Before enrolling in a professional flight school, students are required to procure a medical certificate approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These medical certifications have different levels, depending on career goals. Private pilots are required to procure a third-class airman medical certificate, while airline transport pilots are required to have a first-class airman medical certificate. There is also a minimum age requirement for the different levels of flight training: 16 years for private pilots, 18 years old for all other certificates, except for air transport pilots, who must be at least 23 years old.
Students aspiring to be pilots undergo training at several levels. The basic courses include introduction to aviation, principles of flight, navigation and basic meteorology. Extensive lessons in flight instruments as well as flight simulation are typically given during the sophomore and junior years. Actual flight trainings and operations are also included, depending on what type of license the student aims for. Students are required to complete a specific number of flight hours before obtaining a license: at least 40 hours for a private pilot license and at least 1,500 for the air transport pilot license.
Professional Flight Training in Fort Lauderdale, Florida offers several courses that include programs for private as well as commercial pilots. Its Professional Pilot Program includes courses in dual flight instruction, dual multi-engine instruction, and dual jet trainer flight instruction.
Jamestown Community College, part of the State University of New York, offers a program that trains students to become professional pilots. A student graduating from this program will gain the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificates for commercial and private pilots, as well as a flight instructor certificate together with one for instrument rating.
Established in 1939, Ohio University's Aviation Department claims to use the most cutting-edge technology in its flight training programs.. Its degree in flight aviation trains students to be professional pilots by putting them in the cockpit as early as the first year. Students can earn certificates as private pilots or airline transport pilots.
Delta State University in Mississippi offers both a bachelor's and a master's degree in commercial aviation. The bachelor's degree has two major specializations: flight operations and aviation management. When students graduate, they will be given a commercial pilot's certificate as well as a flight instructor certificate.