Tag Archives: airline

Pilots of all Ages

14 March 2023 Learn to Fly

Many people discover new hobbies, interests, and passions later in life. The idea that trying new things is only for younger people is so beyond the truth. If you’re well into or entering your golden years, now is an excellent time to pursue your dreams! If you’ve always dreamed of becoming a pilot you’re probably wondering, can you become a pilot at any age? The answer is absolutely yes, however certain types of pilot licenses do have age restrictions. Our team at Monmouth Jet Center explains:

What Age Can Someone Learn To Fly?

For young people interested in learning how to fly, there is no age requirement to take flying lessons with an instructor. However you can’t fly solo (without an instructor) until 16 years old. These solo flights usually consist of pattern work and must be approved by your instructor prior to your flight. Once you are 17 and have the required hours of flight time and ground work, you can apply to take your check ride to get your private pilot’s license. At our flight school in NJ, we welcome many teenagers who are ready to pursue their dream of becoming a pilot. We love to see young people chasing their passions!

For those who are at retirement age and looking to take up new hobbies, it’s not too late to become a pilot. It’s important to note that commercial airlines require pilots to retire when they are between 60 and 65 years old. Depending on your age you might not be able to ever work for an airline, but there is no age limit on a private pilot’s license. Don’t let your age deter you from following your dream.

Never too Late to Learn to Fly

Older adults who want to learn how to fly are advised to be fit and healthy before enrolling in flight school. You must pass a medical exam to get your pilot’s license and it’s not a one-time thing. Pilots under the age of 40 must pass the medical exam every 60 months, while pilots aged 40 and older must pass it every 24 months. The medical exam consists of:

A physical exam
An eyesight exam
A hearing test
A lung function test
Routine blood tests
A blood pressure check
A resting EKG

While it may seem daunting, the medical exam is necessary to ensure you’re fit to fly, and many older adults pass it every 24 months with flying colors (pun intended).

Pilots Older In Age

Harry Moyer served as a pilot in World War II, and in 2020 at the incredible age of 100 years old, he became a contender for oldest active pilot in the world. In an interview from October 2020, Harry said he still flies every week and he shows no signs of slowing down.

In 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 lost all engine power after striking a flock of birds. One of the pilots, Sully Sullenberger, landed the plane in the Hudson River and miraculously there were no fatalities. Sully was 57 years old at the time, proving that older pilots are more than capable of acting in an emergency.

If you’re ready to enroll in flight school and work towards your dream of becoming a pilot, or if you would like more information, please contact our team at Monmouth Jet Center today. It’s absolutely possible to become a pilot at any age, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Are You Physically Qualified to Fly an Airplane?

7 June 2022 Monmouth Jet Center

Being a pilot is a huge responsibility because peoples’ lives depend on you being able to do your job. Pilots undergo a great deal of training and must have mental acuity, but did you also know they must be physically qualified to fly? You may not think that being a pilot is a physically demanding job, however there are requirements that individuals must meet in order to be authorized to fly.

In this article, we’ll discuss the physical requirements one must meet to become a pilot, what the physical exam consists of, and the overall importance of staying healthy. If you have any questions please contact our team at Monmouth Jet Center.

Health Requirements To Become a Pilot

Vision and eyesight requirements: Understandably, pilots must have close to perfect vision, with or without correction. The exact requirements vary depending on which Medical certificate you need. A first class medical needs 20/20 distant vision, and 20/40 for near vision. A third class medical can get by with 20/40 distant vision. Color Blindness can disqualify you from being a pilot as it makes you unable to correctly identify essential controls, lights, and buttons.

Hearing requirements: Pilots must have good hearing to hear and communicate via radio with other pilots and towered airports. This is crucial for landing instructions, and hearing other pilots announcements that are in your immediate location. To pass the hearing portion of the medical exam you need to be able to hear an average conversational voice in a quiet room from six feet away. As far as audiology you need to score at least 70% in one ear at an intensity no greater than 65 dB.

Mental and Physical Health: You must be deemed mentally capable and healthy to become a pilot by a trained aviation medical examiner. Any diagnosis of psychosis, bipolar or personality disorders will fail the mental examination. An FAA examiner must deny anyone with Coronary heart disease, cardiac valve replacement, heart replacement, epilepsy, amongst many other medical conditions for safety reasons.

Doctor Physical To Get Approved To Fly

Aspiring pilots must have a physical conducted by an FAA-approved physician. You can’t simply go to your primary care provider for a pilot physical, you must choose one that is authorized by the FAA to administer a pilot’s medical exam. Here’s what you can expect during the exam:

Full body exam
Check your height and weight
Check your blood pressure and pulse
Check your vision and hearing
Review past or ongoing medical conditions
A mental and neurological exam
Urine test

The Importance of Being Healthy

Physical, mental, and emotional health are all extremely important for pilots and aspiring pilots. Being healthy is a required and necessary part of the job. Flying a plane comes with an immense responsibility, not just for yourself and everyone on board but also for other pilots in the sky, as well as civilians on the ground.

If you’d like more information about the physical requirements for pilots, or if you have any flight questions, please contact our team at Monmouth Jet Center today. We look forward to hearing from you.

What kind of service to expect from a private jet charter

15 March 2022 Monmouth Jet Center

Are you preparing for your first private jet charter? You’re probably wondering what to expect when you fly private, and rest assured, it’s an experience you’re guaranteed to remember. When you think about private jets you probably imagine ultra-wealthy celebrities jetting from one glamorous location to the next, but the reality is that many people charter private jets up and down the east coast, or for a quick weekend getaway, due to the convenience and the ease.

Flying private for the first time? What to expect

Shorter wait times and fast arrivals: There’s no need to arrive at the airport two hours early when you fly private, so you won’t be hanging around the terminal with nothing to do. Many airports allow you to drive right up to your aircraft, making the whole process seamless and quick.

The ultimate on-board comfort: When flying private you’ll enjoy wide, plush leather seats that recline nearly all the way, plenty of legroom, and catered meals and drinks. One huge complaint people have about flying commercial is being squeezed into the tiny seats for long periods of time, but with a private jet charter that’s never an issue.

Set your own schedule: Did you know that you can choose your own departure time when you fly private? This is one of the many things that makes private jet charters convenient. You can also choose your departure airport, and many people prefer to use executive airports like Monmouth Jet Center that get them closer to their final destination.

How do I choose the right private jet company?

Before deciding on a private jet company, ask to see their safety certifications and accreditations. Ensure the pilot is accredited by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and any other state and local licensing boards. The company you choose should also have an Air Carrier Certificate, meaning they are authorized to lease private jets to the public.

For more information about aircraft hangars, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at Monmouth Jet Center today. We look forward to hearing from you.