You’ll often hear that the journey is more important than the destination. As you’re learning to fly, we encourage you to keep that in mind.
There’s so much rush in the aviation industry right now. Schools are under pressure to train students faster. Students are trying to meet their minimum requirements as quickly as possible. Airlines are trying to snap up new pilots as fast as they can.
But meeting just the minimums, and hurrying through the process, is not the way to become the best pilot you can be.
We understand the need to get your training and start your career as soon as possible. In fact, our High Gear to Airline Career accelerated program was developed for just that reason. But accelerated should never mean rushed.
We encourage our students to take their time and master skills at their own pace. Here are three ways to slow down, take your time, and become a great pilot (without necessarily taking longer to get through the program).
Try hangar flying.
Your lessons don’t end when the plane lands. You can learn so much by just shooting the breeze around the airport. Hang around and talk to other pilots, mechanics, staff, instructors, veterans, and other students.
We call this “hangar flying” because it’s an opportunity to learn practical advice outside of the plane. Every pilot or mechanic has a wealth of knowledge to share and stories that you can learn from. Take advantage of it!
Come to your next lesson early. Stay late. Participate in events hosted at the Pittsburgh-Butler Airport. Strike up a conversation with someone doing maintenance, another student, or an instructor you don’t usually work with. To get started, here are some icebreakers:
- (To a mechanic) What are you working on?
- Some weather we’re having! Have you ever gotten caught flying in a storm like this? What was it like?
- I’ve been having trouble with this maneuver. You look like a master. What should I do differently?
- I hate practicing stalls, but I guess it’s necessary. Have you ever had that happen to you on an actual flight?
- Congratulations on getting your rating! I’m getting ready for mine too. Any tips?
No one will think you’re weird. We’ve all had these small-talk conversations that help us learn from one another, and make us the pilots we are today.
Spread out your lessons.
While this might not be practical, we encourage students to fly in all seasons. We’re fortunate to get all four seasons in full force in Western PA! Spring winds are very different from winter icing conditions – learn how to adapt to any weather conditions by practicing in them! You’ll be a better, more well-rounded pilot.
Of course, if you’re not able to spread out your lessons across all seasons, our Redbird Simulator is a great alternative. You can get the feel for flying in all weather conditions without having to wait for them to occur naturally.
Talk to your instructor about slowing things down.
Your instructor is here to serve you. We’re here to make sure you’re absorbing and retaining your lessons. If you need more time practicing a maneuver, let us know! We would never want you to feel rushed.
Our goal is for you to become the best, safest, most confident pilot possible. We’re never going to push you out the door if you’re not ready. And we encourage you to take advantage of every way to improve your skills in a slow-and-steady manner.
And, of course, we want you to savor the process. You’re learning a skill that will carry you into a brand new career, and stick with you for life. Lay a good foundation for yourself and appreciate what you’re learning.
Slow down. Learn more. Enjoy.