The reasons that make having a Private pilot license (PPL) worth it.
We all know getting a private pilot license requires effort and money. It is a good idea to learn why getting a private pilot license is worth your time and effort before pursuing it.
You may not find having a private pilot license beneficial to you just because your colleague at work enjoys flying and always talks about it.
I discussed several reasons why getting a private pilot license is worthwhile so you can decide whether your decision to get a private pilot license parallels your purpose.
Why is it worthwhile to get a Private pilot license (PPL)?
Having a private pilot license is worth it. It’s a permit to operate and fly an airplane. A PPL opens doors to several opportunities. This license allows you to explore the sky and many new destinations that would take hours to drive. Now, you can rent aircraft, act as a pilot in command, and have greater access to aviation.
Here are some of the main motives why earning a PPL is life-changing:
1. Personal Achievement and growth:
Acquiring a Private Pilot License is a commencing personal achievement and brings out a high level of knowledge, skill, and dedication to aviation. It is a challenging but satisfying experience that can boost confidence and self-esteem.
Obtaining a PPL is a significant accomplishment and a source of personal pride. It requires dedication, discipline, and hard work, and completing the training is a testament to one’s abilities and perseverance.
2. Career Opportunities:
A Private Pilot License is the first step to becoming a professional pilot. A private pilot slowly advances towards a commercial pilot license, opening doors to make a living as a pilot. You can build hours as a private pilot in many ways, but it prohibits you from receiving compensation for any flight.
Many pilots start with a PPL and then obtain additional certifications, ratings, and endorsements that enable them to work as commercial or airline pilots.
3. Access to unique travel opportunities on your terms:
You can rent an aircraft anytime with a private pilot license and go to newer destinations. Travel to remote locations flexibly with family and friends, unlike waiting in cue for commercial airline flights.
4. Save time and cost:
A private pilot license makes you eligible to rent an aircraft and often saves you money for traveling with the family. Operating your charter flights saves you from wasting time by traveling to the airport hours before a commercial flight.
5. Builds health and situational awareness:
You must acquire a Class 3 medical certificate for a private pilot license. To be eligible to get a private pilot license, you need to be in good shape.
As a result, you’ll focus on maintaining good health regardless of age. Excellent situational awareness is essential to becoming a safe, competent private pilot.
Having focus and improved situational awareness is an incredible benefit in many situations.
During private pilot license training, you’ll receive lessons on situational awareness and multi-tasking, which will also impact your daily life.
Obtaining a Private Pilot License is a remarkable accomplishment with numerous benefits depending on the person.
Some other practical use cases make obtaining a private pilot license worthwhile.
There are many opportunities to fly an airplane as a private pilot, except for making money.
Acquiring a Private Pilot License opens up exciting opportunities for individuals passionate about aviation. Here are some of the practical options you may consider:
1. Charter Pilot:
You can fly passengers and cargo from point A to Point B as a charter pilot.
Being a charter pilot is an excellent option for pilots who prefer the flexibility of schedule and enjoy the challenge of flying different aircraft types.
But with a private pilot license, you’re prohibited from receiving any compensation for the flight.
2. Ferry Pilot:
As a ferry pilot, you can fly aircraft to their new owner.
But with a private pilot license, you can’t accept any payment for transporting the aircraft. You must also only operate aircraft you are type-rated to fly.
3. Agriculture pilot:
With a private pilot license and a type rating in a crop duster, you can operate aircraft to apply pesticides and fertilizers to the crops.
If you’re passionate about agriculture and enjoy living in rural areas, having a private pilot license is worth it.
4. Sightseeing Pilot:
As a sightseeing pilot, you take passengers on scenic flights over popular tourist destinations.
Note: It is essential to note that the FAA prohibits private pilots from accepting any compensation for any job. Thus, working to earn money with a private pilot license is off the table.
A private pilot license is a great starting point for pursuing the pilot profession. However, the career path requires additional schooling, training, permits, and ratings.
There are many reasons, apart from the ones mentioned above, why getting a private pilot license is a popular hobby.
Love for Aviation: Many people are fascinated by aviation and dream of flying their plane. For them, getting a PPL is a way to fulfill that passion and become part of the aviation community.
Freedom and Flexibility: Having a PPL allows pilots to fly on their terms without the need for commercial airlines or charters. It offers them the space to choose where and when they want to fly, which can particularly appeal to those who enjoy exploring new places or flying for leisure.
What is my contemplation on whether pursuing a Private Pilot License was Worth it?
Obtaining a Private Pilot License has been a gratifying experience for me. I was not passionate about aviation until I decided to become a pilot.
It allowed me to understand the principles of flight and aircraft mechanics and learn various aviation-related subjects.
I find aviation a fascinating and captivating subject. Therefore, I decided to pursue this field, which will naturally open me to a new career path.
Though investing in flight training has been costly, it has taught me many things about life.
Conclusion:
I discussed why everyone must pursue becoming a private pilot license in life. Flying an airplane is full of adventure and thrill.
To experience flying is a privilege that comes with a cost. However, once you have a private pilot license, you can travel anywhere, anytime, if you abide by the FAA laws, maintain safety, and have a current private pilot license.
So, if you want to obtain a private pilot license and can’t deduce a suitable flight school, send us your list of flight schools, and we can do the research and communicate on your behalf.
RESOURCES:
- Things you can do with a private pilot license;
- Pros and Cons of being a pilot;
- Life lessons from flying;
- How long does it take to get a private pilot license?;
- Private pilot license requirements.
Image Source: ga_australia via Instagram.
It’s great that you pointed out how you could rent an aircraft anytime and go to newer destinations with a private pilot license. It has always been my dream to fly a plane, so I am thinking of learning now. So, I am planning to take a private pilot course once I get some free time.