5 Things to Know BEFORE you Start Flight Training

Before you invest in flight training, here are the 5 things every student should consider (with tips you won’t always hear from the schools):

1️⃣Medical Certificate: Start here before you touch an aircraft!

▪Find an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) on the FAA’s website

▪Conditions like ADHD, heart issues, seizures, or mental health diagnoses can complicate approval

▪Know your goal and what medical class aligns with it!

▪For example, for airlines you must have a 1st class medical

2️⃣Budget & Financing: Flight training isn’t cheap, so plan ahead

▪Private Pilot (airplane): $10k–$20k. Helicopters: $20k–$35k

▪Ask your school what’s included: fuel, exams, books, checkrides, headset?

▪Some schools/instructors provide material but out of pocket costs are common

▪Consistency is the real cost-saver

3️⃣Time Commitment: How often you fly matters more than you think.

▪Flying once a week = more re-learning = more $$ spent.

▪2–3 flights per week can help keep skills sharp and progress flowing

▪Pair flying with structured ground school or studying so you’re not brain dumping lessons or trying to learn regulations *literally* on the fly

4️⃣Professional vs. Hobby: Know your “why” before you dive in

▪Want to just fly for fun? Private Pilot or Sport Pilot Certificate may be all you need

▪Want to make a living from flying? Plan on spending a lot more money and time on additional training

▪Pro tip: Helicopter vs airplane careers look very different, research before committing!

5️⃣Job Pathways: Airlines aren’t the only option, some examples:

▪Certified Flight Instructor: common first job, builds hours and experience

▪Helicopter: tours, firefighting, EMS, corporate, utility

▪Other tracks: charter operations, corporate jets, cargo, aerial surveying, ferrying, drones

▪The industry is ALWAYS changing, stay versatile to stay successful in aviation

✍️Bottom Line:

Get your medical first thing, budget both time and money realistically, train consistently, and know where your why. Yes, it's expensive and demanding, but for those who stick with it, aviation opens doors most people only dream about.