The First Five Steps to Becoming a Pilot

Do you dream of becoming a pilot? Not sure where to get started? 

Well you have come to the right place, my “bees”. Today’s blog post is an overview of the very first steps that you’ll need to take to get started on this exciting journey. While there are many career paths and specialties to choose from as a pilot, they all start with the same five basic steps:

1. Taking a discovery flight

1. Getting a FAA medical examination

1. Researching and enrolling in flight school

1. Keeping a flight log

1. Building your network. 

Are you ready to get started? Let’s go!

Step One: Discovery Flight

A discovery flight is exactly what it sounds like: a flight to discover! 

So, what does a pilot do on a flight? This will be your first introduction to flying an airplane

Discovery flights can be booked with any flight school. On the day of your flight, you will be paired with an instructor, for the opportunity to have one-on-one hands-on experience piloting a small plane. 

In the space of 30-40 minutes, your instructor will guide you through the entire process of flying: you will begin with the safety check of all equipment, takeoff, turns, controls, descent, and landing. 

Discovery flights are an exciting combination of observing the instructor as they demonstrate, and a hands-on learning experience while you get to personally experience the magic of flight. 

While discovery flights can be booked directly through flight schools, aviation organizations have outreach programs for their members, which will help to offset the cost of the discovery flight. You can find more information about flight schools and aviation organizations on our membership site. 

Step Two: FAA Medical

Next up is the FAA AME. Easy enough, right? 

For those that are new to the field: the FAA is the Federal Aviation Administration, and an AME is an Airmen Medical Examiner. 

Once you have decided you want to pursue a career as a pilot, you will need to get your FAA medical to ensure you are AKA “FIT to fly”

Obtaining an FAA medical certificate is an essential step in ensuring you are physically and mentally fit to fly. This certificate is a prerequisite for pursuing a career as a pilot. Here are the general steps to obtain your FAA medical certificate

1. Choose the Appropriate Medical Class. There are three classes of medical certificates: First Class, Second Class, and Third Class. The class required depends on the type of flying you intend to do. First Class is required for airline transport pilots, Second Class is required for commercial pilots, and Third Class is required for student, recreational, and private pilots. 
   

2. Find an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Locate an FAA-approved Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) in your area. You can find a list on the FAA's website.

   
   

3. Schedule an Appointment. Contact the AME and schedule an appointment for a medical examination.

   
   

4. Prepare for the Exam. Bring any relevant medical records and be prepared to discuss your medical history. Ensure you meet the health and vision requirements for the class of medical certificate you are seeking.

   
   

5. Undergo the Medical Examination. During the exam, the AME will assess your overall health, vision, hearing, and other factors to ensure you meet the FAA's standards.

   
   

6. Receive Your Certificate. If you meet the requirements, the AME will issue your medical certificate. If there are any concerns, you may need to undergo additional testing or provide further documentation.

Once you have all of these steps completed, you are officially FIT to fly!

Step Three: Research (and enroll in!) Flight Schools

With your FAA medical in hand, you are now ready to start your flight training. 

When deciding to pursue a career as a pilot, it's essential to first research and choose the right training path. Here are the primary options for flight training:

1. Flight School - Flight schools offer various programs, from private pilot licenses to commercial pilot training. They can be found at local airports and often provide flexible training schedules.

   
   

2. Airline Academy - Airline academies are designed to streamline the training process and often have partnerships with airlines, providing a more direct path to a commercial airline career.

   
   

3. Military - Joining the military, such as the Air Force or Navy, can provide comprehensive pilot training and valuable experience. This option typically involves a long-term service commitment.

Each of these training programs has its own pros and cons, so be sure to carefully consider these key factors as you make the choice that is right for you: 

• Cost. Consider your budget and financing options. Flight training can be expensive, and costs can vary significantly between different training paths.

  
  

• Time. Evaluate how quickly you want to complete your training and start your career. Some programs are more accelerated than others.

  
  

• Career Goals. Align your choice with your long-term career aspirations. For instance, if you aim to fly for a specific airline, an airline academy with a partnership program might be beneficial.

  
  

• Location. Proximity to training facilities can impact your convenience and travel costs.

