7 Steps to Flying High! 

Step 1:
Go for a helicopter ride to make sure you enjoy it. Flying in a helicopter is very different from flying in a fixed-wing aircraft.

Step 2:
Research helicopter flight schools. Find out where they are and how much the required number of flight hours will cost.

Step 3:
Check basic eligibility requirements including age, the ability to read, speak and understand English, medical and licensing requirements. 

Step 4: 

Get your Private Helicopter License first. This license will require written, oral and flight tests.

A snapshot of a Pilot's Life: How to get from having a dream to having a career. 

Flying a fixed wing aircraft is definitely fun. Getting paid to do it is even better. For some people, it's their dream come true. Others refer to it as an office that travels, a view that's constantly changing and challenges that are exhilarating.

A person who takes a multimillion dollar machine, takes it off the ground and then safely returns it - it's a fascinating accomplishment and admired by many people.

Some wonder what it's like to be responsible for hundreds of lives or transport cargo that's worth millions. When passengers peek inside a cockpit, they are usually amazed by thousands of switches the multitude of dials and endless lights that indicate different things across the cockpit. 

Many people wonder whether all these switches, lights and dials are all really needed and whether every pilot knows exactly what each little switch does. 

Pilots are the focal point and person in charge of a team of highly trained professionals. They are the movie stars of the air transportation show, because they are the most visible people to the public, while most of the other team members remain "behind the scenes."

Piloting is a serious business albeit a dream of a career. Many people are out to make a paycheck and chase after the illusive dollar, most Pilots are Aviators by heart, money is nice but secondary. Flight is what we dream about.

This site is dedicated to the Aviatior. Whether you're on firm ground or long to be in the air. Piloting, as you will see, this job is not for everybody, but it is a uniquely thrilling and fascinating profession.

Demand for Pilots Remains High for 20 years

"The world's airlines will need more than 17,000 flight schools graduates each year for the next 20 years to fill the seats of the airplanes on order...the experience minimums some of the airlines are now requiring for pilots have tumbled...the average now is 250 total hours and 25 multiengine, and a few require only the commercial rating." source: Flying Magazine, December 2007 issue - Flying Magazine Training Section

At the American Pilot Center we are concerned with one thing and one thing only:

How to realize a dream that many cannot turn into reality.

We love flying just as much as many others, but we have found ways to make it happen and actually get our "wings".

Throughout our site, we'll show you many options that may help you in choosing the right flight school,

get the right training material, reviews, gear and more.

In short, we'll provide you with everything you need to fly Fixed Wing Aircraft or Helicopters. From Agricultural Pilot to Search and Rescue Helicopter to Professional Airliner working for a major Airline.

Stay tuned for the site to be completed. It's only a matter of days until you'll get the best options to start flying! 

Enjoy our site and turn your eyes skyward! 

Flight School Questions & Answers

Q. Is it difficult to fly an aircraft?
A. No. It is not particularly difficult. From the beginning you will do most of the actual flying (handling the controls of the aircraft).

Q. When may I begin to fly?
A. Immediately. However, you will need to apply for certain certificates, as described in this guide, in preparation for solo flight.

Q. Is there a set number of flight instructional hours I will receive before I solo?
A. No. The instructor will not allow you to solo until you have learned to perform certain maneuvers. These maneuvers include safe takeoffs and landings. You must be able to maintain positive control of the aircraft at all times and to use good judgment.

Job Outlook: Pilots

Regional airlines and low-cost carriers will present the best opportunities; Flight school graduates attempting to get jobs at the major airlines will face strong competition. Employment of aircraft pilots is projected to grow 13 percent from 2006 to 2016, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Job prospects. Job opportunities are expected to continue to be better with the regional airlines and low-cost carriers, which are growing faster than the major airlines. Opportunities with air cargo carriers also should rise. Business, corporate, and on-demand air taxi travel also should provide some new jobs for pilots.

Pilots attempting to get jobs at the major airlines will face strong competition, as those firms tend to attract many more applicants than the number of job openings.

Earnings of aircraft pilots vary greatly depending whether they work as airline or commercial pilots. Earnings of airline pilots are among the highest in the Nation, and depend on factors such as the type, size, and maximum speed of the plane and the number of hours and miles flown. In May 2006, median annual earnings of airline pilots, and copilots, were $141,090.

Median annual earnings of commercial pilots were $57,480 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $40,780 and $83,760. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,450, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $115,220.

For more info - Aircraft Pilots Stats