Mural: Valley Fliers
Have you ever wondered where airline pilots come from?
Most people think they are mostly ex-military pilots. But this hasn’t been true since the great wave of WWII-trained pilots who retired in the 1980s.
Incredible as it might seem, about two-thirds of airline pilots in the US learned to fly at small General Aviation airports like Auburn. Without airports like Auburn, airlines would be forced to train their own pilots. The costs, of course, would be passed to the airline traveler. Without small airports, say farewell to cheap airfares.
Of course, not every student pilot plans on becoming an airline pilot, the aviation industry is encompassing of a wide range of career paths for pilots. General Aviation aircraft are marvelous for personal travel, or just plain recreation—rejoicing in the freedom of flight.
The greatest day in any pilot’s life, be they civilian or military, whether they intend to fly in the airlines or just for fun, is the first time they fly an airplane alone—their first solo flight. Hearts race, sweating palms grip the wheel, unbelieving glances thrown toward the empty seat where their instructor spent patient hours teaching them how to fly. But when the wheels leave the ground and the student experiences the first thrill of independent flight, nothing can match it.
Sweaty palms and racing hearts aren’t limited to the pilot’s seat of the aircraft. The instructor stands watching, clutching a small radio in case he or she has to pass advice to the tyro aviator. They are aware of their responsibility and have to trust their student learned their lessons well.
It can be expensive to take pilot training, but flying clubs like Valley Fliers significantly reduce the costs. Valley Fliers has been in existence for almost forty years, reducing the cost of flying by sharing the expenses. The cost of ownership of their four aircraft is spread among more than sixty members, with club instructors also available at a lower rate. For those who eventually hope to own their own aircraft, Valley Fliers can provide an introduction into the intricacies of ownership.
Find more information on the Valley Fliers by visiting them at their website.
