Aviation is a world of wonder, and as flight simulation enthusiasts, we can all agree that "exploration" is the name of the game. Whether it is flying into the picturesque Princess Juliana International Airport or searching for little-known grass strips across North America, these expeditions never fail to provide us with pure enjoyment.

But what if this virtual enjoyment could be turned into a reality? What if the very thing you do on your simulator could be done in a real airplane? Good news: if you are a flight simulation enthusiast, it is a possibility, and you are nautical miles ahead of flight students without any flight simulation experience!

Across the entire community, 21% of flight simulator pilots hold a real-world certificate. 71% of those individuals started flight simming before obtaining their pilot’s license.

For flight simulation enthusiasts, transitioning to a real airplane isn’t as demanding as you might think. Most of what you do in a virtual airplane is exactly what you would do in a real airplane—which is the whole point of simulation. For example, cockpit flows in a simulator like starting the engine, checking and setting instruments, and inputting in a flight plan involve many of the same procedures that are used in a real airplane.

Additionally, many flight simulation enthusiasts already have plenty of practice at the largest causes of checkride failures: division of attention. Analyzing various instruments simultaneously to ensure continued flight safety is a habit that can be reinforced by using a home flight simulator, so this common "gotcha" should be less of a challenge for you. Many new flight students often have trouble correctly performing checklist flows due to the many distractions that come with flying a real airplane. Since flight simulation enthusiasts already have these procedures well-memorized and practiced, it is typically easier for them to perform this task.

Student pilots who are also home flight simulation users will achieve their private pilot certificate in about 5 less training hours than those who don’t. That means 5 less hours of aircraft rental, fuel, and instructor time.

As a simulator pilot, you likely already have a passion for aviation, so why not make a career out of it? As the saying goes, "love what you do, and you'll never work a day in your life." By turning a virtual hobby into a real-life career, you could earn a comfortable living by doing what you love.

In May 2022, the median annual wage for commercial pilots was $103,910. The median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers was $211,790.

There’s more to flying than the airlines—although that’s probably the most visible and popular way to earn money as a pilot. Commercial pilot careers encompass a wide range of aircraft and operations including flight instruction, scenic and sightseeing transportation, emergency services, military aviation, private transportation, mining, logging, and many more.

The process of getting started in flight training isn't as daunting as you might think! Below are some simple steps that outline the process. For a more detailed version, check out the free Gleim Learn to Fly booklet.

Step 1: Compare Flight Schools in Your Area

Start by visiting one or more flight schools at local airports where you are considering taking flight lessons. Indicate that you are interested in getting started, and speak with a flight school representative about the process. Typically, the flight school will introduce you to an instructor whom you will be working with closely throughout your training. Treat these first conversations as an interview: make sure you feel comfortable with the flight school and instructor before continuing. You should also compare prices with similar schools and make sure you understand what’s included in the prices listed.

Questions to ask a prospective flight school:

• What are the costs for aircraft rental and flight instruction?
• Does the flight school offer discounted rates for advance or lump-sum payments?
• What aircraft are used for training, and how often are they available?
• Does the flight school offer any training on flight simulators?
• Does the flight school offer discovery flights for a nominal fee?
• Where does the flight school recommend taking the FAA knowledge and practical tests, and what are the costs?

Step 2: Complete the FAA Knowledge Test

Fast track becoming a pilot by passing the FAA knowledge test (also called the "written test") early in the training process. Some students take ground school and flight training simultaneously, but by focusing solely on written test first, you'll gain valuable knowledge that ensures you can focus on flying after mastering the fundamentals. Students who spend more time studying and learning for the written test typically finish their flight training faster. After passing the FAA knowledge test, you'll be well on your way to becoming a certificated pilot, and the knowledge gained will help you be a safer student pilot when you enter the flight deck!

Gleim Online Ground School courses contain study outlines, hundreds of knowledge test questions, and the actual FAA figures you’ll encounter on your knowledge test. Our answer explanations are expertly written to help you understand both the correct and incorrect answers. We even guarantee our Online Ground School graduates will pass the FAA knowledge exam or we will refund their course purchase price.

Step 3: Obtain a Medical Certificate

The FAA medical examination is a routine physical exam administered by FAA-designated doctors called aviation medical examiners (AMEs). The AME will issue your medical certificate after the exam. If you have a physical handicap, medical certificates can still be issued in many cases. Operating limitations may be imposed depending on the nature of your disability. The FAA requires at least a third-class medical certificate to exercise the privileges afforded by a student pilot certificate. You can search for a local AME on the FAA website.

Step 4: Begin Training

As flight simulation enthusiasts, it will be easier for you to hit the ground running given the prior flying knowledge you have. However, flight training requires you to dive deeper and understand concepts not always discussed in the flight simulation world. For example, aircraft systems (electrical, fuel, navigation, etc.), basic aerodynamics, and weather theory are essential in passing your practical flight test. Additionally, you'll need to learn about aviation regulations that govern how to operate safely and legally. Remember, in the real world, "pausing the sim" is not an option. As such, we recommend that you spend the time to learn these subject areas thoroughly to be a safe and competent pilot.

Step 5: Pass the FAA Practical Test

At the end of your flight training, you must successfully complete the practical test, which is a final exam given by an FAA evaluator called a designated pilot examiner (DPE). The exam consists of an oral portion, during which you will discuss in conversation various aspects of flying, and an actual flight test, during which you will fly various tasks and maneuvers to a prescribed level of accuracy. The requirements are further explained and illustrated in the Gleim Flight Maneuvers and Practical Test Prep books for each certificate.

Designated pilot examiners are proficient, experienced flight instructors and pilots who are authorized by the FAA to conduct practical tests, and they typically charge a fee for their services. Using Gleim training materials will prepare you to pass your FAA practical test with confidence.

You can do this! Turn today’s flight sim world into tomorrow’s reality!

To help expedite your training, Gleim Aviation produces a wide variety of flight training material from pilot kits, online courses, flight simulation products, and books for every level of pilot certification. As mentioned at the beginning of this guide, FSA Captains receive $50 off Gleim Aviation's Deluxe Private Pilot Training Kit, which includes everything you need to begin flight training.

You can also kick your training into overdrive with the Gleim X-Plane Flight Course. Learn the procedures and maneuvers required for a Private Pilot certificate before getting in the actual airplane. The course is designed based on the Gleim Private Pilot Syllabus, with interactive lessons that teach you to fly just as you would in the real world. Your virtual instructor details every element to successfully perform each maneuver, guiding you to successful completion.

For more information on how to begin flight training in a real airplane, visit the Gleim Aviation Learn to Fly website