Why Getting a Private Pilot License is Beneficial Right Now

Have you ever thought about getting a private pilot license? With the COVID-19 impact, now is the time it’s most beneficial. Read below for more details.

Do you love flying as a passenger? There is something so breathtaking about flying high above the world below. Seeing the sunrise and sunset, passing through thick white clouds – flying can carry you away. In fact, flying can get you from one place to another faster than any other type of transportation available. That is definitely a bonus.

If you enjoy flying so much, have you ever given any thought to actually being the one piloting the plane? Sure, it may have been a passing thought – some folks act upon it, others don’t. You should know, though, that there are many benefits to have a pilot’s license. This is especially true right now.

Why now? Well, in the world of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, there is a lot happening that differs from our normal way of life. Changes are occurring at every angle – from the way we do our grocery shopping and school to the way we travel and interact with strangers.

Private jets can play a big part in all of this. And, if you get your private pilot license, you may just be one of the heroes.

Commercial vs. Private

First of all, you may be wondering why we are referring to a private pilot license rather than a commercial pilot license, right? You are, of course, more than welcome to get any type of pilot license you prefer. But, during the time of our current situation, a private pilot license may provide you with more benefits.

Not only is a private pilot license faster to obtain (due to few flight hours and such being required), but it also means you can get the ball rolling on helping the world around you much, much faster. Besides, private jets:

• Allow for much less contact with others.
• Can access smaller airports and get closer to direct communities in need.
• May still able to fly when commercial flights are grounded, depending on the situation.

Think about it this way – to get your commercial pilot license, you have to have a private pilot license first. So, even if that is your preferred choice, getting your private pilot license now can help out in the situation the world is presently in – and you can work towards your commercial license later. How does that sound for a plan?

Ok, let’s dig a bit deeper into the benefits of obtaining this private pilot license.

Germs: To Be, Or Not To Be

Germs are something we are all running from these days. In an attempt to spare ourselves from the power of COVID-19, the CDC, medical professionals, and the government have recommended that we practice social distancing ourselves from others. Places where people tend to congregate, such as restaurants, bars, amusement parks, parks, malls, and the like have been shut down in an effort to control the spread.

Do you know what else has taken a hit? Commercial airlines.

See, everyone knows that commercial planes are a great place to spread germs. After all, you have a couple of hundred people shoulder to shoulder in an enclosed space for an extended amount of time – how wouldn’t the germs spread? When it comes to the potentially deadly coronavirus, no one wants to take that chance.

More and more people are turning to private air travel in an effort to still meet their travel needs while reducing their risk of contracting the virus. By choosing to be a private pilot, you are opening up the ability for these individuals to get from Point A to Point B without having to fly on a commercial airline.

What’s more is that by helping those who want to fly keep flying, you are also helping the economy and the airline industry. And, that’s a huge benefit in itself.

Emergency Restrictions

Now, do you remember when COVID-19 first made its way into our world? When it did, the federal government shut down all commercial air travel to and from certain countries. States tried to halt travel from certain hot spots, too – even from other states within the United States!

Emergency restrictions handed down by the government aren’t meant to be overlooked. But, for those who are flying private, you have a lot more leeway when it comes to travel to certain places.

By being a private pilot, you will be able to assist those in need to continue their travel. The idea is to keep business moving, right? Therefore, top execs and their business dealings must still go on. New recruits must still attend corporate training. And, stranded families must still get home.

If flying commercial is too risky, private pilots can pick up the slack and keep people moving. You can be a part of this.

Assist in Relief Efforts

Relief efforts are intensifying throughout the world. Transporting medical supplies, food, and patients in need of care are incredibly important.

Private jets can have a hand in all of this. They can get items where they need to be and get individuals the help they need. If you choose to be a private pilot, you can be the one helping to make this happen.

The best part is that relief efforts won’t end when COVID-19 is under control. There are earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding, and other natural disasters that occur everywhere in our world. And, the relief efforts are needed each and every time.

This means you.

The Steps Needed

Ready to get your private pilot license? According to the FAA, you must:

• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.
• Have a sport, student, or recreational pilot license.
• Be at least 17 years old.
• Have at least a third-class medical certificate.
• Receive proper ground instruction, flight training, and logbook endorsements.
• Pass aeronautical knowledge and practical tests.

Of course, to be sure you have everything you need, consult with the Federal Aviation Administration.

Conclusion

When the world around us changes, we can either fight against it or take steps to make it better. By choosing to obtain your private pilot license, you are opening yourself to a great opportunity with many benefits while also helping those in your community – and all around the world!