Aviation Schools

NationalFlightSchools.com
National Flight Schools was started with the intent of helping out the ailing flight school industry. Due to 9-11 and the aftermath, in the last 2 years over 500 flight schools have gone out of business. In addition to helping the flight schools, they are helping prospective flight students to easily locate flight schools across the US and Canada with a quick, informative and very easy to use website... NationalFlightSchools.com

Additionally, it offers the prospective student pilot a dollar incentive, (which everybody understands) by being able to print out coupons from up to 4 flight schools near them. As a result, student pilots get the opportunity to check pricing and financing options, and are able to meet the instructors who will be training them so they can determine which school and instructor is best for their particular needs. This is a free service to prospective student pilots, and as a result... will help students locate flight schools near them... and begin their aviation journey as quickly as possible. Good web site, easy to navigate, and a great resource for both flight schools and aviation students.

Plane & Pilot Another great "Aviation Schools" website from Plane & Pilot magazine... maybe the best all-around place to start looking. The breakdown is very well done... compressive, quick and easy to use, For the best overall look at Aviation Training, start here. Schools with Degree Programs Including Flight Training Schools with Degree Programs Without Flight Training Flight Training Academies Non-Degree Technical Schools

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle University is the premier aviation university in North America. From their own description..."At Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, what we do best is teach the science, practice, and business of aviation, aerospace, and selected related technologies. We offer more than 35 degree programs at residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Fla., and Prescott, Ariz., and at more than 130 Extended Campus learning centers for working professionals throughout the United States and Europe. Embry-Riddle also provides distance education, or online learning, around the globe." If aviation training, in a university setting is what you desire... this is the top university on the planet.

Pan Am International Flight Academy
Pan Am International Flight Academy's Mission: "To Provide our students the quality training necessary to begin their airline pilot careers FASTER and with a higher degree of assurance - FOR SURE - than possible at any other aviation academy." If flying for an airline is your main goal, then this organization, Pan Am International Flight Academy with locations in Ft. Pierce, Florida and Phoenix, Arizona, offers the quickest road to meet your goal. Click "Press Center" then download their "Academy Corporate Capabilities" brochure for an complete in-depth look at another premier professional flight training academy. The right approach at the right time.

Airline Training Orientation Program
The Airline Training Orientation Program (ATOP) offers any FAA certificated U.S. pilot with an interest in the airlines, especially those looking toward an airline career, a rare opportunity to experience the Continental Airlines Pilot Training Center and the FAR 121 training environment.

Each participant learns the operation of all major systems on the B-737/300. One hour of B-737 "sim" time is log-able including two ILS approaches and two landings. Multi-engine and Instrument Ratings are not required! Student and Private Pilots are welcome! If you are thinking about becoming an airline pilot, then this rare opportunity to get a very good look at what is involved is virtually unsurpassed in the US and Canada today. Be sure to click on the AVweb Article and the Aviation Career Magazine Article buttons, and read two excellent articles about the ATOP experience.

AVweb.com
"Northbound" is an excellent article by Wayne Phillips, which appeared in the December 24, 2003 issue of AVweb news, which starts by saying... "There is a place -- a cold, mountainous, low-VFR place -- where stick-and-rudder skills and an innate ability for pilotage is not just helpful ... it's required for survival. But if you want to do more than be a flying bus driver, Alaska has challenges and rewards for the aviation professional. " If this could be part of your aviation "dream"...read this article carefully...then pack your bags... and head "Northbound."

Editorial note: Think seriously about becoming a military trained pilot in your plans to become a professional aviator. Today's absolute best flight training in the world, is given by various branches of the U.S. military. The Navy for example, invests approximately $1,000,000 to train its pilots. A military pilot, once trained, becomes a very valuable asset to that service. There are significant financial incentives today for aviators to stay in the service. This financial "incentive" is rapidly closing the gap that once existed between flying for a major airline and the military pilot. Becoming a military pilot also represents another "avenue" for the financially "challenged" high school or college student that wants to become a professional aviator, but unfortunately doesn't have the money to pay for "flight training" on their own. Think about this....flying some of the most advanced and exciting aircraft on the planet, getting paid well for doing it , and then fully retiring after 20 years from military flying. Next stop in your flying career... proceed straight to the airlines at age 42 or 43... for nearly another whole career (and second retirement at age 60) flying airliners represents a very lucrative option to many retired military aviators. Going to the airlines, or to corporate aviation (with a full military retirement check in your back pocket) gives one a lot of confidence... and many future options to think about. It is however, becoming more and more competitive to get into the military flight programs today. If this interests you at all, make a call to your ""Officer Programs Recruiter" today, for the latest information, and whether this career path is right for you. U.S. Navy U.S. Navy recruiting programs available, and flight training beyond your commission. U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Marine Corps recruiting programs available, and flight training beyond your commission. U.S. Air Force U.S. Air Force recruiting programs available, and flight training beyond your commission. Army Army officer recruiting programs available, and flight training beyond your commission. Army Warrant Officer Army flight training as a Warrant Officer...great opportunity for many. U.S. Coast Guard U.S. Coast Guard officer recruiting programs available, and flight training beyond your commission. U.S. Navy SEAL U.S. Navy SEAL program. If becoming an aviator is just one of your interests, but maybe not your highest priority... yet... think about this... IF you are searching for something very special to do before commencing your flying career, consider becoming a U.S. Navy SEAL. What is a SEAL, how do SEALS operate, what is their mission, can I qualify? ...are all very natural questions. To answer just one of the questions... what is their mission: SEAL Missions "Special Operations is characterized by the use of small units with unique ability to conduct military actions that are beyond the capability of conventional military forces. SEALs are superbly trained in all environments, and are the master’s of maritime Special Operations. SEALs are required to utilize a combination of specialized training, equipment, and tactics in completion of Special Operation missions worldwide. A tactical force with strategic impact, Naval Special Warfare (NSW) mission areas include unconventional warfare, direct action, combating terrorism, special reconnaissance, foreign internal defense, information warfare, security assistance, counter-drug operations, personnel recovery and hydrographic reconnaissance. Although NSW personnel comprise less than one percent of U.S. Navy personnel, they offer big dividends on a small investment. SEALs' proven ability to operate across the spectrum of conflict and in operations other than war in a controlled manner, and their ability to provide real time intelligence and eyes on target, offer decision makers immediate and virtually unlimited options in the face of rapidly changing crises around the world. The most important trait that distinguishes Navy SEALs from all other military forces is that SEALs are maritime special forces, as they strike from and return to the sea. SEALs (Sea, Air, Land) take their name from the elements in and from which they operate. Their stealth and clandestine methods of operation allow them to conduct multiple missions against targets that larger forces cannot approach undetected." For answers to the rest of your questions, go to their website above, which should provide you most of the answers... and the means to look further if you are interested. The Navy SEAL program is NOT for everyone, but if something like that sounds interesting to you, and you think you might be qualified... give it your highest consideration.