Soaring into a Career in Aviation

We've all seen dazzling flight scenes in movies before. Beyond Hollywood, however, there is quite a bit of work that goes into learning how to fly an aircraft. The College Bound Network caught René Spratt, a certified flight instructor from New Jersey, on the ground long enough to ask her about her amazing career.

The Sky's the Limit
"I teach people how to fly airplanes," begins Spratt. "First, I take the student up in the plane and let them get comfortable with the aircraft." Then, back on the ground, Spratt teaches her students everything they need to know to safely operate the plane. This includes information on the aircraft and its systems, aviation, aerodynamics, communicating while in flight, getting weather information, and handling emergencies, among other things.

Once the student has professed an understanding of the aircraft and its workings, Spratt brings them up in the air and lets them fly. "After about 15 hours of flying, they go for their first solo," she says. After the solo, the student then learns cross-country flying and all the laws associated with the Federal Aviation Regulations. When they are ready, Spratt sends her students off on a "check ride" flight with an examiner. After passing both the check ride and oral exam, the student can earn his/her private pilot's license.

Reading, Writing & Reaching New Heights
For future pilots who have not yet attended college, there are some high schools that focus particularly on aviation. Schools such as these seek to prepare students for flight training as well as college. Spratt chose an aviation college, and as a student in the flight operations program, earned her private pilot's license, instruments rating, and commercial license, among others.

Spratt points out that prospective pilots can earn their college degree at any school and then receive flight training afterward. Of course, license requirements vary depending upon the type of license one desires to earn.

Flying High
No one has to push Spratt to go to work in the morning. A lover of flying, she enjoys almost every aspect of her job. "The best part is watching my students grow," she says. "It is especially great to watch someone accomplish a feat that they have had some difficulty with in the past."

On the other hand, Spratt admits the hardest part of her job is telling a student that he or she is not quite cut out for flying. "Unfortunately, flying is not for everyone, but it is difficult to have to tell someone that."

Reach for the Stars
If you're thinking about following in Spratt's flight path, she has a few words of advice. "It takes tons of dedication, but if you're willing to make the sacrifices, then the rewards are all yours!"

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