Your Aviation Career Exploring Starts Now: A Teen’s Guide to Taking Flight
Like a lot of kids growing up, there was a point in time when you looked up and saw a plane streak across the sky and thought to yourself, “Hey, I can do that!” You’re not alone in that regard, and guess what, you don’t have to wait until college to start chasing down that dream!
With a world of opportunities in the aviation industry, you can start your journey before you graduate from high school. Whether you’re into the inner mechanics of a plane, figuring out how to fly them, or are intrigued by air traffic control, wait no longer! By starting your process earlier, you can put yourself at an absolute advantage over the competition.
As you dive deep into your aviation career exploration, consider the following:
Why Start in High School?
There are many reasons to start your aviation career early. Like so many things, the earlier you train, the better you get. Jumping on it early can be the best way to get ahead!
- Book a Discovery Flight: This one-hour experience will tell you everything you need to know about the aviation industry and whether it’s for you.
- Partner up with Purdue University as a high school student! Purdue University provides discounts for students who are taking flight lessons.
- Meet Mentors in the aviation industry: Aviation experts and mentors are there for the taking, and you will meet the likes of mechanics, pilots, and engineers that have brought the aviation industry to the 21st century and beyond.
- Build skills that can build up your resume and make your pilot job application stand out from the crowd!
Most importantly, starting at an age of 16 versus 20 will give you years of exposure to the pilot world and aviation industry long before some of your competition.
Hands-on Training Program to Start Right Now
At Fly Legacy, we offer hands-on training programs that can fit your schedule and put you in the pilot’s seat to start. These programs are designed for those looking to expand their careers in aviation and give you a sense of the industry before you make a long-term commitment.
Discovery Flight Program
- What it is: Tour our facility, spend one-on-one time with an instructor, and experience and learn proper airline procedures. You will be able to climb, descend, turn, and keep it straight and level. Discovery Flight includes a half-hour of flying time.
- Cool factor: Get in the cockpit and touch the clouds, and see for yourself what being a pilot is all about!
2. Private Pilot Certification
- What it is: A Private Pilot Certification Course implements a concrete foundation of aeronautical education and flying technique.
- Cool factor: Get a hands-on one-to-one experience with a licensed pilot that will take you from point A to pilot!
Start (or Join) an Aviation Club
What to start a new club at your school? Be the one to launch an aviation club! Here’s what these clubs do:
- Host guest speakers (like a regional pilot or plane mechanic).
- Organize field trips to airports or maintenance hangars.
- Pool money for a flight simulator (even a basic one on a laptop helps).
- Prep for the FAA written exam together (yes, you can take it at 16!).
All you need is a teacher sponsor and a few friends who are looking to launch a career in flying planes.
Career Paths You Might Not Know About
Pilot’s just the start. Check out these other aviation jobs—some don’t even require college:
| Career | What You’d Do | Training Needed |
| Air Traffic Controller | Guide planes safely through the skies | FAA academy (no degree required) |
| A&P Mechanic | Fix and certify aircraft | 18-month trade program |
| Drone Pilot | Fly drones for filming, inspections, etc. | FAA Part 107 license (age 16+) |
| Flight Dispatcher | Plan routes, fuel, and weather for flights | Certificate program |
Fun fact: Some airlines pay mechanics $100K+/year—without a bachelor’s degree.
What’s Next After Graduation?
Your options post-high school are wider than you think:
- Flight school: Get your private pilot license (PPL) by 17, commercial by 19.
- Community college: Earn a 2-year degree in aviation tech—many have job placement deals with airlines.
- Military: The Air Force/Navy will train you as a pilot or technician (and pay for college later).
- Apprenticeships: Work under a master mechanic and get paid while learning.
Key move: Use high school to try multiple paths. Shadow a mechanic one week, take a discovery flight the next.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best aviation career options in Florida?
Florida offers diverse aviation careers, including commercial pilot, flight instructor, aircraft mechanic, air traffic controller, aviation management, and drone operator. - How do I become a pilot in Florida?
To become a pilot, you need FAA certifications (Private Pilot License, Commercial Pilot License, etc.), flight training hours, and medical clearance. Flight schools in Florida provide structured training programs. - What are the top aviation schools in Florida?
Some top aviation schools in Florida include Fly Legacy Aviation, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida Institute of Technology, ATP Flight School, and Broward College. - How long does it take to complete flight training in Florida?
A Private Pilot License (PPL) takes 3-6 months, while a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) can take 1-2 years, depending on training intensity. - What is the cost of flight training in Florida?
Flight training costs vary: PPL ($8,000-$15,000), CPL ($30,000-$50,000), and full ATP program ($70,000+). - What are the job prospects for pilots in Florida?
Florida has high demand for pilots due to its tourism industry, flight schools, and major airlines like Spirit and JetBlue operating in the state. - Do I need a degree to work in aviation?
While not always mandatory, degrees in aviation science, aeronautics, or related fields improve job prospects, especially for airline pilots and management roles. - What are the requirements to become an aircraft mechanic in Florida?
You need FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification, which requires training from an FAA-approved school or military experience, plus passing written and practical exams. - Can international students enroll in Florida aviation programs?
Yes, many Florida flight schools accept international students, but they must meet visa requirements (typically M-1 or F-1 visas) and FAA regulations.
