The Benefits of a Pilot License – 11 Reasons to Get One

The Private Pilot License (PPL) is an exciting first step into the world of aviation and will allow you the freedom of piloting an aircraft and even carrying passengers! This article will list all of the benefits you can expect to receive from obtaining your Private Pilot Certificate.

1. Go Anywhere without Getting Stuck in Traffic

You will skip the frustration of sitting in traffic when traveling to your destination by getting your pilot license. Getting your pilot license can be especially useful when the roads are notoriously busy during the holiday season. With your license, you will simply jump into your aircraft and fly to your destination, significantly reducing your travel time compared to an automobile. Say goodbye to boring road trips that go on for several hours!

2. Treat Your Family and Friends

Acquiring your pilot license is a great way to treat your friends to a fantastic experience. Not many people have the opportunity to fly in a private aircraft, and sitting in the flight deck is exhilarating! You may even be able to impress that special guy or girl you’ve been talking to by showing off your newly acquired flying skills.

You will also be able to take your family and friends on trips where they may not have normally been able to join, perhaps due to time or transportation constraints.

3. Visit Remote Locations

When you become a certified pilot, the world is your oyster. You will have the ability to reach locations that are very difficult or even impossible to reach by any other form of transportation. From remote deserts to vast rainforests, your license and an aircraft can get you in and out with ease.

Furthermore, you will find many “fly-ins” where pilots and passengers from all over the country fly to a particular location to gather and have a good time. Not only will a trip like this be exciting, but you will also be able to make friends who share a common interest – aviation!

4. It Looks Good on a Resumé

Being a licensed pilot is an indication to a future (or current) employer that you are able to accomplish challenging goals and have been trained to perform in a high-stress environment. This is sure to impress a prospective employer, regardless of what kind of job you are applying to. The professionalism associated with your pilot license and the aviation industry will only increase your chances of landing your dream job or getting a promotion.

5. Socialize with Fellow Aviation Enthusiasts

When you become a pilot, you will join a unique group of people who share a passion for aviation. You will quickly build friendships that will last a lifetime by meeting fellow aviation enthusiasts. Regardless of age, gender, or background, you will find something in common with your fellow pilots across the globe.

6. Business Travel – In Style

Traveling for business can be an inconvenience at best and a nightmare at worst. Being a certified pilot, you will have the opportunity to fly yourself to business meetings, conferences, or for a simple lunch, and fly back home on the same day. This will significantly boost your productivity while simultaneously allowing you to avoid the pain of traveling commercially with the airlines.

Additionally, you can expect your clients or colleagues to be impressed by your ability to fly yourself, which will only help close that important deal!

7. Give Back to a Charity

There are charities in the United States that can use your skills as a pilot to help those who are less fortunate. With your credentials, you will be able to provide medical rescue, pet rescue, disaster relief, search and rescue flights, and many more. This is a great way to give back to the world and have fun in the process!

8. The First Step to a Career in Aviation

Obtaining your Private Pilot License is the first step to becoming a professional pilot. Even if you have no intention of becoming a commercial pilot, having a PPL will keep that door open should you decide to pursue a career in aviation. Furthermore, with a PPL, you can add ratings and credentials by undergoing further training, which will allow you to fly larger and more complex aircraft, regardless of whether you want to do so professionally.

9. Explore Entrepreneurial Opportunities

While you will not be allowed to receive compensation for flying if you only have a Private Pilot License, your PPL will enable you to explore entrepreneurial opportunities in aviation.

As an active pilot, you will have a perspective of the aviation industry that an individual without a pilot license will not have. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, the aviation industry may be just what you’re looking for.

Because of the sheer size of the aviation industry, problems are begging to be solved, and your license may give you a great business idea.

10. Have Quality Alone Time

If you fly alone, it will be just you and the airplane in the air. This is a great way to spend some time by yourself, allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience of piloting an aircraft. If you need to de-stress, look no further than a flight where you alone are in control.

11. Apply Your Skills

You may not realize it, but the skills you learn during your training and during your flying journey can be applied to other areas of your life as well!

Skills such as handling an emergency, communicating clearly, using procedures, navigation, meteorology, and many more will apply to many other areas of your life. You will be pleasantly surprised when a skill you learned as a pilot comes in handy in a non-aviation environment.

Conclusion

If you’re on the fence about whether you should get your pilot’s license and have the funds to do so – go for it! The convenient aspect of obtaining your pilot’s license is that you simply have to renew it every year or so, and you will be able to fly whenever you like. This means that if life gets in the way of flying, you can always take a break and come back later!