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6 Types of Flying Training To Help You Make the Right Call

The aviation industry is a very competitive field, and aspiring pilots need to know about their options. The first step in the process is deciding what training type you’d require.

Read on to understand different pilot training types to determine what suits you best. Based on this blog post, you can make an informed career decision.

Recreational Pilot Training

Recreational pilot training involves learning to handle an aircraft at a lower standard than a commercial pilot license. Also known as the “Sport” pilot license, a recreational pilot must abide by certain limitations. The holder of a recreational pilot license must fly only during the day and in good weather, among other things.

The base should be 50 nautical miles from the pilot’s flight path. They may be able to fly farther if they get additional permission.

Sports Pilot Training

Sports Pilots are not allowed to fly at night and in poor weather conditions. This license type only needs 20 hours of lessons.

In most cases, sports pilots are not allowed to fly solo. They must always fly with an instructor.

The first step is to find a flight school that offers sports pilot training to become a sports pilot. Once you’re enrolled, you will need to complete 20 hours of lessons. You will also need to pass a written test and a flying skills test. So, make sure to enroll yourself in suitable pilot classes

Private Pilot License (PPL)

The private pilot license is the most common type of flying training. Aspiring pilots will need several hours of flight time to achieve this rating, including many solo hours.

A student who has a private pilot license can exercise all the trained and certified pilot privileges. They can fly any type of aircraft in any conditions, except when their flight is for a commercial purpose.

Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

Commercial pilots are required to carry passengers and charge fees or expenses. They are also required to fly over water.

A commercial pilot can be employed by an air transport, charter, or freight airline. An aspiring aviator must first obtain a commercial pilot license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to become a commercial pilot. 

This requires meeting certain eligibility requirements:

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Able to read, speak, write, and understand English
  • Hold a private pilot license or higher
  • Pass a medical examination from an FAA-authorized doctor

Certified Aviation Instructor (CFI)

A certified aviation instructor provides flight training to prepare students for the private pilot license and other certifications such as a commercial pilot license.

To become a certified aviation instructor, you must hold at least a commercial pilot license and have logged several hours of flight time. In addition, you must complete an instructor certification course and pass a written exam.

Helicopter Training

To become a certified helicopter pilot, you can either enroll in helicopter flight school or build up enough hours from flying other aircraft types. There are 2 main types of helicopter licenses:

  1. Private Helicopter License (PHA)
  2. Commercial Helicopter License (CHA)

Tips to Finding the Right Aviation School to Get the Flight Training

Now that you know various pilot training available, it pays to know useful tips to select the right aviation training to become a good pilot. Keep these in mind:

  • Make sure you are at least 17 years old before enrolling.
  • Check out if the school has a student limit or not. The instructor can provide more attention to students in small schools.
  • Check the instructors’ experience and the training they received. This plays an important part in your learning process.
  • Do you want to learn instrument flying? If so, check if the school follows US or worldwide standards.
  • Referrals from past students will help you understand the learning environment and what to expect.

Over to You

As evident, there are different types of pilot training available to you. It’s up to you to determine which training suits your preferences. Make sure to understand the above training types and make the right call.

Muhammad Asad Raza