Why Become a Pilot?
A combination of factors such as mandatory retirement ages, COVID-induced early retirements, and the surging demand for pilots, indicates a pilot supply challenge in the aviation industry. Forecasts from experts suggest that, within the coming year or two, global demand for pilots will outstrip the available supply, and this trend is expected to persist over the next decade.
- Pilots needed in the next 10 years
- 280,000
- Pilots over 50 years old
- 38%
- Pilots retiring in the next 10 years
- 45,000
- Growth in pilot demand
- 39%
Your Aviation Career is Cleared for Takeoff
The sky is not the limit; it's your new office. With a global demand for pilots, there's never been a better time to start. Enroll in our flight school and begin your journey to becoming a professional pilot.
More Than Just A Career
Should You Become A Pilot?
How to Become a Pilot: Your Complete First Guide
A straight walkthrough of the FAA's actual requirements, the three exams every pilot must pass, and the full training path from your first lesson to a paid flying career. Written by an ATP-certified instructor in Lanett, Alabama.
Frequently
asked questions
Be at least 16 years old to get a student pilot certificate. Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. You do not need an FAA medical certificate from an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) for the first few lessons, but you will need to get your medical certificate prior to soloing.
A short introductory flight for anyone interested in learning about flying or taking the first step toward earning their pilot's license.
A headset and extra batteries, a logbook, and a pen and paper for notes. Rentals are available for headsets. As you progress, you'll build your own flight bag with necessary tools for the rating you're working on.
A typical lesson includes a short ground lesson and flight lesson brief, followed by the flight, and then a debrief. Your instructor will also help ensure your documents are uploaded and the aircraft is ready. Some lessons may consist solely of ground instruction depending on syllabus progress and weather.
Ground school is classroom learning focused on topics like aerodynamics, airport rules, aircraft instruments, and weather. It can be one-on-one with your instructor or offered as a group class if there are enough students.
It depends on your availability and flight frequency. The FAA minimum is 40 hours, but the national average is just over 65 hours.
Ready to Take the Controls?
Book a Discovery Flight and experience the thrill of flying firsthand. You'll take the controls with an expert instructor and see the world from a whole new perspective.
