For centuries, the career of a pilot has been synonymous with glamour, constant travels, easy life and everything else that big earnings can afford. Not many people are aware that in order to get a pilot’s license, lots of years are spent on learning, training, taking tests, and completing flying hours. Not many are aware as well that not every pilot can earn. There are private pilots and there are commercial pilots. Private pilots fly as hobbies and they do not enjoy the benefits earning pilots do. More hours, trainings and exams are needed to acquire an “earning” degree. Although both private and commercial pilots go through similar processes, a commercial pilots’ journey to greater heights starts with a difficult climb. Such is the importance of a trustworthy commercial pilot school.

Requirements to Enter Flying School

There are two types of flight schools available: one that is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the non-approved schools. Both can teach students how to fly an aircraft but only FAA approved institutions can qualify aspirants to eventually make a living out of flying. Candidate must at least be 17 years of age and a high school graduate upon entry. A medical examination performed by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) determines if the student meets vision and hearing standards as well as the minimum physical condition required.

Getting a Flying License

Getting into a commercial pilot school is the easiest part. As you go along, the requirements to acquire a pilot license becomes more difficult. As a student, aspirants learning to fly under the supervision of a flight instructor is given the student pilot certificate. Permit to fly alone is limited. After completing a program, one must complete 40 hours of flying time, pass 7 written exams, complete 10 hours of solo cross country flight, show readiness during a flight test with an examiner, and pass and oral exam. A private pilot license however, does not give the bearer earning rights. This type of license gives the individual permit to fly for pleasure or business without compensation.

Finishing Touches from a Commercial Pilot School

The official step to a flying career is the acquisition of a commercial pilot license. Only certified FAA approved institutions can qualify as a commercial pilot school. Pilots with this license can be paid or hired by operators thus requiring more knowledge, skills, and flying time in addition to a private pilot license. Applicant must be at least 18 years of age and there is no age limit as long as he has reached a minimum of 20 hours training, 10 hours of solo flight, and at least 50 nautical miles of cross country flights. Applicant must pass a 100 question knowledge test administered by the FAA.

By now, a once aspiring pilot has spent a big sum of money to fulfill his dream. A commercial pilot school is vital in the realization of this goal. The holder now enjoys the privileges of being the pilot in command of a single pilot aircraft or as co-pilot for a multi-pilot aircraft. This is the point when the money spent is potentially earned.