Starting Flight School: A Student’s Perspective

By Claire Chaney

The enrollment process for flight school can feel daunting, but you shouldn’t let that hold you back from an exciting and rewarding career! Brandon S. has just enrolled as a student at FlyBright Pilot Academy, so he has some insight regarding the enrollment process. Brandon is 19 years old and from Long Island, New York. He is enrolled in the school’s accelerated 7-month program that takes him all the way to commercial multi-engine pilot and multi engine instructor. His goal is to be an airline pilot due to the pay, benefits, and for the chance to explore new places.

Brandon said FlyBright made the enrollment process seamless and straightforward. He first spent a significant amount of time researching schools. Once he had decided on FlyBright, he traveled to Florida to tour the academy, their housing, and go for a discovery flight with them. Due to the school’s competitive prices and accelerated program, Brandon was able to fund the program himself, rather than using the flight school’s offered financing. The next step was getting documents in order, such as the aviation medical. After that, he moved into FlyBright’s housing and started his training immediately. When asked why he chose FlyBright, Brandon said, “FlyBright offered a valuable amount of instructor one-on-one time, and the high amount of flight time every week allows me to accomplish what I’m working towards faster.” He also noted that Punta Gorda, Florida has fantastic, sunny weather, and thus flight cancellations were minimal.

Moving into the Student housing wasn’t any trouble for Brandon. The housing was furnished so all he had to do was unpack his clothes. Students in the school’s housing find studying enjoyable by the apartment pool or local beach. Brandon says he appreciates being a part of a community of other students on the same path; he said, “You can study with those that are in the same stage, and those ahead of you can give you tips, and their experiences help you to progress.”

When Brandon was asked what word best describes the process and training so far, he said, “Productive; the full-time nature of the program allows for maximizing of time and helps to focus and get everything done.” When asked what the greatest challenge was during the enrollment process, Brandon said, “There was not one. The school had quick communication and answered my questions as soon as I had them. There was peace of mind.” Regarding advice for future students, Brandon said, “Work on ground school immediately and make sure it is a priority throughout your training. Do a discovery flight and know what you want before you enter the program, and finally, trust the instructors; they know what they’re doing.”

If you have been on the fence about flight training, know that flight schools are there to guide you and answer any questions you may have. Find a school that fits your needs and that has healthy communication throughout the enrollment process. Join others like Brandon and take to the skies.