What do I need to consider before being a pilot?
First you need to decide what you want to fly. You can choose among airplanes, gyroplanes, helicopters, gliders, balloons, or airships. You should also think about what type of flying you want to do. There are several different types of pilots’ licenses such as student pilot, recreational pilot, private and airline transport pilot.
What will I learn during my training?
You will have to master many complex issues concerning flying. No doubt you will have to learn the basic components of an airplane, engine, flight controls, instruments, and how they operate. Additionally, the basic principles of how an airplane is able to leave the ground, and how to control it once airborne. Just as there are rules for operating automobiles on roads and highways, you will need to learn the rules governing the operation of aircraft in the National Airspace System. Not to mention how to use aviation maps and radio navigation aids to get you and your aircraft to your destination, basic concepts of weather formation, and how to obtain and interpret weather information that may affect your flight.
To receive a private pilot’s license it is required to have a minimum of 35 hours of flight time, of which 25 must be dual (flying with an instructor). The remaining 10 hours are solo flights. What is also important is that you need to have flown 270km and landed twice at two different airports, from which you didn’t take off. This is your first step to flying a 747. You’ve got a bit of a head start if you’re reading this though, as all communication between commercial 747s and the control tower must be in English. I wish you blue skies!
