Joining a commercial flight training school is a very exciting prospect for aspiring pilots. It finally feels like everything is coming together and you will soon have your very own plane to glide through the clouds. While that is certainly much closer to you than it was before you enrolled in a commercial flight training school, there is still a long way to go yet, and you need to be prepared for some tough days ahead. Learning to get a commercial pilot licence is no easy task, and many people drop out. Here are some tips to prepare you for your impending course.
You Will Need To Have A Medical
Pilots have to be able to withstand a lot of pressure, so they need to be in good physical shape. Undergoing a medical is a fundamental requirement for all those entering commercial flight training school, and not all of these schools provide you with this. That means you may have to organise the medical in your own time. If that is the case, you should make sure to have this done before your course is scheduled to start. The last thing you want to do is show up only to find out you are ineligible and have to wait until next semester.
You Need To Understand Theory
While you will have many opportunities to try out your flying prowess in a commercial pilots training course, the majority of your time will be spent on the ground. There are many different areas you have to cover in your theoretical studies, from radio communications to landing procedures. There are also quite a few written tests you need to pass. You will need to pass all of these tests on your journey to become a commercial pilot; although on some occasions you may be given a second try, as long as it is within a certain period of time. Still, it is best to prepare well so you don't have to worry about this outcome.
You Can Reach Different Grades Of Commercial Pilot
Not every commercial pilot has the same level of qualifications, as there are different meanings that fall under the category of commercial pilot. Some commercial pilots are transport based (i.e., they only work in the moving of goods and materials.) You need a higher qualification to be able to fly passengers commercially, and this is what most pilots aim for. To build up to that stage, often you see pilots working in the transportation of goods before continuing on to get their full licence. Make sure that the course you are enrolled in will get you to wear you want to be eventually.