The road to a professional flying career is a long and often challenging one. Aspiring pilots should be prepared to invest significant amounts of time, energy, and resources into participating in comprehensive training programs and obtaining the proper certifications necessary to pilot an aircraft for a living. They’ll have to work hard to learn the theoretical aspects of aviation, develop essential flight skills, and adapt to challenging situations both on the ground and in the air.
Fortunately, if you’re only just starting your aviation journey, there’s no need to weather the difficulties alone. Whether you’re only just earning your commercial or private pilot’s license or already working toward a particular type rating, it will help you to bear the following training tips in mind:
Use Your Radio Correctly at All Times
Communicating with air traffic control (ATC) is one of the most important aspects of flying. However, it can also get lost in the process of picking up other flight skills, learning to operate in-flight equipment, and adjusting in real time to changing flying conditions. Even seasoned pilots may sometimes struggle to use correct terminology and speak properly with air traffic controllers in the moment.
It’s essential that pilots in training remember to use their radios in a professional manner at all times, no matter how experienced they might be. At many points a pilot’s safety and that of their passengers will hinge upon their ability to communicate clearly and efficiently with controllers. Part of this is knowing how to convey your desired message in as few words as possible, as air traffic controllers often handle many flights at once and other pilots may also need to use the frequency.
Committing important radio communication calls and other aviation phraseology to memory is one important key to communicating more confidently with ATC. It’s also generally acceptable to identify yourself as a student pilot when speaking with controllers as this will let them know that you may need extra attention or assistance.
Communicate Proactively
Speaking openly and honestly with your flight instructor will help you make the most of all your learning experiences at flight school, whether you’re in the classroom, in a simulator, or in the cockpit of a real aircraft. While flight instructors are trained to adjust their teaching to students’ knowledge levels and individual learning styles, it’s still your responsibility to speak up about matters you don’t understand. Asking for additional examples and clarifications might be the key to fully grasping a particular idea.
Operating an aircraft is a complex process that requires not only an extensive understanding of aviation theory, but also the presence of mind to put these lessons into practice. It’s especially important to be honest with your instructor if you find yourself struggling with particular technical information or aeronautical conditions. They may be able to share additional learning resources or strategies to help you contend better with difficult aviation concepts.
Apply Yourself to Ground Training
When most people imagine what flight training is like, they’re likely to summon up the image of a student pilot in a cockpit with their instructor. While test flights and other practical exercises are indeed an integral part of learning to pilot an aircraft, the things aspiring pilots learn and practice on the ground are equally important. Some of the most integral parts of a pilot’s job, in fact, are done before they even board their plane, and this is no different for students who are only just learning to fly.
Professional pilots observe an extensive pre-flight routine that involves studying the weather forecasts for the day, planning the flight, and checking the condition of the aircraft itself. In a similar fashion, test rides with certified examiners form only one part of a student pilot’s certification process. They’ll also need to pass in-depth written knowledge tests to demonstrate their understanding of important aviation concepts.
Connect with Your Local Flying Community
Joining flying associations, regional forums, and other aviation communities is an excellent way to make the most of your flying education. Your instructors and more experienced peers should be able to point you in the direction of such communities, and you can also use social media platforms to connect with relevant pages or groups.
One of the major benefits of flying communities is the opportunity to meet, speak with, and learn from veteran pilots in a more relaxed setting than the classroom. Many of the people you connect with will be more than happy to share their stories and knowledge with you, listen to your own experiences, and give you helpful advice. You may even find future mentors and other helpful professional contacts in the process of growing your network.
It’s also important to note that you should try to associate yourself with a local community or group that’s credible and has a long history. This is to avoid picking up any bad habits or false information that might be prevalent within a bogus group. Student pilots should be especially discerning since this can affect their training in the long run. When in doubt, you can always consult with your school’s training team or flight instructors since they’re the ones that can give you the best advice on the matter.
While the process of becoming a professional pilot is by no means an easy one, these tips can help you maximize your learning opportunities and navigate any challenges that come your way. With the right mindset, adequate guidance from your mentors, and the support of your community, you’ll be well on your way to earning your wings.