When you’re searching for the best flight school, choosing one that’s in close proximity to your home carries many benefits. From an easier commute to more localized training resources to flying terrain that you’re used to, it can be much better than traveling out of town for flying lessons. Of course, that’s not all – here are the biggest advantages of choosing a flight school near you, versus an alternative like an out-of-state college or specialized program.
Learn In Your Own Backyard
When learning to fly at a local school, you’ll be navigating over terrain that you’re used to seeing everyday. If there’s a certain nature area or downtown skyline that you frequently experience from the ground, imagine what a thrill it will be to take in the view from above. Plus, when you’re familiar with the area’s local landmarks, you’ll be able to embellish your in-air navigation skills, making it much easier to learn compared to when you’re flying over unknown terrain.
Develop A Local Network
When it comes to finding a flight school near you, fellow students and aviation enthusiasts will become like a second family. When you choose a flight school that’s out of state, you may find it hard to keep in contact with these individuals as you move on past certification and into a hobby or career. Keeping it close to home, you’ll likely find yourself running into classmates at networking events, airshows, or even parks, restaurants and other local establishments, where you’re bound to chat about good times and future endeavors.
Save Time & Money On Your Commute
If you’re putting a lot of your money and time toward learning to fly, the last thing you want to do is put even more effort into getting to and from a far-off flight school, or even uprooting your life and making a big move across the country. When you take flying lessons nearby, you can shorten the time it takes to get to your lessons, and after a grueling day at school, getting back home to recover. It makes things simple, and sometimes that’s what you need to find success in the world of aviation.
Utilize Local Flight Instructors
Flight instructors who you can relate to on a personal level are more likely to adjust their teaching style to suit your needs. Likewise, local flight instructors tend to be passionate about their job, and are always ready to take on a new challenge. When you participate in a larger program, like an aviation degree from a university, you might be considered just another number to them.
Learn Out Of A Local Airport
Learning at a flight school near you affords you the opportunity to work out of an airport that you’re familiar with, or may have even flown out of yourself on a commercial or private flight. Feeling comfortable is a huge advantage when taking off on your first excursion.
Lower Student To Instructor Ratio
When you’re spending a large sum of money on a pilot license, it’s important that your flight instructor is fully committed to helping you achieve official certification. With that in mind, a local flight school, compared to a collegiate program for example, is bound to have a much more attractive student-to-instructor ratio. This ensures that you’re receiving the attention you need from faculty members to ultimately graduate and advance in your hobby or career.
Better Pricing Options
Depending upon where you live, you may have access to different types of local schools offering Part 61 flight training. This approach is considered more affordable, flexible and personalized. If you’re researching college aviation degrees, for example, you’ll likely have to undergo the more expensive alternative, Part 141 training, which is almost certainly more expensive. Learn more about the costs of a university aviation program vs. a local flight school.
Am I ready to contact a flight school near me?
If you think you’re ready to start flight school in Minneapolis, find the best local crew to work with at Inflight Pilot Training. We can help you achieve your dreams of becoming a certified pilot, while creating unforgettable memories throughout the process. We’ve helped countless people take the yoke and fly to new heights, whether through accelerated private pilot programs, instrument training, commercial licensing or anything else – we do it all under one roof.
Let our diverse team of CFIs elevate your learning experience as you take to the skies. If you’re interested in learning more about Inflight programs, contact us today or call (952) 698-3000.