ON YOUR WAY TO BEING A By Madyson Schulze Have you ever thought about what would happen if you were on a flight and the pilot needed someone to fly? Would you be the person to step up and help, or would you be in the mess of chaos taking place in the back? If you decided to get your pilot's license, you would always be prepared. There are many ways that you can get started with aviation at different ages! You can either go through the military, or just get lessons from your local airport. Although it may seem time-consuming and like the process would last forever, it may be just a little simpler than you think. According to academyofaviation.com, there are five steps to getting your license: 1. Earn your private pilot certificate (must be at least 17) 2. Earn your instrument and multi-engine ratings 3. Earn your commercial pilot certificate (more experience is better money) 4. Earn your certified flight instructor certificates (helps you make a living) 5. Gain your experience and a minimum of 1500 flight hours.
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Another possible way of flying would be to try glider planes. In a glider plane, you are towed up by a bigger plane that contains an engine, then unconnected and left to glide back down. For this variation, you only have to be 16 years old and cleared of any medical conditions that could prevent you from the safe operation of the plane, according to soaringacademy. org. This website also mentions that you need a minimum of twenty glider flights, ten hours of instruction, and ten solo flights. You must also pass the FAA knowledge test, as well as the oral and flight test with an FAA examiner. The type of aviation I grew up around was within the military. In an interview with my dad, a test pilot for the Air Force, I learned in depth about another common way into flying. He started out at the Naval Academy, a four year college in Annapolis, Maryland that gives both traditional academics, as well as, teaching leadership and how to be an officer. When graduating from there, one goes on to either the Navy or Marine Corps. He graduated as a second lieutenant