Starting your journey as a flight student is an exciting and life-changing decision. Whether you dream of becoming an airline pilot, flying private charters, or simply enjoying aviation as a hobby, flight training is your first step into the skies. But what does it really look like to train as a pilot? Here’s what you can expect.
- Ground School: Where It All Begins
Before you take to the skies, you’ll spend some time on the ground learning aviation theory. However, the best way to understand the ground topics is to see them in action while flying the airplane. Our coursework integrates ground training lessons with your instructor at the appropriate time so you can build upon your prior knowledge. Ground school covers essential topics like:
- Aerodynamics
- Weather and meteorology
- Airspace and navigation
- Flight planning and performance
- Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)
You can complete ground school in a classroom setting or online. We recommend utilizing the Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course; however, there are a significant amount of ground training resources available to help supplement your learning. Once you have a handle on the ground knowledge, you will be endorsed to take your FAA Written Exam.
- Flight Lessons: Mastering the Skies
Your actual flight training will begin with a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) sitting beside you in a small training aircraft like a Cessna 172 or Piper Archer. Early lessons focus on basic maneuvers:
- Straight and level flight
- Turns, climbs, and descents
- Performance and ground reference maneuvers
- Takeoffs and landings
- Emergency procedures
Eventually, you’ll progress to more complex tasks like cross-country and night flights.
- Your First Solo Flight: A Milestone Moment
One of the most memorable milestones for every flight student is the first solo flight. After demonstrating you can safely handle the aircraft and pass your Private Pilot Written Exam, your instructor will send you up alone for the first time – in the traffic pattern at your training airport. It’s a huge confidence boost and a rite of passage for every pilot.
- Time Commitment and Scheduling
Flight training isn’t just something you do occasionally – it’s a commitment. While part-time students may fly 2–3 times a week, full-time students should expect to be flying or studying almost daily. Weather, maintenance, and your own schedule can affect your pace, so flexibility and consistency are key. The more often you fly, the more information and skill you will retain, in turn reducing the need for repeated lessons resulting in overall cost savings.
- Safety Culture and Professionalism
From day one, you’ll be introduced to aviation’s strong emphasis on safety. You’ll learn how to perform preflight inspections, use checklists, and make decisions based on weather, aircraft condition, and your own readiness. These habits are not just for passing your checkride – they’re for life.
- Emotional Highs and Lows
Flight training is exhilarating, but it can also be frustrating. You might have great flights followed by tough ones where things don’t click. That is normal. Learning to fly is as much about developing patience and resilience as it is about stick-and-rudder skills.
- The Checkride: Your First Pilot Certificate
Once you’ve met all the training requirements, your instructor will endorse you for the practical test, known as the checkride. It includes an oral exam and a flight portion with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). Pass it, and you’ll earn your Private Pilot Certificate – the first major step in your aviation journey. This certificate will allow you to fly when you want in visual weather conditions while carrying passengers.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a pilot is a rewarding challenge that combines technical skill, discipline, and a lifelong passion for learning. As a flight student, you’re not just preparing for a certificate – you’re stepping into a community of aviators with a rich history and a thrilling future.
So, buckle in, trust the process, and enjoy the ride. Your flight training journey is about to take off!
Reach out to us today to take that first step into the air!
You can contact us at 888.412.2163 or JAFTinfo@flyja.com, or connect with us at www.flyjetaccess.com/flighttraining/
