Many potential pilots never do start flying, because they perceive light aviation as something expensive and reserved to an elite. The number of active pilots has never been so low, and to help improve that situation, one must break this “aviation-is-for-an-elite” myth.

Look at me. I’m basically a software engineer. Yes, there are some lawyers, bankers, doctors, insurance brokers multi-national companies CEOs which are also pilots – and flying is also a good way to meet various people – but there is a strong percentage of “normal job” persons !

Here is a short list of what persons I met through flying do professionally: mathematics teacher, IT system administrator in a lab, accountant, public relation in an energy company, project manager in IT networks, development manager by UEFA (european football association), TV reporter, policeman,

Then come all those who’s job relates to aviation: airline or business jet pilots, aircraft mechanics, dispatchers, ground staff, air traffic controllers, flight instructors… There are also many students who pay for their flying with side-jobs (and help from their parents…). This is a good time in life to learn, as student’s mindset is already oriented towards learning and developing skills.

Private pilots don’t all fly a lot, nor do they fly expensive high performance aircrafts. Hangars are full of moderate cost planes waiting for pilots ! So to help motivating them, please leave a comment here indicating what kind of job you do to pay for your flying ! Let’s show pilots to be that we’re normal guys !

And if you’re already a pilot, feel free to use these 10 reasons to bring new members to the flying community.

Take the intellectual challenge
Pilots don’t have to be big-brainers, and holding a Master of Aeronautics is not a prerequisite, but learning to fly is also an intellectual challenge. Particularly if you get an instrument rating, the workload, decision making, and flight management will certainly stimulate you.

Meet interesting people
Whether you fly in a club, school, or within an owners group, you can be sure that you’ll meet tons of interesting persons. Other pilots, instructors, airport staff, engineers, they all have captivating stories to tell you.

Save time
Visiting remote places is much easier as a pilot. You can use the extra-speed to visit family members living away more easily, save time, and make more out of the 24 hours you get each day.

Technical interest
If you like technical things, you’re probably already attracted by airplane. Becoming a pilot means that you’ll develop your technical knowledge in various fields: aerodynamics, avionics, engines, … If you’re not upset when someone calls you a geek, try flying a glass-cockpit light aircraft, you’ll find it even better.

An impressive hobby
The social impact of having “flying” as a hobby can be surprising. I got married the day after my introductory flight, so this is not how I seduced my wonderful wife, but I’m sur it works. The way your colleagues, friends and other relative perceive you will certainly change when you’ll become a pilot. Note that green integrists might not like that…

The 100$ hamburger
Flying to a remote and exciting location is good, but flying to a nearby airport with a good restaurant is not bad either. Even if the concept of 100$ hamburger shall probably be adapted to the 250$ hamburger because of all the cost increase, it’s still really cool. Take your passengers on board, fly 30 minutes, eat on the airport restaurant’s terrace looking at other planes, and fly home.

Change the way you see the world
That might seem a silly, romantic thing, but it’s true: flying and seeing the world from above makes it look different. Pilots also learn to read the weather signs, and get a better understanding of how things are working, on a more global scale.

Can be a second job opportunity

Never say never. Getting a commercial pilot license requires more theory and training than a simple private pilot license, but it could open new opportunities someday. Getting an “upgrade” from private to commercial is also possible within a couple of months. Many pilot jobs do not pay that well, but who knows ?

Help the community
I already posted on this blog about Angel Flights, and other ways general aviation is helping the whole community. There are many of them, and numerous associations need the help of volunteer pilots.

Fun
Last but not least, flying is fun !

Anything else to add ? I’m waiting for your comments !