When someone asks, “Should I learn to fly?” our answer at Monmouth Executive Airport is a resounding yes! If you have the time and you’ve always wanted to fly,, don’t wait – start your lessons today. Look no further than our airport for an NJ flight school. We are proud to host Elite Flight Experience, a Cirrus Platinum Partner Training Center, and other flying schools.  

Flying for Fun, Flying for Profit 

If you enjoy being challenged and continuously learning, flying is definitely for you. One of the main benefits of flying, besides soaring through the sky and experiencing the joy of flight, is the knowledge you gain. As a pilot, you learn about the weather, the aircraft you are flying, aerospace generally, navigation, and airports. You study the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge and Instrument Procedures Handbook, documents that are filled with substantial amounts of information. 

Maintenance is a significant part of owning or flying a plane. A maintenance technician might not be available when you fly around your ranch or deliver aid in remote areas, and you need to make repairs. Basic knowledge of the airplane’s engine and the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook is beneficial when you are in a tough situation.

What Is Learning to Fly About?

Learning to fly requires time, dedication, and money. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), offers insight into the licenses and ratings pilots working in various fields require.

• Airline Captain: Private pilot license, commercial pilot license, instrument rating, multi-engine rating, and an airline pilot transport certification. 
• News and Traffic: Private pilot license, commercial pilot license, and instrument rating.
• Power and Pipeline Patrol: Private pilot license, commercial pilot license, and instrument rating.
• Astronaut: Private pilot license, commercial pilot license, instrument rating, and multi-engine rating.

The FAA is the primary source for information on the eligibility, training, experience, and testing requirements for student pilots, private pilots, and recreational pilots. Did you know people with hearing disabilities can also obtain pilot certificates?

Flying for a Living: Career Considerations

Some people think a career in flying is a glamorous way to earn an income. The reality is different. The hours are long, stress levels are high, and you require continuous learning to maintain proficiency and remain current with safety standards and new technologies. 

However, when you love flying, there are many career opportunities. You can work for large airlines or fly private jets for charter companies. All military branches require pilots, as do organizations such as CAL FIRE. You can also fly for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that deliver humanitarian aid.  

How much do pilots make? A pilot’s income depends on several factors, including who they work for, their experience, the type of aircraft they fly, their roles (captain, first officer), and union agreements.

Experience More Traveling Opportunities

You travel more when you earn a pilot’s license for private or commercial use. Cruising between 500 and 600 miles per hour in a private jet gets you to your destination much faster than any vehicle could. Do you want to experience isolated regions? Become a bush pilot in Alaska and fly to remote areas in diverse weather conditions. The terrain is mountainous, dead-end box canyons are common, and distances are vast. Alaskan career opportunities include flying for cargo airlines and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.   

When you want to experience other continents and have a passion for the environment, become a conservation pilot. There is always a need for pilots on the African continent to perform aerial wildlife surveys or fly penguins to a release site.   

At Monmouth Executive Airport, we believe you are never too old to learn to fly. Our airspace is uncrowded as we are conveniently located outside “Class B” airspace, yet only a one-hour drive from the center of Manhattan. You know the answer to your question, “Should I learn to fly?”. Contact us today to arrange your first flying lesson!