Choosing the right flight school is one of the most important decisions you’ll make on your journey to becoming a pilot. Whether you dream of flying for major airlines or just want to fly recreationally, the quality of your flight training will shape your skills, confidence, and career path. A top-notch aviation school will not only help you learn to fly but also guide you through every part of the training program—from ground school to pilot certification.
At Positive Attitude Aviation, we believe choosing a flight school isn’t just about cost or location. It’s about finding the right choice that supports your flying goals and learning style.
How to Choose the Right Flight School: 7 Essential Questions to Ask Before Enrolling
To help you, we’ve put together 7 key questions every student pilot should ask before enrolling in any flight-training program. Let’s see what questions to ask before enrolling in a flight school because these questions will help you make the right decision.
1. Who Are the Owners and Instructors?
Before enrolling, ask about the background of the school’s owners and certified flight instructors (CFIs). Are they experienced aviators with strong credentials? Do they have a history in general aviation, the military, or working with major airlines? Are they professional? Do they show up on time when you schedule a meeting? First impressions matter, and flight instructors should offer more than just technical expertise—they should be mentors.
2. How Many of Your Students Have Passed the Check Ride on the First Attempt?
The FAA check ride is one of the most critical milestones in the process of earning your pilot certificate. It serves as a final evaluation of a student pilot’s ability to demonstrate both the technical skills and decision-making abilities required to operate an aircraft safely and competently.
A school that boasts a high first-time pass rate on check rides is a strong indicator of the quality of their training program. It suggests that the school has a well-structured syllabus and a comprehensive approach to flight training, ensuring that students receive the right mix of classroom instruction, practical flying experience, and preparation for the check ride. When a school’s pass rate is high, it also reflects the experience and effectiveness of the instructors, as well as the quality of their training methods.
3. How Much Time Do You Think It Will Take for Me to Finish the Training?
Time and money are important when pursuing a career in aviation. While Part 61 schools require a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, most student pilots complete training in 60-80 hours. Factors to consider include weather, instructor availability, aircraft in the fleet, and how often you can fly.
Ask the school:
- How often can I fly?
- Do weather delays affect training?
- Is the training structure flexible?
4. Do They Have a Dedicated Team for Support? What Equipment Does the School Have?
Support is more than just the instructor. Ask if the school offers:
- Full-time admin and scheduling support
- Modern training aircraft and simulators
- Mentorship opportunities
At Positive Attitude Aviation, we offer a Redbird flight simulator. So what is a Redbird flight simulator? A Redbird flight simulator is a high-quality aviation training device developed by Redbird Flight Simulations, an American company founded in 2006.
5. Does the Curriculum Include Ground School, Simulator Training, and a Plan for the FAA Knowledge Test?
A great aviation school should offer a balanced curriculum that covers:
- Ground school for theory
- Simulator use for safety and practice
- A study plan for the FAA knowledge exam
At Positive Attitude Aviation, our structured training program meets federal aviation regulations (FARs) and supports you through every step. You can also learn about various types of pilot tests to enrich your knowledge from the linked article.
6. What Are the Payment Structures? Do You Need Your Own Insurance, or Does the School Provide Coverage?
Always understand the financial side:
- Are simulator hours included in tuition?
- Are there scholarships or financing options?
- Are insurance costs covered?
Part 141 schools, which are certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), often require students to have full insurance coverage, which includes medical and aviation protection. Part 61 flight schools, like other flight schools, must obtain appropriate insurance coverage to protect themselves and their students from potential liabilities.
Also, ask if they offer career pathway programs. If you want to fly for an airline, choosing a flight school with a structured career plan is a smart move.
7. What Is the Student Experience Like? Ask the Current Students
A good way to know what your training experience will be like is to talk with current or past students. Ask them:
- How was the instructor’s support?
- Are lessons and scheduling flexible?
- Do you feel prepared for your career in aviation?
We have a strong reputation and numerous positive reviews of our training program. Our school culture promotes learning, motivation, and long-lasting mentorship.
Bonus Tips for Choosing a Flight School
Here are three quick tips to keep in mind while choosing an aviation school.
You can follow these steps before making any decisions, as investing in flight training can be a significant financial commitment. These tips will help you make a more informed and confident choice.
Visit the Campus: Tour the school, inspect the aircraft, and talk to instructors. Being at the local airport can give you a feel for daily operations.
Do Your Research: Check AOPA, Google reviews, and other online resources. You can also explore aviation forums and connect with local pilot communities to gather honest feedback. This will help you gain a clearer understanding of the school you’re considering enrolling in.
Look Into Graduation and Job Placement Rates: Ask how many students graduate and what their success looks like. Schools with strong alumni networks and partnerships with airlines are valuable.
Choosing a flight school is a big step toward becoming a pilot.
Enrolling in a flight school requires a significant financial investment, so it’s important to ask the right questions before making any decisions. The questions we’ve discussed above will help you determine whether the school, equipment, and training program offer good value for your money. You can use these questions as a guide to evaluate the quality of any flight training program.
We hope you found this blog helpful! Feel free to contact Positive Attitude Aviation to learn more about our training programs.
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