The 10 Steps to Choosing the Best Flight School for You

By Gustavo Sánchez-Sorondo

Choosing Best Flight School that aligns with your goals can be a daunting task. Where should one start? How does one embark on this skyward journey without any guidance?

There are many factors to consider, and challenges to overcome. With these 10 steps, you can prioritize your goals and find the best fit. Review our tips, compare the options, and be ready to soar!

1. Determine Your Aspirations and Set Goals

To start, evaluate what your long-term decisions are for aviation and write them down. Think of it as a self-reflection, and ask yourself questions. With this in mind, it’ll be easier to make a choice on which flight school fits your goals, learning style, and budget perfectly.

2. Do Your Research

Research is incredibly important in choosing the best flight school for you. One thing you can do is use Flight School Finder tools. Flight school finder tools let you consider and evaluate your options before making a huge decision.

You can check out this link for a directory of flight schools in the US: Here

3. Consider Your Schedule

Scheduling might seem less important, but only you can determine if the courses will fit into your life comfortably. Keeping these considerations in mind can help confirm whether the flight school you’d like to enroll in aligns with your aviation aspirations.

4. Meet a Few Instructors

Meeting up with instructors may seem like an unnecessary step, but getting to know these mentors can help guide you towards your dream career, and it is a great way to research the quality of flight schools based on their experiences. Their knowledge can give you insights into different paths within aviation, and they will ultimately play a crucial role in your future in aviation.

5. Differentiate Between the Schools

This is a big step, and is one that mustn’t be skipped. Knowing the differences between part 61 and 141 schools can significantly change the pathways of your career. To get the gist of what these two are, part 61 allows you to complete training more flexibly, and is a viable option if you’d like to have more freedom time-wise and lesson-wise. This training program focuses more on the general aviation enthusiast. Part 141 schools are more structured, and tailored more toward those who are interested in obtaining a professional pilot license.

6. Decide on a Good Location

Of course, the location matters. The type of program you’d like to pursue is important, but location will also play a factor in your accountability. Take note if these locations are busy to help you narrow down your options.

7. Determine a Budget

Flight school can be costly and vary by both the type of license you are pursuing and the school you choose. Narrow down the list of potential schools in your area by reviewing the costs. There are many programs that provide access to financial aid through Federal and private institutions to help bridge the gap.

8. Tour Schools and Take Discovery Flights

Touring multiple schools and taking discovery flights is one way to get to know these institutes in a more intimate way. You’ll be able to see for yourself if these flight schools really are a good fit for you, or if it’s all just talk on their website.

9. Scope Out the Setting

Observe the setting to help narrow down your decision. Setting does not only refer to the physical environment itself, but more on the people around you and the support you’ll get.

10. Start training

After all of the steps above are complete, and you’ve narrowed down your list, it’s time to make the final decision and sign up for your lessons. Get your medical clearance, start your training, take your tests, and you’ll be on the way to your aviation goals in no time.

Finding your flight path is easier when you know where to start. This guide has shed light on that, breaking down the steps needed to choose a flight school. Now it’s time to discover what you’d like for yourself and how you can shape your future.

Keep flying high with these insights in mind – because choosing the right flight school is just the start!