To fly an aircraft is probably one of the most challenging activities, and the altitude itself is the ultimate human challenge. It requires skills as well as determination to obtain a career in flying an aircraft. Determination is a skill that the pilot need in order to properly handle the multiple tasks included in the training of flight operations. That being said, the skills will be a part of the flight school programs and teaching and that is why it is so important for the upcoming pilot to choose the right flight school.
You can easily assume that the skills of the graduated pilot will equal the quality of the flight school the student was enrolled in. Any flight schools will teach the same basic procedures in handling and navigating an aircraft, but the way they are teaching makes the difference.
Because of that the wannabe pilot must choose one of the more efficient flight schools available. Here is a list of things to keep in mind when you are searching for a flight school:
1. Efficient instructors
Research the qualities and experience of the flight schools instructors. If you are getting a poor skilled or inexperienced flight instructor, you might end up using too many flight hours or get inefficient training.
2. Flight course
Check the schools course details. Make sure there are detailed specifications regarding learning goals, lesson plans and flying schedules.
3. Training tools
Ask what tools is available to improve your skills outside of the flight schools planned education. Make sure they have videos, diagrams, model training tools and computers available for your to use.
4. The aircraft
Make sure the flight school has aircrafts enough to handle your flight training needs. The aircraft must be equipped with proper gadgets such as intercom and Mode C transponder. (You’ll need to do a bit of homework for this one)
Also make sure that the aircraft is maintained as required.
5. School and campus
This is a more obvious one, but make sure the flight school has decent classroom sizes and numbers as well as other facilities such as library, lounge and areas for flight planning.
6. Payments and refunds.
If the flight school requires you to pay the tuition in full, they must have a acceptable refund policy.
Now you have the basic elements in place next step is to choose and to contact the flight school to get the registration forms.
Here are some steps to help you narrow the choice of flight school down:
1. Collect data
Make a list of your preferred flight schools and narrow the choice down to the two best ones if possible. Visit the school and talk to the students there. This is where you will get some true hands on information on the specific flight schools.
2. Time to choose
Keep in mind all the above and use it as a check list when choosing your flight school. Take the tuition fee in consideration and expect to pay more for quality schools, but also expect to get higher quality flight training for your money.