How To Pick The Right Flight School And Getting Started

Okay so you've finally decided to choose flying as your career, congrats! I am sure you've known all along that is what you have wanted to do. But where do you go from there? I have spent months battling myself on how to pursue this career. Hopefully this post will help save you time and the headache involved. Below are some things to consider when choosing your training route!

• Step 1
• Think into the future!! Don't get caught up in the rush and forget about what lies ahead. Why am I saying this? Most students think to get into a flying career they can skip college and go straight to flight school. While this is true it could be a crucial mistake for down the road. Consider this, all it takes is a medical accident for a pilot to lose his or her license. This means they are completely out of a job and with no college degree to fall back on. Or what if the economy tanks and you are laid off. With a college degree you can work in another field while waiting to start flying again. No ones wants to be out of a job with no back up options. I'm sure your future family will thank you for planning ahead. Another misconception is your degree has to be in aviation. Actually most pilots discourage a degree in aviation as they claim it isn't very useful. The airlines just want to see a 4 year degree, it doesn't matter what its in. My recommendation, go for something technical or with business. This will make you much more versatile and open up a world of opportunities. 
• Step 2
• With step 1 in mind now you can choose how you want to do your training. Here are the options below and brief description of each. 
• University Flight Schools (UND, Purdue, SLU, Embry, etc...) 
• Pros: Experienced professors and instructors, some guarantee an interview, newer planes and technology, financial aid, college atmosphere, in depth, you'll receive an aviation degree, and have connections
• Cons: Super expensive (unless you get a scholarship), could be 3x as expensive compared to other options, you are just a number, aviation degree (read step 1),  and sometimes over glorified.
• If you can afford it and/or don't mind debt surpassing 100k in some cases then a university is a solid choice. However, you are just a number and you leave with the same ratings as anyone else working towards their career. Check the school out and get a feel for it. Don't fall for everything they tell you about pilot shortages and job guarantees. Test the waters yourself by visiting and decide from there! 
• Fast Track School (ATP, Pan Am, etc...)
• Pros: Quick and simple, get your ratings and pay an average price, 120 days or less, all over the country, flexible costs, financial aid, and can be done at your own pace.
• Cons: You'll leave with less knowledge than at a university (instrument rating in 5 days some claim, really??), hidden costs of tests and fees, some locations have gotten poor ratings by students, have to start paying debt off quicker. 
• Do your research when it comes to fast track schools. Some can be a great option to spend a summer or a semester off knocking out all your ratings. But be warned when you start flying for hire you might feel that your lacking some information you missed doing the ratings so fast. Also a faster track means a sooner time to start paying off all that debt! 
• Local FBO
• Pros: Flexible schedule, reasonable, more one on one time, allows time for college or working along side, you get the same ratings, meet new people at the airport, and you can find local flight schools at just about any airport!
• Cons: Some instructors might be less experienced (this can really go for any option though), older planes, can take a lot longer depending on how often you go, not guaranteed a job or interview anywhere. 
• If you are a college student or working a job then this is a great option. Flexible schedules and usually cheaper costs can really help out. But make sure you go 2-3 times a week so you don' have to repeat lessons. And check into the school to make sure the planes are properly maintained and registered. 
• Step 3
• Pursue it! Once you've made your decision start calling the school you have decided on and get all the information possible. Stay on the ball and be prepared to study lots. There is nothing more rewarding than studying your ass off for a check ride or written test and acing it. The more you slack off the longer it will take you and the more money you will end up spending!

So what track am I doing? Well I decided to go through a local FBO for my training. I am going to school for a physics and math degree and flying on the side. I can get all my ratings (including multi engine) right here in town while getting my degrees. Everyone has different preferences and only you can decide your track! Hopefully this helps clear things up some! I am in no way a pro at this but these are just my findings along the way as a student. Please comment, I would love to hear from you!