in no time! A great pilot comes from practice and hard work, and as long as you put the effort in you have nothing to worry about.
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