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Living the Dream at Professional Flight Schools
by Robyn Tellefsen
If you were a superhero, and you could have one superpower, what would it be? For me, flying tops the list. I love the feeling of soaring above the ground and gliding through the air. Of course, I've only achieved that kind of altitude in my dreams. But those dreams can become reality at  

Professional Flight Schools

 .

Flight Plan: Research Professional Flight Schools
Who wouldn't want to be a professional pilot? With training at professional flight schools, you'll fly airplanes or helicopters to transport passengers and cargo, or for commercial purposes.

But there's a lot more to professional flight schools than just learning how to fly. Before you even get in the air, you need to make sure the aircraft's engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly. You must also ensure that baggage or cargo has been loaded correctly. Plus, you'll find out about weather conditions en route and at your destination, and then choose a route, altitude, and speed that will provide the safest and most economical flight.

Your job's not done once you're on the ground, either. A professional pilot must complete records on the flight and the aircraft maintenance status for the company and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Airworthiness
Bringing your dream to life starts at professional flight schools. To qualify for a commercial pilot's license from the FAA, you'll need at least 250 hours of flight experience, or the equivalent that you'd earn from FAA-approved professional flight schools. The FAA has certified about 600 professional flight schools, including some colleges and universities that offer degree credit for professional pilot training.

Enrollment in FAA-approved professional flight schools generally ensures a high quality of training, as these schools meet prescribed standards with respect to equipment, facilities, personnel, and curricula.

Achieve Career Liftoff at Professional Flight Schools
Training at professional flight schools increases your marketability when you're pounding the pavement. In fact, many airlines require a college degree and prefer to hire graduates with professional flight experience. Employers also give an edge to applicants who've earned multiple FAA licenses.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, civilian aircraft pilots and flight engineers held about 106,000 jobs in 2004. And earnings of the professional pilot are among the highest in the nation -- in May 2004, median annual earnings of airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers were $129,250. In addition, median annual earnings of commercial pilots were $53,870 in May 2004, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $110,070.

Stop dreaming and let your career take flight at professional flight schools.

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About the author:
Robyn Tellefsen is a frequent contributor to The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.



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