October 16, 2024

Becoming a Pilot: Your Guide to Starting an Aviation Career

This story is brought to you in partnership with Venture West Airline Pilot Academy. Are you dreaming of becoming a pilot? Well, here’s how you can kickstart your journey today…

1. Begin Learning Online

There are numerous online tools at your disposal that can assist you in learning to fly. Dive in and start familiarizing yourself with the basics through engaging videos and quizzes.

2. Take a Discovery Flight

Taking a discovery flight at your local airport is truly one of the best ways to get started. These flights typically last around 30 to 45 minutes and offer an excellent opportunity to discover firsthand what flying is all about.

3. Practice with Flight Simulators

Flight simulators are a great way to enhance your hand-eye coordination skills and expand your aviation knowledge. If you don’t want to invest in a full-fledged desktop simulator, give a flight simulator app on your phone a try. It’s an excellent means of exposing yourself to fundamental flight principles and aerodynamics.

4. Listen to Live ATC

Radio communication can be quite challenging for many students. Begin by tuning in to the busy radio frequencies at general aviation airports such as Van Nuys (KVNY), Teterboro (KTEB), or Denver Centennial (KAPA).

5. Obtain Your Medical Certificate

Find an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) near you and get this crucial step out of the way. If you’re planning to pursue a professional aviation career, we highly recommend obtaining a first or second class medical certificate. These have more stringent requirements, and the testing ensures that there are no medical issues that could disqualify you as you progress through your training.

Want to be a pilot? Start with Venture West Airline Pilot Academy and discover what it takes to embark on your aviation career here.

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