What can I start doing to be as successful as I can be to becoming a pilot?

I am currently a sophomore in high school as well as early admitting (graduate with my high school diploma and AA degree) and was wondering what I can do now to start becoming a pilot? Are there any good AA classes that I can take to benefit my education to becoming a pilot? Is logging flight hours a good start at my age? When and how am I able to achieve my pilot’s license? Is it best to get right into and start taking flight school after graduating with my high school diploma and AA degree, or should I get my bachelors degree and then start taking flight school? I apologize if these were answered previously it’s just my father wants to see what an experienced pilot would say about the position I am in specifically. Thank you!

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Brock,

Welcome to the forums. There are several questions there, let’s get to them.

What can you do now to start becoming a pilot? Honestly, not a whole heck of a lot. Some people would encourage you to go start taking flight lessons, but I really feel it is too early and will take more time and money than you would probably like it to. I would suggest simply studying and doing well in your current classes as the major airlines will want to see a four year degree.

There are really not any appropriate classes that you can take now, unless y9our school offers some sort of aviation classes.

I think you are too young to log hours. Yes, you could log them and they would count towards your total, but you will not be able to obtain your private license until you are 17.

Please check out ATP’s main website for a detailed description of how one obtains their licenses: https://atpflightschool.com/become-a-pilot/

We almost always recommend finishing your bachelor’s degree, then going to flight school. I understand you are probably eager to fly, but having a college education is part of the equation and it is simply easier to stay in school mode, then go to flight school.

Please check out our FAQ section as these and many other questions are answered in-depth there.

Chris

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Brock,

I second Chris. Work and study hard, do well, finish school and then focus on flight training. Alot can change between now and then but a solid education will always serve you well.

Adam

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Chris and Adam,

I would like to sincerely apologize for the very late response. I meant to stay updated on any information I had received, especially from you guys, but I had got caught up with school and what not. Although, I was wondering what are the major steps I would really need to start looking at for the next few years? Like what are the steps to receive my PPL, and from there what are my options? And my options being like interning somewhere or applying for any lower rank pilot positions that would allow for me to excel in the ranks? Once again, I would like to apologize for taking so long to get back to guys. Thank you for everything so far, I really appreciate it!

Brock

Brock,

I recommend you take a look at our FAQ section and browse the forum. There are many threads that address all your questions.

In short you need not worry about what you can if/when. As both Chris and I say above, you need to finish your education, get trained and finally build your time and experience.

Adam

Adam,

Okay, I will definitely give it a look and ask anymore questions that I might have. Thank you guys so much!

Brock