Many people dream of becoming a pilot because it can be a very rewarding career. Aviators get the opportunity to travel to different places and work with different people. If you’re an aspiring pilot, one of the initial steps you’ll need to take is to look for the best pilot training Philippines has to offer. Thankfully, there are many reputable institutions in the country where you can enrol.

Like any keen individual, you could have several questions about the path towards becoming a pilot, including what happens during pilot training other than actually flying an aircraft. To help satisfy your curiosity and prepare yourself for what’s to come, here are some of the things you can expect once you begin your training.

Pilot Training – You Need to Attend Ground School

The first phase of your training will always take place in ground school. This is when you’ll attend classes and delve into the academic aspects of aviation. Here, you’ll learn about civic air regulations and fundamental aviation concepts, which include basic principles of aerodynamics, radio communication, and weather forecasts.

In addition, you’ll learn about the different components of the aircraft you’ll be flying. You’ll need to familiarise yourself with the exterior parts such as the wings and ailerons. Ailerons are the hinged flaps found at the ends of the aircraft’s wings, which move in opposite directions and are used to control the degree of a roll. Also, you’ll learn about the various instruments found in the cockpit like the navigational and communication systems. You’ll also be taught about aircraft engines, fuel, and electrical systems. Essentially, you’ll study everything you’ll need to become a knowledgeable pilot.

You’ll Learn to Watch the Weather

Pursuing a career in aviation means you’ll need a thorough understanding of the weather as this is one of the most important external factors that can affect a flight. During pilot training, you’ll learn more about the atmosphere and weather patterns. You’ll be taught about weather basics like how storms develop, the types of cloud formations and what they mean, and how the air is affected in the different layers of the atmosphere. You’ll also learn how to work with the weather information and forecasts you receive so you can operate an aircraft safely.

You Must Take and Pass Written Exams

Once you have become knowledgeable in the fundamental concepts in aviation, you’re expected to put this know-how to the test by taking various exams, particularly the Air Transportation Office’s Knowledge test as well as their Practical Flight and Oral Examination test. Additionally, you must obtain a license from the National Telecommunications Commission to operate an aircraft radio. These are some of the requirements you’ll need before the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines can issue your private pilot license.

You Need to Learn the ICAO Phonetic Alphabet by Heart

Since the English language is what international aviation follows, you need to be proficient in it. Aside from this, you also need to memorise the International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet. Commonly known as the NATO phonetic alphabet or ICAO spelling alphabet, this international standard uses a series of codes assigned to each letter of the English alphabet. This helps each letter to sound distinct from each other so they can be easily understood by everyone communicating through radio.

If you want to quickly learn the alphabet by heart, practice spelling out street names or cars’ license plates when you pass by them. For example, if you see a vehicle with a license plate number of HBG-3267, read it as Hotel-Bravo-Golf-Tree-Too-Six-Seven.

You’ll Practice with Flight Simulators

Practicing using flight simulators is a safe way to familiarise yourself with aircraft controls, develop aviation knowledge, and experiment with different flight techniques. You can also practice takeoff, landing, and performance manoeuvres in a safe environment. It’s also an effective way to build your muscle memory and hand-and-eye coordination skills.

When you’re flying an aircraft, there will be a lot of things you’ll need to do. You need to watch the skies and look out for potentially anomalous weather patterns. At the same time, you need to monitor aircraft instruments and controls. You’ll also need to communicate with air traffic control every once in a while. With everything that’s going on in the cockpit, it can be challenging to remember everything. To ensure you don’t miss out on any important task, you can repeatedly practice with a flight simulator until you get everything right.

Doing the correct procedures repeatedly helps build muscle memory so you can avoid making mistakes when you’re up in the air. Additionally, practicing in flight simulators allows you to hone your techniques. So when it’s time for your first solo flight, you’ll be better prepared and more confident with your abilities.

If you’re looking forward to becoming a pilot, enrolling in a pilot program is just the first step. Doing some research about the aviation industry and pilot training can also be valuable. To give you a clue about what your experience will be like during pilot training, you can read through the information mentioned above. Hopefully, these will help prepare yourself as you pursue your dream career in aviation.