The demand for commercial pilots continues to increase. In fact, the FAA predicts that the number of pilots will need to double by 2035 to meet the increasing demand. Those interested in becoming a commercial pilot can expect to find plenty of opportunities in the coming years.
Flight school is not cheap, and how to pay for flight school is one of the most common questions we hear from aspiring pilots.
With 1,500 hours of flight time needed to be a commercial pilot, plus several certificates, the cost of learning to fly (and time commitment) can seem prohibitive.
The good news is there are plenty of ways to pay for flight school, even for those without the ability to pay it all upfront.
How can you finance your dream of taking off into the skies? One option is to save up all the money you can and pay for flight school outright.
This approach has the benefit of avoiding any debt, but it can take years to amass the necessary funds.
It's tempting to save a little bit of money and take one class or get one certification then wait until you save some more money to take the next class. While this can seem smart, you'll miss out on the repetitive training and accelerated learning that is possible by going for it all at once.
In this case, we'd recommend paying for a certificate or two out of pocket, and then using another form of financing for the rest of your flight training.
There's no question that getting a commercial pilot license is expensive. If you're looking at the 1,500 hours of flying that is required to enjoy the skies as a paid professional pilot, the costs can seem daunting. But there are some things to consider when deciding whether or not to take out a loan for your training.
When you complete your training in a shorter time frame, you'll be able to get to the airlines faster - and that's ultimately your goal, right?
So, if you're able to complete your career pilot training in 5 ½ months, it may make sense to take out a loan.
Of course, you'll want to be thoughtful about how much you borrow and make sure you have a repayment plan. But if you're confident in your ability to repay the loan and you're committed to getting to the airlines as quickly as possible, taking out a loan for your flight training may be the right decision for you.
Blue Line Aviation offers several options for flight school financing. Visit our financing page to learn more.
When it comes to finding scholarships for flight training, there are a few different avenues you can explore. One option is to check with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). They offer a number of different scholarships that can help offset the cost of flight training.
Another option is to check out the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) website. They maintain a list of aviation scholarships that is updated on a regular basis.
Both of these resources can be helpful in your search for scholarships to help fund your flight training.
Training for your commercial rating can be a costly endeavor, especially if you're trying to time build. Flying solo can add up quickly, so it's cost-effective to split time with someone else. This way, you can both build hours while also splitting the cost of the aircraft rental.
In addition, flying with someone else can help keep you sharp and focused during your training. If you're struggling with a particular maneuver or concept, having a flying partner can be a huge help.
When it comes to learning to fly, a simulator can be your best friend. While it's not an exact replica of actual flying, it can go a long way in helping you learn the basics quickly.
Time in the simulator will make your time in the airplane far more effective and can save you money in the long run.
There are several different ways to finance your flight training, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. It's important to think carefully about what option is best for you and make a plan that will help you get to the airlines as quickly as possible. Blue Line Aviation offers several financing options, so be sure to check out our website to learn more.
Still have questions? Give us a call - we're always happy to chat with prospective students about their training goals.