5 Things to Look for in a Flight School

 If you’re thinking about becoming a pilot, choosing the right flight school is incredibly important. Knowing what to look for in an aviation program will increase the likelihood that you will gain the skills and knowledge needed for your training to really take off. Here are five factors to consider when choosing a flight school.

1. Reputation and Safety

Look for a program that has a solid reputation. Ask about the history of the program, equipment used during training, and how quickly you can earn flight hours. Besides talking to school administrators, you can also contact the FAA and the airport associated with the program to learn more about the school’s reputation.

Additionally, student safety should be a priority. Find out about aircraft maintenance and other protocols. Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology strictly follows FAA standards to promote the safety of students and instructors.

2. Location

Some students opt to attend school close to home, while for others, relocating is part of the adventure. If you’re not from Tulsa, Spartan College has housing available to help you settle in as you launch your pilot training.

Another location-related consideration is the weather. While attending flight school in a climate with pleasant, predictable weather may sound appealing, it’s better to enroll in a program where you will encounter different kinds of weather. Spartan College’s Tulsa location offers a climate that allows for ample flying days while enabling students to gain plenty of cross-wind training experience.

3. Cost

Look for a breakdown of tuition and fees so you know what you’re paying for. A school that comes with a hefty price tag but doesn’t provide an especially high number of flying hours may not give you the best value for your investment. Having multiple flying sessions per week is essential to graduating on time. At Spartan College, pilots who graduate from our aviation flight associate program can apply to be a certified flight instructor (CFI) and continue with our bachelor’s degree program. Those who’ve taken this path often log between 1200-1500 hours of flying time.

4. Program Structure

The structure of programs and courses varies from one school to another. Learn about what ratings and certifications you will need for becoming a pilot, and find a school that provides the necessary training. Spartan College offers training towards six certifications in our associate degree program for aspiring aircraft operators.

5. Career Support

Programs also vary with the amount of additional guidance and support you get towards the end and after completion. For this reason it’s important to talk about not only what happens during training, but after as well. Our Career Services team is available to help with resume and cover letter writing, interviewing skills, and hosts recruitment events and career fairs. Spartan College has relationships with airlines that help our students make new connections through networking.

There are a host of other things to consider when researching flight schools, but these five will get you well on your way to selecting the right program. Contact us to find out more about everything Spartan College offers!