THE STUDENT PILOT

The journey to the Aviation industry is long and a thrilling one. Just like any other life changing move in one's step towards greatness, it all begins with the first step. Meet the student pilot. Read on..

"I have always wanted to be a pilot. But I don't know where to start." This is one of the most frequent statement at the customer care desk at out Training school. Whenever I hear such from our ambitious clients, all I do is sit them down, offer them coffee, smile and remind them, "That's why we are here. To help you take your first steps towards the rest best phase of your life." Instantly you watch their face brighten with relief and excitement. What does it take to be a pilot? One would wonder. Well, Today I am here to take you through but first let me share a short story.

Shortly after my Form four (High School) I was ready to venture into the Aviation industry. To be a pilot. I always knew that at one point in my life I will be a pilot. It wasn't a matter of IF but WHEN. As one narrows down towards their career, reality catches up with them and their perspective changes on what it really takes to stick to their dream career. Challenges to test your personal will to hold on pop up from almost all directions. Like a video game, you know you are on the correct path when everything is getting harder. Despite several challenges including the impatient nature of a teen life, I managed to score good grades. Good enough to qualify me to join aviation. However, my time was not yet due. I had to go through University first which would delay my pilot ambition for another whole four years!! It was sad, it will always be demoralizing to see your dreams delayed. Hold on though, everything has its own time and season. There is always a lesson in every challenge. Today I am here, living my dream. So can you. It's a patience game I tell you.

The fist step toward pilot-hood is qualifying to be a student pilot. This qualification is proof that you are ready to soar the skies. Ready to handle the challenges of defying gravity. Ready to make life-saving decisions in split seconds. Ready to step out of your comfort zone. Human beings are Earth beings. Designed to live on the ground. Our adaptation is basically designed to handle challenges confined to movement at the surface of the Earth. That's why we are able to breathe and such a basic and effortless inheritance is taken away from us when we go in water. Thus, before one can qualify to be a student pilot, to spent the rest of their lives away from the surface into the skies, their bodies need to be tested to see how much of such a change they can handle. These tests are done by a qualified Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). They include both psychological and physiological tests.

The first examination test on one's sight and hearing abilities. This would include test for color blindness and eye defects such as myopia and hypermetropia( short and long sightedness). Color blindness would be a disqualification because Red and Green colors have their significance in aviation. However, for the eye defects, they can always be corrected by glasses or contact lenses. A good hearing ability is needed for the purpose of operating aircraft radio equipment. The next set of tests include blood tests to check sugar levels, and other blood related issues linked with the bloods' ability to sufficiently supply energy and oxygen to the body. Again, a Cardiology exam is done to check the condition of the heart such as heart rate and related defects or and diseases. Heart related diseases such as a history of heart attacks would disqualify the candidate. lastly, an extensive urine test is done to check for drugs and other related issues detectable through the urine. Again hard drugs would disqualify the applicant.

Physical test would be done to check ones physical condition such as body reflex, Body mass Index(BMI) and general physical condition such as scars and body injury history. The candidate should be capable of using their limbs and arms since such would be required to fly the aircraft. After all those tests and examinations are done, the results take about a day or two and one would know if they are fit to be future pilots. Upon passing these tests, the applicant is Issued with a Class II medical certificate to show that the candidate is fit for the tasks to come. This medical certificate is valid for 24 months (below 40 years of age) or 12 months (above 40 years) depending on the age of the applicant.

Acquiring a medical certificate is the first and the most crucial part of this journey. The next step is as simple as stepping into a Flying school of your choice and applying for training. The school should process your student pilot licence (SPL) upon submission of a medical certificate and after a week or two of application of a SPL, your licence would be ready and so will you be ready to fly!

Information is helpful only if you are willing to take the necessary action. Otherwise, it is just but another happily never after.

Ask Flight Instructor Kenny