Learn How to Fly An Airplane – Checklist for Enrolling in Flight School
Ever wondered how to fly an airplane and actually make it happen? You’re not alone. Thousands of aspiring pilots take their first steps into the sky each year—and it all starts with the right flight school and a clear game plan.
The journey from dreamer to licensed pilot isn’t as complicated as it seems, but there are a few key steps you need to know before you ever step into a cockpit. With the right prep, the right mindset, and a little guidance, you’ll be flying sooner than you think.
Step 1 – Decide What Type of Flying You Want to Do
Before you schedule your first flight lesson, take a moment to figure out what kind of flying you’re really after. The type of license you pursue depends heavily on what you want out of aviation and getting clear on that from the start helps you stay focused, save money, and enjoy the ride.
Are you flying for the thrill of it? Thinking of changing careers? Just want to cross it off the bucket list? Whatever your reason, there’s a training path that fits. Let’s break down your options.
Choose the Right Pilot License
Private Pilot License (PPL) — This is the most common starting point. A PPL allows you to fly for personal or recreational purposes. It’s also required before you can move on to any professional training.
Sport Pilot License — Perfect for casual flyers who want to fly smaller, light-sport aircraft. The training is quicker and less expensive, but the aircraft and flying conditions are more limited.
Commercial Pilot License (CPL) — If you want to get paid to fly, this is the license you’ll eventually need. It comes after your PPL and involves more advanced training.
Know Your “Why”
Staying motivated through training is a whole lot easier when you have a clear goal. Whether you dream of flying cross-country for fun or sitting in the captain’s seat of a commercial jet, your “why” is what keeps you going when the coursework gets tough or the weather delays a lesson.
If you’re not sure yet, no worries. Start with a discovery flight. At Leopard Aviation, we’ll take you up in one of our brand-new Cessna 172S Skyhawks alongside one of our Certified Flight Instructors. It’s a hands-on way to experience what flying actually feels like—and it might be the moment that flips the switch for you.
Our flight school is designed to make learning accessible, flexible, and fun. We fly out of Scottsdale and Mesa airports, offer financing, and match you with an instructor who fits your learning style. Ready to see what flying is really about? Schedule your discovery flight with us today.
Step 2 – Choose the Right Flight School
The school you choose will shape your entire experience learning to fly. Everything from the equipment to the instructors to the payment plan will impact how smoothly you progress. This is where being selective pays off. You’re not just choosing a location, but also a learning environment, a support team, and the level of quality you’ll train under.
So before you sign up, take a breath. Ask questions. Trust your gut. Use the “Kid Brother Rule.” If someone you trusted had already been through it all, what would you want them to tell you?
Consider These Factors:
- Accreditation: Is the school FAA-certified as a Part 61 or Part 141 program? Leopard Aviation operates under Part 61, which offers more flexibility with your training schedule and allows you to progress at your own pace.
- Aircraft Quality: Are the planes new or at least well-maintained? Ask how often they’re serviced and if students train in the same aircraft consistently.
- Scheduling: Can you train around your life, or does the school have rigid scheduling? Flexibility is especially important if you’re working or studying.
- Instructors: Meet the CFIs. Are they encouraging and approachable, or do they seem burned out and impatient? You’ll spend a lot of time with them, so the relationship matters.
- Payment Structure: Does the school require a big upfront payment, or can you pay as you go? Leopard Aviation offers pay-as-you-learn options, which gives you more control over your budget.
Tom Noon, Leopard Aviation’s founder, puts it like this: “When I started to learn to fly, I wish I’d started sooner. Looking back, I now have a short list of questions I wish I’d asked right away.”
His top three criteria in picking the best school?
- Be picky. Ask the tough questions and don’t settle.
- Learn with the best equipment you can. It makes a difference.
- Pay as you learn. It keeps your options open and helps avoid financial stress.
These aren’t just tips—they’re lessons learned the hard way. Use them to make smart decisions from day one.
Your Instructor Relationship Matters
A great Certified Flight Instructor helps you shape how you think in the cockpit, how you solve problems, and how confident you feel in the air. At Leopard Aviation, we make sure to match students with instructors who fit their learning style and personality. Because when that relationship clicks, training becomes smoother, faster, and a lot more fun.
Step 3 – Get Your FAA Medical Certificate
Before you go all-in on flight training, make sure you understand whether you need a medical certificate. It’s not always required on day one, but if your goal is a Private or Commercial Pilot License, you’ll need a Third-Class FAA Medical Certificate at some point early in your training.
The good news is that for most people, it’s a straightforward step. But if you’ve got any health conditions you’re unsure about, talk to your school before scheduling the exam. It’s always better to get clarity early.
Who Needs a Medical Certificate?
- Private Pilot License (PPL): Requires a Third-Class Medical
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL): Also requires a Third-Class Medical to start, later upgrading to a Second-Class
- Sport Pilot License: Doesn’t require an FAA medical if you hold a valid U.S. driver’s license and have no medical history that would interfere with safe operation
- Recreational Pilot License: Requirements vary—check with your instructor
What the Exam Covers
The FAA medical exam is handled by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). It’s typically a 20–30 minute appointment. They’ll check your basic health stats: vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general physical wellness. The FAA is looking to make sure you’re fit to fly safely and reliably.
