How to Choose a Flight School in Georgia

Many consider Georgia the epicenter of the aviation industry. Not only are a number of aviation companies based there, but according to the Georgia Department of Transportation, there are 103 public airports in the state. This has attracted dozens of flight schools to Georgia, making it a great place to undergo your flight training. However, with so many flight schools to choose from, it can be difficult to know which flight school is right for you. This guide can help you make the right decision.

Determine Your Aviation Goals

First, you’ll need to decide what your goals are as a pilot. Do you simply want to fly recreationally on weekends? Or do you want to become a commercial pilot, rise through the ranks, and eventually fly as a pilot for a major airline? While even private pilots should take their training seriously, the stakes are much higher for those who hope to make a career out of flying. For aspiring professional pilots, the foundation of your career and life will be built at the flight school you attend, making it paramount that you take flight school selection extremely seriously.

Assess Your Level of Commitment

Once you’ve determined your goals, it is time to assess your level of commitment. Be honest with yourself. You won’t be doing yourself any favors by biting off more than you can chew. If you think you’ll only be able to train on weekends when you have free time, you should choose a Part 61 flight school. These programs are flexible and allow you to schedule your training around other commitments.

On the other hand, if you want to make your training a priority, you should choose a Part 141 flight school. These programs are extremely structured and rigorous. Generally speaking, if you hope to become a commercial pilot, you should choose a Part 141 school if possible. You can also consider also accelerated programs, which will allow you to finish your training as quickly as possible. This is a great option for those with a high level of commitment. All of these options are available in Georgia.

Do Your Research Before When Choosing a Flight School

Before you choose your flight school, do your research. You don’t want to end up in a school that isn’t the right fit. Look up reviews from former students and read them all. Even the best flight schools may have a single poor review from a disgruntled student. If possible, find someone who has attended the school and have a conversation with them. This will give you incredible insight to what the school is actually like. Finally, once you’ve found a school you think you like, go for a visit before committing. This will allow you to meet the instructors and see their facilities. After this, you should know for sure if the school is right for you.

Understand Curriculum Requirements of the Flight School You Choose

Make sure you know exactly what you’re committing yourself to. Once you have chosen a program, make sure you understand:

How often you will be attending lessons.
How many flight hours you need.
Testing requirements.
Exactly what is expected of you.

Doing this will ensure that you are not shocked by the amount of work you will need to do. It will also give you a chance to ensure that you can realistically handle the workload.

Consider Your Job Outlook on Completing Flight School

If you are planning on going the commercial route, you should consider your job outlook before even setting foot in flight school. Are there jobs in the area you’re in? Are their aviation company headquarters nearby? This is what makes Georgia such an attractive option for flight training. For example, Delta Air Lines is headquartered in Georgia, and they are not the only one. This results in many flight schools in Georgia having connections with airlines, making it easier to find a job when your training is complete.

Think About Cost and Other Financial Considerations

You cannot afford to ignore the financial aspect of flight training, either. To be blunt, flight training is not cheap. At least, good flight training isn’t. Before committing to a flight school, build a very detailed and accurate budget. Consider your savings and any income you’ll be earning should you choose to work while in flight school, as well as all of your expenses and the cost of training. This will allow you to know for sure if you can afford your school of choice.

Be Confident in Your Decision

Finally, be confident in your decision. Once you have chosen and enrolled in a flight school, do not second-guess yourself. Know that you have done your research and made an informed, well-reasoned decision. Georgia is an amazing place to receive your flight training and you can rest assured that you have made the right choice in attending flight school there.

Featured image by CarlosBarquero