The Pros And Cons Of Going To Flight School

It's no secret that one of the keys to a fulfilling life is to choose a career that is both challenging and rewarding. If you're a bit of an adrenaline junkie, and also unafraid of heights, going to flight school to become a pilot could be one of the most rewarding career paths you could possibly choose. However, it's also a very challenging job that requires complete focus and dedication. Here are a few of the pros and cons of going to flight school to get a pilot's license.

PROS

Never Dull

As much as our human nature sometimes pushes us to choose the easy path, the true key to happiness is choosing challenging options and experiencing growth. With a career as a pilot, there is no easy path. Every day you'll face challenges and excitement. However, if you attend a reputable flight training program, you'll have the skills and experience you need to always meet those challenges safely.

High Wages

Because a job as a pilot is challenging and requires constant focus, the financial compensation is higher than many other careers. In fact, in the year 2019, the average pilot's salary in the United States was $121,430. Even the lowest-paid pilots made an average of $83,880 per year, and that is still a very respectable income.

Emotionally Rewarding

In addition to the financial benefits, you'll experience emotional rewards every day. Every time you safely take off and land, and every time you navigate some tricky air turbulence, you'll experience the kind of satisfaction and fulfillment you just can't get in a desk job. You'll also get to see the world every day from a perspective that only a handful of humans ever get to experience.

CONS

High Stress

A pilot has a lot of responsibility for the safety of co-pilots, crew, passengers, and cargo. That requires constant mental focus and pre-flight vigilance. There is no room for mistakes in the sky. That kind of responsibility can create a high-stress environment. If you're a person that doesn't handle stress and responsibility well, then the life of a pilot probably isn't for you.

Costly Up Front

Becoming a skilled pilot requires thousands of hours of training, and you will want the best training money can buy. The best way to mitigate stress on the job as a pilot is to be as prepared and knowledgeable as possible, and that means choosing a highly reputable flight school. The average cost of a private pilot's license and training is $10,000, but to become a commercial pilot, you can expect to pay between $71,000 and $130,000 and you are required to amass 430 hours of flight time.

For more information, reach out to a local flight training program.