Six Suggestions for Student Pilots
Enroll in AOPA’s free, no-strings-attached student membership. You’ll find that the online resources of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and six free issues of AOPA Flight Training to be a valuable asset to your training. Enroll now or call 1-800-USA-AOPA.
Join a local flying club or airport association. This is a good way to get to know other pilots in your area as well as benefit from the knowledge of more experienced pilots in an informal atmosphere.
Become an “official” member of AOPA. Thanks to a host of services for student and new pilots, including Flight Training magazine, student pilots who are members of AOPA are three times more likely to complete their training than those who are not members. And because we know that every penny counts as you continue your training, we’ve made membership more affordable. Join online or call 1-800-USA-AOPA.
Talk to as many pilots as possible. You'll come to see that the world of pilots is a small one, and there really is a brotherhood (and a sisterhood) among pilots. The only thing pilots like to do more than fly is to talk about flying. There are years and years of experience waiting for you when you start a conversation with a fellow pilot.
Become an educated consumer. You'll be making an important investment in yourself, so you need to be knowledgeable. Once again, don't be afraid to ask questions. Also, trust your instincts. If you find yourself being intimidated by a flight school or something just doesn't "sit right" with you, keep shopping until you find the right atmosphere for you.
Keep us apprised of your progress. The people at Flight Training really care about you and your experiences. We want to know as much as possible about the process of becoming a pilot—your input is important to us. So drop us a note at [email protected] from time to time to let us know how you're doing!