I Want to Be a Certified Pilot!

I can never forget the wonderful sense of freedom that assailed me when I gazed down upon the world from my lofty perch high up in the skies! And that is when I decided to become a professional pilot at any cost! I could already picture myself seated at the controls of a million-dollar jumbo jet; I could see myself welcoming rich and famous clients into my private plane; I could visualize owning my own aircraft-oh, the dreams were endless!

Now, just sitting there and dreaming about my flying career would not aid me in becoming a professional pilot. There were various processes to be gone through. Well, I did go through them, and today, I have a license to fly! So, for those of you who nurture similar ambitions, here is what you have to do-

(1)
There are six types of pilot's licenses on offer, and they can be obtained only after rigorous certification processes. As a beginner, the first step is to apply for student pilot certification. This requires admission into a good flight school. Under the watchful eyes of an expert instructor, you are taught to handle aircraft all by yourself. It is only during the final examination that you might be allowed to conduct a solo flight. The snag here is that even when you finally get your license, you have no permission to handle airplanes on your own. So, a career is out of the question!

(2)
The restrictions for a sports and recreational pilot's license are lesser, but they are present, nevertheless. The rules imposed by the FAA limit your flying experience to-good weather conditions, strong daylight (nighttime flying is out of the question), usage of only a certain type of aircraft, and a lone certified student pilot as a passenger. Thus, flying is only for personal enjoyment, not for career-building.

(3)
The private pilot license is easier to obtain than the others that are required for career-building. At least, it allows you to go in for gainful employment! Yes, you may be employed just for the purpose of crop dusting, but your capacity to handle aircraft will stretch to balloons and helicopters. Your salary encompasses flying, as well as crop dusting. But, you will gain in experience what you lose in money.

(4)
Once you are confident, you can aim for a commercial pilot's license or an airline transport license. Yes, you will need to work hard, and face long training hours, but these licenses will start you off on a career as a trained pilot. Also, remember that if you are employed by a successful airline company and get to handle those million-dollar jumbo jets, you have really got it made! The perks that accompany your handsome salary, include traveling to all corners of the globe, all for free! What does it matter that numerous lives depend on your ability to fly? It is a risk that you are prepared to take!

Bear in mind that the longer you stay on your job and the longer you keep your dreams alive, the more you will be prepared to face the challenges that lie ahead. So, forge ahead and fly to great heights, literally!