Pilot training in Minnesota is for the bold, the brave, and the adventurous – and it’s an all-around fantastic state where future captains-of-the-air should consider starting their flight training journey. Whether you live or work in Minnesota, or are considering making the move here, there are several steps you can take in order to make the most of pilot school before it begins. So, if you’re excited to get started with your first day of flight school, keep reading to find out how you can prepare for your upcoming educational endeavor.
Step 1) Decide On The Right Minnesota Pilot School
So, you’re thinking about attending a pilot school in Minnesota? That’s great news! The first step, if you haven’t done so already, is to take the time to sift through the many flight schools throughout the state. For those just starting out, you’ll need to start with either a sport, recreational, or private pilot certification training program. These allow you to fly light, single-engine aircraft for fun, and are often provided by Part 61 or Part 141 flight schools.
For those who have already achieved a significant number of training hours, a local school or university can help elevate your certification, whether it’s a commercial license, airline transport license, or another advanced rating.
Step 2) Lay-Out Your Budget, Save Money & Start Payments
Flight school is an investment in yourself, and like any other higher educational pursuit, costs money to attend. As such, now is a good time to start saving up for loan installments, planning out your budget, or even submitting your first down payment. Depending on the type of license you get and the school you attend, costs for ground school, flight training, FAA tests, books, and supplies for a private pilot certificate can reach well over $10,000 – learn more about how much flight school costs in Minnesota.
Step 3) Fulfill Basic Requirements
Each certification or rating you apply for will have a certain set of requirements you must meet to qualify for training. For example, to qualify for a private pilot license, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be 17 years old for certification or 16 years old as a student.
- Pass a physical exam from a medical examiner designated by the FAA and obtain the proper medical certificate.
- Be able to speak, read and understand English.
Step 4) Work Out Your Schedule
Pilot training in Minnesota shouldn’t take a long time. You can obtain a private pilot license in just a few weeks when you train through an accelerated program, for example. Commercial pilot licenses usually take up to half a year, while ATP pilot licenses can take up to two years to meet basic qualifications. With that in mind, develop a long-term schedule that allows you to complete your training in a timely manner. Try to keep your training schedule consistent with training days and hours per week and set a target checkride (graduation) date. Make sure to pad your schedule with some extra time to complete the certification process, as weather can always cause unexpected delays.
Step 5) Take Preparation Quizzes About Flight Material
An important component of your pilot training will actually take place outside of the airplane. Ground school is the classroom portion of your education, where you’ll prepare for concepts covered by the FAA knowledge tests. Eventually, you’ll be required to pass the Private Pilot-Airplane (PAR) exam with a score no lower than 70 percent. To get a jumpstart on the curriculum, take a look at the many FAA sample tests that can introduce you to specific topics covered throughout your specific certification process.
Step 6) Understand Minnesota’s Climate
For those pilots looking to learn in a climate that provides the right mix of beautiful scenery, diverse terrain, and four-season weather, Minnesota is the perfect place to be. As a continental climate, you can train in almost any type of weather. Whether it’s clear, sunny summer days, a snowy, frigid winter adventure, or something in between, the ever-changing Minnesota weather crafts the most competent aviators.
Step 7) Try An Introductory Flight Or Flight Simulator
If you haven’t yet, sign up for an introductory flight. These are usually about an hour long and give you an opportunity to see what flight training is really like. You’ll be paired with a professional pilot instructor, run through some ground training, and finally, take-off in a plane as a pilot in command. Once you’re at safe cruising altitude, the instructor will hand over the controls, letting you see what it’s like to fly, thousands of feet off the ground. The next best option is to visit a flight simulator in Minnesota. Many flight schools will allow you to rent some time in their commercial-grade machines.
Are you interested in learning to fly in Minnesota?
Inflight Pilot Training offers the top flight training services in Minnesota. We develop personalized plans that are designed to help students succeed in any given certification program. Our experienced team of flight instructors, an impeccable fleet of aircraft, and high-quality facilities are sure to impress you – come visit us today and see why we’re a cut above the rest.
Get in touch with our team of Minnesota flight instructors to learn more about our organization. For additional information about training programs offered by Inflight Pilot Training, contact us today or call (952) 698-3000.