Hi, I’m a senior in high school and really interested in aviation becoming a commercial pilot as a career. Do you have any advice on what steps I should take next to prepare for a future as a pilot? Are there specific programs, certifications, or experiences you’d recommend I pursue while I’m still in school or right after graduation?
Daphne,
First off, congrats on your final year in high school, I just realized I’ve been out of high school for 10 years… time does truly fly. Right now, as you cross the finish line, make sure you’re leaving on good standing and a solid GPA. Attending college would be the next ideal thing, as college not only prepares you for the next chapter in life, but it also creates a backup plan if something in aviation falls through. The other mention is that your degree doesn’t have to be in aviation, it can be business, communications, arts, anything that you find enjoyable. After college we typically recommend attending a school such as ATP.
While you don’t mention any flight experience, I want to recommend reaching out to a few local schools and conducting an introductory flight, along with an ATP location for admissions flight. It is extremely important to do your research (like you are here, now), to ensure you find the right flight that will provide you quality training. All of the mentors here on the forum are graduates of ATP’s ACPP. While this forum is sponsored by ATP, the truth is that the ACPP is not meant for everyone, and that’s why we strongly recommend doing your homework before you get to far. Vice versa, there is a point when you’re too far into training and cannot attend ATP; i.e., instrument rating on your private certificate.
Brady
Hello,
Thank you for your thoughtful response and advice I really appreciate it! It’s great to hear your perspective, especially as someone who’s been through this journey.
I do have a few follow-up questions:
1. Could you elaborate on what makes ATP’s program unique compared to other flight schools?
2. For someone without flight experience, what are some specific things I should look for in an introductory flight or a flight school?
3. You mentioned college as a backup plan—do you think it’s better to get a degree first and then focus on flight school, or is it possible to balance both?
I’m eager to learn as much as I can and want to make sure I’m prepared for this career path. Thanks again for your insight!
Best regards,
Daphne
Daphne,
Let’s get to your follow up questions:
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ATP’s program is uniques in several ways. To begin with, the program was developed by airline pilots and trains pilots in the same manner in which the airlines train. Because ATP is so large, they are able to bring vast resources to your training. This means that you will have the newest and best airplanes, excellent quality simulators, and quality instructors available to you. Not to sounds like a salesman, but one of the most important reasons that I would chose ATP is because of the maintenance program that they have for their airplanes. The vast majority of their maintenance is done in house by their own maintenance technicians, this brings a much higher level of safety than most other schools offer.
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Check out this link: Questions For Any Prospective Flight School
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We have always been fans of college first, then flight training. We find that the extra years that it takes to go to college brings added maturity that benefits people when it comes to flight training. However, if you really want to fast track things, you could do two years of community college, then go to flight school, and then go to an online college to finish your degree. ATP works with two different universities: College Credit for Airline Career Pilot Students / ATP Flight School
Let us know how else we can help,
Chris
Daphne,
The guys answered your questions well. I just want to stress the importance of doing well in school right now. Your high school GPA will be reviewed as well as your transcripts. It doesn’t seem like it but you’re actually working towards being an airline pilot now by staying in school and doing well. Once you complete a bachelors degree you can start flight school to start learning how to fly!
Hannah