Why Become A Pilot

For those of us who fly for pleasure and utility, our privilege as pilots offers unique opportunities for travel, adventure, and sightseeing. The U.S. has thousands of small airports, accessible only by private aircraft. San Diego County, for example, has nine public airports. In addition, beautiful destinations such as Catalina Island, Palm Springs, and Santa Ana are within an hour's flight of San Diego in a Cessna 172. In some cases the expense of these flights is not much greater than other forms of transportation.

A pilot certificate can be an invaluable asset to business people as well. Imagine the freedom and flexibility gained by being able to fly yourself and your clients or colleagues to meetings, conventions, etc.

For many, the prospect of flying professionally, either in the military or civilian world, is what inspires us to take flying lessons. For those striving to secure a military flight slot, a private pilot certificate is a critical asset.

Pilots interested in flying for a living in the civilian sector will need to earn their private pilot certificate, instrument rating, and commercial pilot certificates. Commercial pilots have an array of flying opportunities. They can fly for an airline or a corporate operation, fly aerial surveillance, tow banners, flight instruct, fly in the Alaska bush … the list continues. The market is good for young pilots, with the regional airlines hiring at a record pace.  With luck, the situation at the major airlines will improve in the coming years.