Become a pilot with help from a qualified flight instructor. Learn how to prepare for flight school; contact Leopard Aviation at 480-372-9815 to sign up for flight training school. 

Flight school kicks off many aspiring pilots’ dreams. After all, a professional pilot has an exciting career filled with adventures, new destinations, and much more! But many differences exist between your dreams and learning the basic flight principles or undergoing extensive training to ensure you can safely operate an aircraft.

As providers of commercial pilot license services in Arizona, our team at Leopard Aviation knows a thing or two about the challenges many pilot students encounter at their respective flight schools. So, we provided a few tips below.

#1 Choose a Flight Training School Based on Your Locational Needs

Before you begin flight training, you may need to acquire a bachelor’s degree and a few certificates on the side. Does your license of choice require a science degree or a medical certificate? Consider where you can obtain these certifications before or during your flight lessons.

If you do not currently live near educational institutions, you will need to move. Some students begin training and education for their commercial license at a more basic institution before moving to more advanced flight training schools.

#2 Practice Skills That Benefit Your Flight Training

Flying lessons aren’t just about efficiently and safely operating a plane. They’re also about a broad spectrum of skills that allow you to work effectively within a broader network. While jumping on a flight simulator app might entice you, consider brushing up on some other important skills that will greatly improve your flight training experience:

• Memorize the phonetic alphabet to make radio communications seamless. Practice communicating using the phonetic alphabet with your support network.
• Improve your mathematics skills in geometry and physics to help you better understand how aircraft work.
• Learn some basic meteorology. Weather greatly impacts the way you navigate a plane. When you understand how the weather works, you’ll get ahead in estimating the safety and manageability of a flight environment.
• Broaden your support network. You need people with experience in the industry to give you a strong head start.

#3 Prepare Any Documents

After you’ve received an acceptance letter, prepare for orientation by organizing any documents needed upon entry. A flight training school might require the following:

• Photo identification
• Social security card
• Updated passport
• Birth certificate

Some schools may also require copies of your transcripts, including your GPA and any previous courses you’ve completed.

#4 Seek Advice to Air Traffic Controllers and Instructors

Air traffic controllers, current pilots, and flight instructors are excellent additions to your support network. Part of learning how to prepare for flight school involves building relationships with people who already have experience. They can guide you and help you learn more about effective communication and safe aviation.

#5 Experiment With a Simulator

Here comes the fun part! Everyone looks forward to flight simulators. Although flight simulators offer a fun learning experience, they are integral to helping pilots develop skills they can use during real-world flights. Your school of choice will likely include access to a fantastic simulator. However, you can get even more practice in by seeking apps on Google Play or the Apple Store.

#6 Maintain Habits that Benefit Your Body and Mind

Piloting requires candidates with the following characteristics:

• Strong focus
• Clear mindedness
• Good sleep, diet, and exercise habits
• Excellent communication skills
• Adaptability

Make these qualities part of who you are as a person by practicing them well before you begin any flight lessons. Find ways to avoid distractions. Create a daily routine that puts your health and well-being first. Discover new ways to communicate effectively with the people around you.

Would you feel safe in an airplane with an exhausted pilot who can’t focus on his route? No one would. Do whatever you deem necessary to carve yourself into an adjusted, rested, nourished pilot who can easily focus on what’s in front of them.

#7 Get Comfortable with Handbooks and Codes

Sifting through handbooks, codes, and regulations seems like an extremely boring way to spend your time. However, familiarizing yourself with these publications will put you ahead of your coursemates while helping you get ready to become a pilot. If you feel overwhelmed by the information contained within these documents, start with the following basics:

• Piloting at night
• Taking off
• Landing
• The effects of weather, altitude, and speed
• Basic safety procedures

Memorizing this information will help you both with your flight instruction courses and your testing and studying experiences.

Find Our More From Leopard Aviation

At Leopard Aviation, we have more resources to show you how to prepare for flight school. Learn important information like choosing a flight school, how to balance coursework and manage your schedule, and more. Build your knowledge, let a qualified instructor test and train you, understand how things like air traffic control work, and discover the joys of flying by becoming a student.

Beginning your aviation career starts with us. Become a pilot with our help. Discover endless resources for pilots-to-be by calling us at 480-372-9815. We’ll help you achieve your dream career.