After a lot of hard work, you’ve finally reached your goal of obtaining your private pilot’s license – congratulations! With your newly minted freedom to fly, countless opportunities lay ahead of you. While every pilot’s dream will be different, we think there are some definitive things you should check off your flying bucket list. Now that you have your license, your only limit is your imagination. Here are 10 amazing things you can do with a private pilot’s license – read on to find out more!
1) Visit Your Favorite Places, No Matter Where or What They Are
Whether you want to enjoy a cup of coffee overlooking the Rocky Mountains, eat authentic deep dish pizza in Chicago, spend some time soaking up rays on Miami Beach or hike the Pacific Northwest, you can do it all now that you have a private pilot’s license. No matter where your favorite places are, you can get there in less than half the time it takes to drive – you can even find a few new favorite places along the way.
2) Take a Night Flight
As long as you have undergone the required flight training, you can fly at night with a private pilot license. Almost every pilot training program will include some form of night flight training, and without a doubt, it’s one of the most exhilarating experiences as an aviator. Flying by moonlight is very different than flying during the day, but can be even more breathtaking and peaceful. There’s nothing quite like cruising over a city on a clear, starry night. There are no thermals, the wind is calmer, air traffic clears up and the twinkling sky makes it all the better.
3) Get Your Seaplane Rating
Many private pilots will tell you that flying a seaplane is one of the most unique and fun things to do with their license. If you’re looking for a new challenge, add a seaplane rating to your flying skills repertoire. Not only will you improve your flying skills, including some that will transfer to land-based aircraft, you’ll have an unforgettable experience along the way.
4) Take a Kid Up in the Air for the First Time
Sharing your love of flying is certainly an amazing thing to do with your private pilot’s license. And who better to share it with than wide-eyed youngsters? Whether you take your own kids or participate in the EAA Young Eagles Program, taking a kid up in the air for a first time will be a rewarding and satisfying experience. Getting kids interested in flying at a young age will help show them what an exciting industry, hobby or job aviation can provide.
5) Make Business Trips Fun
For business people that double as private pilots, say goodbye to long, red-eye flights. Instead, fly yourself and make your upcoming business trip an exhilarating experience. With the freedom to come and go as you please, you can meet clients for breakfast in one city, depart for a lunch meeting in another city and be back home before dinner – all in one day. And, while you can’t receive compensation with your private pilot’s license, you can however split the cost of flight expenses with any passengers or business associates that are tagging along. Check your company’s travel and reimbursement policy to be sure.
6) Enjoy the Seasonal Changes
Since Inflight Pilot Training is based out of the Midwest, we may be biased when it comes to our love for seasonal changes – but almost anyone can appreciate a breathtaking flight across the changing colors of the seasons in many parts of the U.S. There may be nothing quite as spectacular than flying over the wilderness in autumn and witnessing the beautiful, multi-colored trees. Bring your camera, because there will be more than enough picture-perfect opportunities for you to capture.
7) Offer Charitable Services to Those in Need
One of the most amazing and fulfilling things you can do with your private pilot’s license is to help those in need. Some private pilots choose to donate their time, skills and airplane for the purpose of transporting those who are in need of long-distance travel. Non-profit Angel Flight, for example, arranges free air transportation for those with medical needs. The private pilot works with the organization to transport people who may be financially distressed, or who are in a time-critical, non-emergency situation due to their medical condition. For those who have a heart for giving, becoming a private pilot will expand the opportunity to help others in need.
8) Fly Something Different
One of the best things about obtaining a private pilot’s license is the chance to try out different types of aircrafts, including gliders, helicopters or aerobatic airplanes. No matter what you fly, you’ll get a new perspective on flying and you might even discover a new passion. Not only is it a fun challenge, but getting out of your comfort zone will make you a better pilot, as well.
9) Fly Across the Borders
With a private pilot’s license, you can fly pretty much anywhere, as long as you are in compliance with the airspace regulations set out by your country of destination. Some parts of the world are very laid back and have few requirements, while many others can be complex and restrictive, so always be thorough when developing your flight plan. For example, Canadian laws require flight plans for all flights longer than 25 nautical miles. However, filing a flight plan doesn’t need to involve paperwork, since it can be done over the phone in about five minutes.
After you’ve completed your first international flight, you will likely find that it is not that complicated, and subsequent trips will be even easier since you know the procedures. For more information, check out this article from Flying Magazine that explains international flights for private pilots in detail.
10) Host the Most Romantic Date Ever
If you truly want to romance your date, there’s nothing quite as impressive as jetting off with your significant other to a winery in Napa or rooftop bistro in New York City. With your private pilot’s license, you have full control of where you can fly, while letting your special someone enjoy an unforgettable night.
Do you want to get your private pilot’s license?
Get in touch with our team of professional flight instructors at Inflight Pilot Training today!
Inflight is a leading pilot training company serving the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. With a reputable training program and extensive roster of highly skilled, certified flight instructors, it’s our goal to help you achieve the certification you want. From private pilot certificates to airline transport pilot certificates and everything in between, we can help you reach your goals – get in touch with our team of flight instructors to find out more.
For additional information on Inflight training programs, contact us today or call (952) 698-3000.