  
  

• Commitment. Be realistic about the level of commitment and flexibility you can manage, especially if you are considering military training.

We advise prospective pilots to personally visit at least three flight schools before they decide which one to enroll in. Like any other decision in higher education, there are many factors to consider, and this decision should not be made lightly! 

While there are many amazing flight school options, they will all have different offerings and specialties, and it is crucial to take the time to find the one that is the best fit for YOU. 

Here are a few questions we recommend asking the schools that you visit to help guide your decision: 

• What is the student/teacher ratio? 

  
  

• How many planes do you have (and what kinds)?

  
  

• Will you work with multiple instructors or have one dedicated to you? 

  
  

• How often will you fly? How busy is the airport (will you spend more of your time in the air or waiting for a runway)? 

Be sure take the time to research your options. 

If you find yourself needing more guidance, or are looking for recommendations for flight schools in your area, our membership site has a wealth of resources on finding the right flight school for you. 

Step Four:

Keep a Flight Log

From the very beginning of your career as a pilot, every hour, minute, and second counts! 

Accountability is a crucial part of the process, and keeping a proper flight log is key to unlocking future opportunities in aviation. A well-maintained flight log helps track your progress, ensure compliance with regulations, and demonstrate your experience to potential employers.

Keeping meticulous records is a must in both your education and your career! A properly kept flight log is important for a wide variety of reasons: 

1. Tracking flight hours. Accurately record all your flight hours, including types of aircraft flown, flight conditions, and roles (pilot-in-command, co-pilot, etc.).

   
   

2. Regulatory compliance. Ensure you meet the requirements for various certifications and ratings by maintaining detailed records.

   
   

3. Professional development.  Use your flight log to identify areas where you need more experience or training.

   
   

4. Job applications. A thorough flight log is essential when applying for jobs, as it provides proof of your qualifications and experience.

   
   

5. Insurance.  Detailed records can be necessary for insurance claims or to meet insurance policy requirements.

Every stage of your training will require a minimum amount of flight time, so keeping meticulous records of your flight time is non-negotiable. Additionally, every job interview and professional certification will check and double check that your logged flight time is accurate. 

While digital flight logs do exist, hard copies are still the industry standard. You must ensure that yours is kept up to date and stored in a safe place, so that it is always ready to make a good impression on your instructors and prospective employers. 

Step Five: Build your Network

Just like any other field: you will get further in your career with a strong support system then you will on your own! 

We recommend that you seek out a diverse professional network that includes subject matter experts, mentors, peers, and organizations, and continue to network at every stage of your career. 

Connecting with your peers, mentors and instructors is a key!

Networking is vital at every stage of your career. Connecting with peers, mentors, and instructors is a key ingredient to your success. Building a strong network can provide support, guidance, and opportunities throughout your journey in aviation. Here are some of our key networking tips:

1. Engage with peers. Collaborate and share experiences with fellow students and colleagues. This can lead to lasting professional relationships and mutual support.

   
   

2. Seek mentors. Find experienced pilots and industry professionals who can offer advice, share their knowledge, and help you navigate your career path.

   
   

3. Maintain instructor relationships. Stay in touch with your instructors, who can provide recommendations, career advice, and potentially open doors to job opportunities.

   
   

4. Attend industry events. Participate in aviation conferences, seminars, and networking events to meet professionals and stay updated on industry trends.

   
   

5. Join professional organizations. Become a member of aviation-related associations and groups to connect with a broader network of professionals.

   
   

6. Leverage social media. Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals, join aviation groups, and participate in discussions.

A note about aviation organizations: There is no limit to the number of organizations that you can join, and aviation organizations can provide opportunities to build connections to other professionals with shared affiliations, or to seek diverse perspectives. Curious about what kinds of aviation organizations there are? Our membership offers a comprehensive guide!

While a career in aviation is a lifelong journey that can (literally and figuratively) take many different directions, all pilots do start with these same first steps: a discovery flight, an FAA medical certification, researching and enrolling in flight school, keeping a flight log, and building a professional network. Whichever step you find yourself in: our membership community offers a wealth of resources as you get started on this exciting journey into the field of aviation!