Learning to fly airplanes can be a very fun and enjoyable experience for anyone, and it's easier than most people think it is. Flying is easy, affordable, fun and safe. You don't have to become a commercial pilot to fly, and you don't have to be the son of a pilot or join the air force. You can become part of the General Aviation community. Every year, thousands of people just like you become private pilots.
They come from all walks of life and have a variety of reasons for wanting to break the bonds of earth. Some fly for business, while others are interested in aviation industry careers. Some are looking for an activity they can share with their family. Most fly just for the sheer fun of it.
Can you find another hobby that:
- will offer the fun and excitement of flying?
- will give you the sense of accomplishment that earning a pilot certificate provides?
- will last a lifetime like your pilot certificate?
- will provide all-season participation?
- will create new opportunities for fun and entertainment by getting you to far-away destinations in a fraction of the time?
No matter what your ultimate goal in aviation is, you must start by earning a private pilot's license. This private license allows a pilot to fly a single-engine airplane under visual flight rules (VFR), meaning visibility of at least three miles, as well as at night.
Once you have earned a private license, you can work toward other certificates. A commercial certificate allows you to be paid for your flying. A CFI (Certificated Flight instructor) certificate enables you to teach others. An airline transport certificate (ATP) is what you'll need if you want to fly a commercial airliner. You can also add a variety of ratings that will allow you to expand your activities to include piloting multi-engine airplanes and/or navigating using instruments through the fog and clouds.