There is something liberating about flying high in the sky and watching the world from above. It also doesn’t help that movies like Top Gun make flying look effortless to pursue, but that is not the case. Unlike most careers, the desire to become a pilot requires intense dedication, courage, and passion. You can’t fly a plane unless you trust your skills and know you have done enough for a safe lift-off.
However, sitting in an aircraft comes much later. Your first lesson is all about surviving aviation school and cutting no corners in the process. Therefore, if you’re sure you can handle the responsibility of maintaining your plane, flying within safe limits, and knowing when to pull back during emergencies, begin your journey as a future pilot today. To help you transition into your new role, here’s what you need to do:
Tips to Survive in Aviation School
Research Aviation Schools
Pilot schools operate much differently than regular college degrees. You must pay for your instructors, the cost of upkeep, and any damages your plane sustains during your training. You also put your life on the line once you sit behind the controls and prepare for take-off. Therefore, you can’t downplay the importance of the school you will attend. A qualified instructor will be a source of guidance and motivation for you, using their experience with new pilots to help you.
Additionally, aviation schools are expensive, and like any potential applicant, you want your money’s worth. So, by looking into pilot schools, you can find a well-reputed and highly rated establishment that will prepare you for your career. Take your time researching and email the relevant administrative bodies to get all your ambiguities answered, from how the course is managed to the safety measures on board.
Use Flight Simulator
A flight simulator is software that lets you virtually fly a plane, giving you a realistic view of what it means to be a pilot. While it is nowhere near flying a plane, it can help you build your confidence, boost your self-esteem and give you a sense of direction and navigation as you control your aircraft. Think of this as a supplementary resource to help you understand the technique and method of controlling a plane. You can pick up on radio navigation, understand the general flight characteristics, know how to use instruments, and familiarize yourself with the control panel. The more sophisticated your software, the more relative it will look.
Stay On Top of Your Coursework
You will have to immerse yourself in all the relevant concepts and work that goes into being a professional pilot. Don’t expect your professors to limit their instructions to the textbook or syllabus. Instead, expect a plethora of teachings and discussions on multiple subjects related to flying. You have to understand everything that goes on in your classrooms to apply the practical knowledge you pick up into the training sessions.
Your best bet in staying ahead of your peers is studying and absorbing everything you need to know about your role as a pilot. Don’t limit yourself to the assignment you got for the day but try reading ahead and preparing for future lectures. Use online platforms like YouTube and aviation forums to ask experienced pilots about the fundamentals of controlling a plane and add to what you already know. There are no shortcuts to becoming a good pilot, but your willingness to do more for your education can help you achieve your goal faster.
Practice As Much As You Can
Flying is not one of those skills you can remember if you ignore it for a long. The more gaps between each training session, the harder it will be for you to remember the crucial aspects you learned about being a pilot. You will also become uncomfortable when trying to navigate your plane and lose control over it which is both dangerous and risky.
Inevitably, you’ll have to restart your journey as a pilot, which can prolong your timeline and push you back from where you want to be. But, like driving, the more you sit in the plane, the better you’ll get with the controls. At a minimum, try flying at least once a week, and once you start developing the patience and experience which allows you to control with ease, try practicing more. Eventually, you can take it up a notch, fly for longer intervals, and practice more often.
Set A Routine
You need the discipline to attend school and get through all your classes. Even if aviation school is not like a regular college, you still need a routine that lets you stay on the same page as your instructors. Flying also requires attention and concentration, and if you’re not doing well, you won’t be able to commit. Setting a routine is about finding a schedule and meeting your needs. Try sleeping at least nine hours a day. If you can’t stay in bed for that long, you should attempt a six-hour rest.
Your diet also needs to be modified so that you’re fresh, in shape, and have good stamina to tackle flying. It’s best to consult a dietician to know your proper meal plan. Arbitrarily cutting off carbohydrates can have adverse effects on your overall well-being. Jogging and going to the gym can help you tone your muscles which can add to your physical wellness. So try squeezing in some time to exert yourself.
While having a social life in an aviation school is not wrong, you will need to prioritize between learning and allowing yourself to get distracted. You must also use social media applications as little as possible, and focus on education, practicing, and training. The results of your hard work will express themselves in the form of successful flying.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a pilot is an exciting endeavor. You cannot capture the sensation of flying and gliding a plane in any other profession, making it an experience of a lifetime. However, working on an aircraft comes much later; initially, you need to know how you’ll conduct yourself in school. Aviation schools are expensive, so you must match a good institute that can prepare you for your new role. While feeling nervous about flying is natural, you can use software like a flight simulator to build confidence in your skills.
Additionally, when it comes to your classroom concepts, always read ahead and continue studying ahead of the class so that you don’t miss out on vital instructions. It would help if you also practiced flying whenever possible since extended gaps can make you lose the momentum you created to achieve your goal of becoming a pilot. Finally, your health is pivotal in helping you achieve your dream career, so do yourself a favor and set a routine that facilitates your journey in aviation school. You will find yourself energetic and focused as you tackle the work necessary for your flight training.
