Hey everyone, I am 14 years old, and I want to become a pilot once I am grown. The problem is that at what age can someone join flight school? Some people say at 16 and some people say at 17. Does anyone out here know exactly what age? and what are some of the procedures? Oh ya one more thing, After we do join flight school at whatever age you guys are going to tell me, How long does it take to become a "Professional Pilot"? Please Help Me ASAP!!!
You can start flight school at any age… you can solo in an airplane at age 16… you can get your private pilot certificate at age 17…
The procedure involves going to a local FBO (Fixed Base Operator) look them up in the yellow pages… and asking to learn to fly, they will set you up with an instructor and away you go…
It takes 250 hours minimum to get your commercial pilot certificate… but in all reality, its tought to get a job with less than 500 hours… Also, college is HIGHLY reccomended… its tough to get anywhere in the industry without a college degree…
#1 by elliebellyy on June 11th, 2009
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I think some schools will take you now, actually.
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#2 by Reg on June 11th, 2009
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I've actually been looking into flight school myself, but I live in Ca so the rules may be different. Once school I looked into mentioned training high-school aged pilots, but I'm not sure of the rules and regulations. You may have noticed that many of the record-breaking "kids" who have flown cross-country or trans-ocean had adult pilots with them and some did not land on their own.
THe best best is to contact a local flight school. Many of the peopel I spoke with were very enthusiastic and happy to talk about their programs and their own experiences. Some schools also had monthly BBWs or open houses for potential students.
No matter what, don't pick a school that rushes you to sign up. The schools I had the best feelings about were the ones that almost required a "discovery flight" one where you learn the basics of flight and you go up with an instructor to get a feel for the plane and use the controls for a few moments. It is not a real lesson, however if you want to know how you'll feel a couple thousand feet in the air, this is when you'll know if you can and want to do it
Good luck!
References :
http://www.aopa.org/learntofly/
http://learntofly.com/
http://philip.greenspun.com/flying/learning
http://travel.howstuffworks.com/pilot.htm
#3 by XP Pilot on June 11th, 2009
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In the US, you may start flight training any time that your parents give the OK if you are a minor, a flight instructor will accept you, and of course you have the money. You may solo (fly by yourself under your instructor's supervision) powered aircraft at age 16 and obtain your private pilot's certificate at age 17. You may obtain a commercial license at at age 18. To obtain a commercial multi engine certificate to begin to fly for the airlines generally takes about a year of training depending upon the type of school you go to and costs start at about $45,000.00.
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#4 by creancfc on June 11th, 2009
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Hello. I could help you in answering this question as I am arround the same age as yourself. I had joined a flying school last year when I was 15 years old, they accepted me with no questions asked. I then started training with them, and getting all the material need for my theory course. I am currently doing a helicopter couse at the minute for my PPL but then might tranfer my couse to fixed wing airplanes. Meaning ill have a license in both helicopters and airplanes.
Some flying schools might not take you for your age, and some will it all depends. I got accepted at 15 years old which was brilliant, im now turning 16 and have gained so much experience over the years, even purchased books about the path in which real life pilots today have took by joing a flying club full time ect..
If you wish to add me on msn "creancfc@msn.com" I could explain more.
Regards,
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#5 by ALOPILOT on June 11th, 2009
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You can start flight school at any age… you can solo in an airplane at age 16… you can get your private pilot certificate at age 17…
The procedure involves going to a local FBO (Fixed Base Operator) look them up in the yellow pages… and asking to learn to fly, they will set you up with an instructor and away you go…
It takes 250 hours minimum to get your commercial pilot certificate… but in all reality, its tought to get a job with less than 500 hours… Also, college is HIGHLY reccomended… its tough to get anywhere in the industry without a college degree…
References :
Regional Airline Pilot
#6 by the kie from sd on June 11th, 2009
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Hello!
I am also 14 years old. I started flying lessons last April when I was 13 years old. 16 and 17 are important ages. You can't solo until you are 16 and you can't get your private pilot's liscence until you are 17. 18 is the age when you can get your commercial liscence. You can take lessons at any age and log legal flight time. It will take you as long as you make it take. Obviously you can't become a proffesional pilot tomorrow because you are 14. But, starting at your age is a really good idea! You will need to go to college. I want to go to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. You can major in a proffesional pilot degree and you have a good chance of getting hired after you graduate. Money is a very important issue. I emailed my the owner of my flight school and asked if I could wash airplanes for lesson. Luckily he hired me. Now i'm helping out the maintence department. I hacen't paid a penny for flying lessons except my intro flight. Where do you live? San Diego? If you do, try California Flight Academy. http://www.flycfa.com That's where I go. Great school! Okay, please stay in touch with me thruought your training. I really look forward to helping you and guiding you into the right direction so you can become a pilot. Please stay in touch.
-Matt
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#7 by Av8trxx on June 11th, 2009
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When can you start?
There is no minimum age. Your age is NOT the deciding factor in beginning your flight training, MONEY is! If you have rich parents willing to foot the bill, you can start well before you can solo (16) or get your PPL (17). A flight school is like any other business, if you pay they will provide the service.
In 1988 student pilot and 4th grader Tony Aliengena, who was only 9 at the time, became the youngest pilot to fly across the United States. (He was supervised by his flight instructor father in their family airraft, so that explains his ease of funding his lessons!) A year later he became the youngest pilot to fly around the world at age 11!
Here are the requirements for the Private http://www.flightinfo.com/learntofly.htm
I suggest joining the Aviation Explorer Scouts or the Civil Air Patrol. Both will get you into the world of aviation and the cost will be minimal. You may even find reduced cost flight training when you are ready.
Aviation Exploring is a youth development program centered around aviation careers. Member benefits: orientation flights in military transports, helicopters, gliders, or single-engine general aviation aircraft. Visit Air Force bases, aviation museums, air shows, or FAA facilities. Learn to preflight an aircraft. Take pilot training ground school classes. They also offer scholarships for those on the aviation career track. http://www.aviationexploring.org/
The Civil Air Patrol offers cadets the chance to take orientation flights in powered and glider aircraft at no cost to them. Paired with an experienced CAP volunteer pilot, cadets help preflight the aircraft, observe takeoff procedures and while aloft actually manipulate the controls and perform basic flight maneuvers. The program also enables cadets to learn about meteorology, navigation and aircraft instrumentation and technology. CAP Cadets fly approximately 16,000 hours in powered aircraft and 7,000 sorties in gliders each year. CAP cadet info-
http://www.cap.gov/visitors/members/cadet_programs/
"How long does it take to become a "Professional Pilot?"
The time depends on YOU:
Your ability to fund training, your learning curve and how long it takes you to complete your Private Pilot, Instrument rating, Commercia Pilot, Multi-engine rating and get 500 or more hours of experience to meet hiring requisites. I have known people who have done so in as little as 14 months and others who have taken years. Get more info here- http://www.pilotcareer.info
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My experience as an airline pilot & student pilot mentor
#8 by Private_Jet_Charter on June 11th, 2009
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You can start your flight training at any age, but can not solo an aircraft until your are 16 and then can not get your private pilot rating until you are 17 years of age.
References :
https://www.jets.com//Private_Jets.aspx