How would you describe yourself? Are you a risk-taker or a cautious person? Do you like adventure or prefer to stay at home?
If you answered yes to these questions, then you might enjoy flying. In fact, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of pilots has increased by nearly 20% since 2010.
This means that there are plenty of jobs out there for those who love to fly.
Flying is a great way to see new places and experience nature from above. The sky is the limit when it comes to where you can go.
Whether you want to travel across the country or around the globe, there are several ways to get engaged with the aviation industry.
You don’t need to take flight school classes to become a pilot. There are other options such as working for a commercial airline company or becoming a private pilot.
In this article, we will cover a number of ways how to get into aviation.
Plane Spotting
One of the best ways to learn about aviation is to simply watch planes in action. You don’t have to be an expert on aircraft to spot them.
All you need to do is look up and notice what type of plane they are.
The next time you visit your local airport, try going up close to some airplanes. This could help you understand more about each one.
Most airports offer free airplane spotting tours. These tours usually last anywhere between 30 minutes to 1 hour.
During the tour, you will be able to see different types of aircraft, including military jets, cargo planes, passenger jets, helicopters, and even gliders.
This depends on what the airport offers. The larger the airport, there more variety of aircraft you will be able to see.
Airplane spotting tours are a perfect way to spend your day off. It allows you to learn more about aviation while having fun.
Flight Simulator
Another option is to use a flight simulator. A flight simulator is a computer program that simulates the motion of an aircraft.
A flight simulator is similar to playing video games. However, instead of using buttons, you control the aircraft with a joystick.
A flight simulator lets you practice taking off, landing, and taxiing. Some simulators also allow you to fly in 3D which gives you a better view of the landscape below.
There are two main types of flight simulators: PC based and console based. Console-based simulators are cheaper than their PC counterparts.
Console-based simulators are typically used by people who already own a gaming system. They include Microsoft Flight Simulator X, Sony PlayStation, Nintendo Wii, and others.
PC-based simulators are more expensive but give you a lot more flexibility. Most PC-based simulators come with a high definition screen, so you can see everything clearly.
If you decide to purchase a PC-based simulator, make sure to check its compatibility with your operating system.
Get A Glider License
Gliders are small planes that don’t require a pilot’s license. Instead, gliders need only a glider rating.
You can get this rating by attending a training course offered by your local gliding club.
This type of training is much less expensive than obtaining an airplane pilot’s license…
However, there are some downsides to becoming a glider pilot. For example, you won’t be able to fly very far, and you will also just be able to fly in a glider.
Also, you may not be able to earn money while you train because most gliding clubs do not offer paid positions.
However, if you are looking to get your first experience with on-hand flying, a glider license is your best option.
Commercial Pilot License (Pilot)
The first step to getting into commercial aviation is to earn a Commercial Pilot License (PPL). This license is required if you want to work for a commercial airline company.
To obtain a PPL, you must pass a written test and then complete at least 120 hours of flying lessons.
After completing these requirements, you can also apply for a Private Pilot License (FAA Part 91) that allows you to operate single engine piston aircraft.
Private pilots are not allowed to carry passengers unless they hold a medical certificate.
Once you receive your PPL, you will be eligible to take the FAA Airline Transport Pilot exam. This exam tests your knowledge of aeronautics.
Once you pass the exam, you will be issued a pilot certificate. This certificate will enable you to work as a pilot for any air carrier.
Join Your Local Aviation Organization
Aviation organizations such as the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) provide many benefits to members.
These organizations have chapters all over the country. You can find one near you here.
Membership in these organizations provides access to discounts on products and services, and members also get invited to events where they can meet other pilots and learn from them.
These organizations help connect pilots with each other. If you join, you’ll also get access to online forums where you can ask questions or share information.
Join Your Local Flight Club
Flight clubs are great places to meet new people. These clubs usually host social gatherings where you can hang out with other pilots and talk about anything related to aviation.
Some flight clubs even offer free flights for their members.
Work At An Airport
If you love flying, but you aren’t interested in earning a living as a pilot, you might consider working at an airport.
No matter what type of job you are going to do, you will always be surrounded by planes and people working in the aviation industry.
Conclusion
Getting into aviation doesn’t need to be difficult. You just need to know where to look. There are plenty of opportunities, from plane spotting to hands-on flying.
Whether you are interested in a career in aviation or you love watching aircraft as a hobby, it’s great to find places near you that offer aviation events.
I decided to create this source of knowledge from my own experiences, in the hopes of helping budding pilots to get through their training.
So, if you’re thinking about becoming a pilot or are in the middle of your training, I hope that this website and my knowledge comes of some benefit to you. I’d love to think that my website made your experience a little less stressful and a lot more fun!
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