PATHWAYS to the AIRWAYS

ALTERNATIVE ROUTES FOR THOSE FIRST STEPS TO BECOMING A PILOT

- PIA BERGQVIST

THE DREAM OF ACHIEVING A PILOT CERTIFICATE IS ONE THAT SOME PEOPLE THINK IS IMPOSSIBLE, PARTICULARLY IF THE COST OF FLIGHT INSTRUCTION FEELS LIKE A CHALLENGING BARRIER. WHILE MANY PILOTS SAVE UP OR TAKE OUT LOANS TO PAY THEIR WAY, THERE ARE OTHER ROADS TO THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION THAT NOT ONLY LOWER THE COST—AND IN SOME CASES FOOT THE ENTIRE BILL—BUT ALSO INCLUDE THE SUPPORT AND MENTORSHIP THAT GREATLY INCREASE THE CHANCES OF SUCCESS. HERE ARE SOME ALTERNATIVES TO HELP YOU ON THE ROAD TO THE AIRWAYS. WHILE MOST OF THESE PATHS ARE LIMITED TO YOUTH STILL IN SCHOOL, THERE ARE OPTIONS FOR ADULTS TOO.

YOUNG EAGLES

With the exception of those who were fortunate enough to grow up with a family member who is a pilot, many aviation enthusiasts found or re affirmed their passion for aviation through a flight with the Young Eagles, a program conceived by the Experimental Aircraft Association. Since the program started in 1992, more than 2.2 million kids have experienced the magic of observing life on Earth from above in a private airplane, flown by one of about 40,000 volunteer pilots.

There is no cost for that first flight, but you have to be between 8 and 17 years old to qualify. A parent simply needs to connect with a Young Eagles coordinator, who will schedule a flight with a qualified pilot. You can also search for scheduled Young Eagles events in your area.