If you wear corrective lenses, have past surgeries, or take medication, bring it up during the visit. Most of the time, these aren’t disqualifiers, but it’s best to be transparent.
When to Schedule It
You don’t need to have your medical certificate in hand to take your first flying lesson. In fact, some students wait until they’re a few lessons in before they schedule it. That said, if you already know you’re working toward a Private or Commercial license, go ahead and get it done early. It helps avoid surprises down the road.
Step 5 – Start Flight Training
Starting flight training is where it all gets real. This is where you move from research and prep into actual flying. You’ll be learning both in the air and on the ground, building the skills and knowledge needed to fly confidently and safely.
The training is structured but flexible. Some students train full-time, others fit it around their work or school schedules. No matter your pace, consistency makes a big difference. The more often you fly, the faster your skills will develop.
Ground School: Your Aviation Foundation
Before you solo or take your written exam, you’ll need ground school. This is where you learn the theory behind flight: everything that happens outside the cockpit but is essential for understanding what happens inside it.
Topics include:
- Weather patterns and aviation forecasts
- FAA regulations and procedures
- Aerodynamics and flight theory
- Navigation systems and flight planning
- Airspace classifications and traffic control
- Aircraft systems and performance
You can take ground school online, in-person, or through a hybrid program. It prepares you for the FAA written knowledge test and gives you a solid foundation for every flight lesson.
What Flight Lessons Look Like
In every lesson, you’ll be paired with a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) who walks you through preflight planning, inspections, and the objectives for the day.
In the air, you’ll practice takeoffs, landings, maneuvers, and emergency scenarios. Early on, your instructor handles communication with air traffic control and guides you through each step. Over time, you’ll take on more responsibility until you’re cleared to fly solo.
Expect to train 2 to 4 times per week if you want to move quickly. But whether you fly once a week or five times, staying consistent helps you build and retain your skills.
Pro tip: Before each flight, ask your instructor to break down the goal for the day. Knowing the “why” behind each maneuver helps you stay engaged and make faster progress.
Leopard Aviation Makes Learning to Fly Simple and Fun
When you train with us at Leopard Aviation, you’re stepping into a school that’s designed around you. From your very first discovery flight to your final checkride, we make it easy to stay motivated, stay on track, and actually enjoy the process of learning how to fly.
We train students out of two great locations—Mesa’s Falcon Field and Scottsdale Airport—both equipped to support your flight goals whether you’re flying for fun or aiming for a career in aviation.
What We Offer at Leopard Aviation
- FAA-accredited programs for Private and Commercial pilot certificates
- Discovery flights so you can get a feel for flying before you commit
- Pay-as-you-go pricing with no large upfront financial obligations
- Flexible scheduling so you can train around work, school, or life
- Modern Cessna 172S aircraft outfitted with:
- Garmin G1000 avionics
- GFC700 autopilot
- Terrain awareness and ADS-B
Our aircraft are clean, up-to-date, and fully equipped for a strong start in aviation. More importantly, our instructors are chosen for their skill, patience, and ability to teach in a way that fits how you learn. Whether you’re a visual learner, a checklist person, or someone who learns best hands-on, we work with you.
Flight training should feel exciting, not overwhelming. We’re here to help you keep moving forward, one flight at a time.
Ready for Takeoff?
Learning how to fly an airplane doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Once you’ve clarified your goals, picked the right school, and understood the steps ahead, the process becomes exciting and within reach. The path is straightforward, especially with the right team behind you.
At Leopard Aviation, we’re ready to help you move from curiosity to confidence in the cockpit. Our modern aircraft, flexible scheduling, and passionate instructors are here to help you train on your terms. If you’re ready to stop dreaming and start doing, schedule your flight lesson today—and take the first real step toward becoming a pilot.
FAQs
How do I know if learning to fly is right for me?
Start with a discovery flight. It’s a low-pressure, hands-on way to experience flying with a certified instructor. You’ll get a feel for the cockpit, the process, and whether the experience clicks for you. It’s the best way to know if this is something you want to keep pursuing.
How long does it take to get a Private Pilot License?
Most students earn their PPL in 4 to 6 months if flying consistently 2–4 times per week. The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, but most students finish around 60–70 hours. Staying consistent and flying often helps you progress more quickly and retain your skills.
What locations does Leopard Aviation operate from?
We currently offer training out of two convenient Arizona airports: Falcon Field in Mesa and Scottsdale Airport. Both locations are well-equipped, easy to access, and provide diverse airspace experience. You can train at either one depending on what works best for your schedule and location.
Can I train around my current job or school schedule at Leopard Aviation?
Yes, absolutely. We offer flexible scheduling to work with your life, not against it. Whether you want to train during the week, on weekends, or only in the mornings or evenings, we’ll help you build a plan that fits. It’s one of the big advantages of our student-first approach.
Do I need perfect health to become a pilot?
Not at all. The FAA medical exam checks basic things like vision, hearing, and overall health, but many common conditions are allowed. If you’re unsure about something specific, talk to a flight school or an Aviation Medical Examiner before starting. They’ll help you figure out your best next step.