For many people, the thought of becoming a pilot seems like an impossible feat due to their limited knowledge of aviation. They might have different notions about the pilot training process and what one experiences in a flight school. Some people think pilot training is limited to wealthy individuals, while others believe they need to have high academic achievements to pursue an aviation career. In some cases, these kinds of common misconceptions can discourage aspiring aviators.
However, the reality of many of these myths paint a different picture of what actually goes on in pilot schools and training. Often, these myths are only versions of the truth.
In this article, we’ll debunk a lot of the commonly misunderstood myths about becoming a pilot. Hopefully, this will help you make better informed decisions regarding your prospects of an aviation career.
Pilot Training Is Hard
Many believe that becoming a pilot requires an innate skill set beyond the reach of the average person. They think pilot training is immensely difficult, which often stems from a need for more understanding of the structured nature of pilot education.
While it can be challenging, pilot training follows a step-by-step process that encompasses ground school and practical flight experience. It is designed to be accessible and allow individuals from diverse backgrounds to acquire the necessary skills to succeed. If they put in the work and have determination and dedication, they can earn their wings.
Pilot Training Is Exclusively for the Wealthy
Another prevalent misconception about pilot training and school is that it’s an expensive endeavor. Some people even believe it’s a privilege reserved for the wealthy elite due to its perceived high cost. But in reality, people from diverse financial backgrounds can pursue an aviation career.
Although it can be an investment, flight schools are accessible to a lot of people. Those who need financial assistance can find plenty of options to fund their training. Some schools offer financial programs to allow student pilots to study and settle their fees later. Also, scholarships exist to help individuals as they undergo their training as pilots.
You Need to Be Smart to Be a Pilot
Having advanced academic intelligence isn’t a requirement for you to learn to pilot an aircraft. While you’ll encounter some complex topics like aerodynamics, physics, and trigonometry during your pilot training, you can find resources to enhance your knowledge. You can also seek the guidance of your instructors to help you through the process.
Additionally, becoming a pilot requires a combination of skills beyond what books can teach you. You need to develop decision-making, problem-solving, and effective communication skills to be successful. So, intelligence alone doesn’t determine your suitability for an aviation career.
New Technology Makes Pilots Obsolete
The fear that advancing technology will render pilots obsolete is another common myth in the aviation industry. While technology plays a crucial role in modern aviation, human judgment, critical thinking, and adaptability remain irreplaceable. In the case of autopilot devices, they’re very helpful for many different tasks on a flight. They also help enhance the role of pilots.
However, pilots can’t rely on technology alone. They will need to reprogram the autopilot from time to time. They need to be able to respond to instructions given by air traffic control regarding course or altitude changes, weather, or the terrain below. It’s the only way they can ensure a smooth and safe flight.
Pilots Need to Have Perfect Vision
Many people believe that pilots must have perfect vision. This is a common misconception that could create a barrier for those who need to wear corrective lenses to pursue their dreams. But according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), having a 20/20 vision isn’t necessary.
In line with the international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization, CAAP permits individuals with corrected vision to become pilots. As long as they meet the required vision standards in their region, pilots with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or other vision deficiencies are allowed to fly while wearing prescription glasses or contact lenses.
It Can Take Years to Train as a Pilot
Some aspiring pilots can also get dissuaded from pursuing their dreams because they believe that pilot training is an excessively time-consuming process. This is partly true because the duration of your training depends on the amount of effort you’re willing to dedicate and the pilot license you want to achieve.
When obtaining a private pilot license, you need to complete a minimum of 40–50 hours of flight time. If you’re aiming for a commercial pilot license, you need additional flight hours of around 150–200 hours, while an airline transport pilot license requires specific hours as a pilot-in-command. In some pilot training courses, you can start from scratch and train to be a First Officer of an aircraft in approximately 21 months.
But keep in mind that these timeframes can still vary based on your circumstances. For example, being a full-time student can help speed up your training. Additionally, external factors such as weather, aircraft availability, and the flight school’s schedule may impact the training timeline.
There can be a lot of different myths surrounding pilot schools and training. Many of them are products of misinformation, which can discourage individuals from pursuing their aviation dreams. Hopefully, addressing these misconceptions can help empower aspiring pilots with accurate information and foster their confidence in their aviation dreams.