Safe flying: What the best flight schools teach pilots

Flying isn’t for everyone — it demands extraordinary qualities. Pilots must possess physical strength, mental clarity, emotional fortitude, and, above all, unparalleled courage.

After all, when you take to the skies, you are responsible for countless lives.

Though the global aviation industry has come a long way, it has also been marked by tragic accidents.

Incidents like the recent Jeju Air crash in South Korea and the catastrophic American Airlines Flight 191 disaster in the US serve as sombre reminders of what’s at stake.

These events have shaped how flight schools train aspiring aviators, ensuring that every lesson emphasises safe flying.

Pilot training covers theory lessons, flight time, and a medical evaluation. Source: AFP

A look inside pilot school training

Pilot training is a meticulous process that blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills.

Students master aircraft mechanics to understand how planes operate, learn to interpret weather patterns for safer navigation and internalise aviation regulations to ensure compliance with global standards.

Communication protocols, another critical component, prepare pilots to work seamlessly with air traffic controllers and crew members.

These foundational lessons are then put into practice as students train in the cockpit to master straight and level flight, perfect takeoffs and landings, and recover from stalls — lifesaving skills they may one day need to call upon.

One example of this training in action is Air Transat Flight 236 in 2001. After a fuel system failure over the Atlantic Ocean, the flight crew glided their Airbus A330 for 120 kilometres to Lajes Air Base in the Azores, Portugal.

Despite the challenges, all 306 passengers and crew survived. This remarkable event shows how vital good training and preparation are when lives are on the line.

Safe flying is at the heart of pilot training. Flight schools focus on teaching future pilots the skills and confidence they need to handle even the most unexpected challenges.

By following strict procedures and learning how to make quick decisions under pressure, pilots are ready for anything.

Their commitment to safety keeps aviation one of the safest ways to travel, giving passengers and crew peace of mind.

5 critical emergencies every pilot cadet masters for safe flying

Weather is a key factor in many aviation accidents. Pilots need to understand the weather on their route, and air traffic controllers help by providing weather details. Source: AFP

Bad weather

One of the most common and unpredictable flight emergencies pilots face is worsening weather.

Even with clear skies and good visibility at takeoff, conditions can change rapidly during flight or as a plane approaches landing.

In flight school, pilot cadets receive comprehensive training on handling such scenarios, learning how to recognise weather hazards and take the necessary actions to ensure safety.

Fire

Fires in the cockpit can happen for many reasons, from electrical issues to overheated equipment or cargo problems.

When a fire breaks out, pilots must act quickly to prevent it from spreading and work with the crew to put it out.

In flight school, cadets learn how to handle fire emergencies through practice. They follow checklists and memorise essential tasks, and if the fire cannot be contained, they are trained to perform a forced landing.

By learning how to think critically, stay aware of their surroundings, and stay calm under pressure, pilots can stay in control during difficult flights. Source: AFP

Aircraft damage

Planes don’t get flat tyres or dents like cars, but bird strikes, rough weather, or unexpected collisions can still cause damage. That’s why pilot cadets learn to “aviate, navigate, communicate.”

Step one: Aviate. Fly the plane. This is your top priority — nothing else matters if the aircraft isn’t under control.

Step two: Navigate. Once you’ve stabilised control, determine your destination. Is it a straight-ahead landing, or are you returning to your starting point?

Step three: Communicate. Communicate your plan to air traffic control, work with your crew, and keep your passengers informed. Clear communication makes all the difference for safe flying.

Fuel shortage

Fuel shortages are among the rarest emergencies a pilot may face, but the stakes couldn’t be higher.  

Since in-air refuelling isn’t an option, cadets are trained to act fast, stabilise the aircraft, and manage critical tasks like turbulence and altitude loss.

They also learn to coordinate with air traffic control to secure a safe landing, ensuring every decision prioritises safety.

A crowd of people gathers to honour US Airways pilot Chelsey B. Sullenberger III for guiding his crippled airliner to a safe landing in the Hudson River, saving the lives of all 155 on board on Jan. 16, 2019. Source AFP

Component malfunctions

Aircraft design varies to meet different demands: domestic routes require lighter planes, while international travel demands larger, long-range jets. But what happens when something goes wrong?

Each plane is designed with unique components tailored to its purpose, and pilots must be ready to handle malfunctions specific to the aircraft they’re flying. 

Flight school prepares cadets for component malfunctions, such as engine issues or landing gear errors.

They train extensively on troubleshooting techniques for different aircraft, ensuring they’re equipped to handle diverse scenarios.

To stay sharp, pilots also undergo regular refresher courses for existing aircraft and receive specialised training for newly launched models.

3 key flight school training for safe skies

Simulators

Preparation is everything when it comes to safe flying. Flight simulators are the best way to ensure pilots are ready for anything.

They create an immersive environment where pilots can practise responding to extreme weather, system failures, engine malfunctions, and hydraulic leaks — situations that demand calm and quick thinking.

But simulators do more than sharpen technical skills. They help pilots develop muscle memory, so when the unexpected happens, their instincts take over.

With repeated practice, pilots refine their emergency procedures, decision-making skills, and communication with both the crew and air traffic control.

Egnatia Aviation Flight Training Academy in Europe is one example of this hands-on approach.

Using advanced ALX simulators, whether for flying single-engine pistons or multi-engine jets, the school offers an airline-tailored ATP(A) integrated course that covers everything a pilot needs to know.

Depression in pilots can be a serious hazard, potentially leading to life-or-death situations. Source: AFP

Psychological training

While technical skills are crucial for safe flying, a pilot’s mental strength is equally important.

Pilots need psychological resilience to handle cockpit challenges, manage stress, make sound decisions, and maintain focus under pressure.

It all starts with training. Pilots first learn the technical aspects of flying, including aircraft systems, procedures, regulations, and safety protocols.

Then, throughout their careers, they continue to improve through practice and ongoing education.

As pilots get more experience, their mindset evolves. They face different challenges, from harsh weather to new airspaces.

This helps them grow mentally, learn from mistakes, and become more confident. With time, they’ll be ready to handle whatever comes their way.

Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians earn US$75,400 per year. Source: AFP

Evidence-based training

While modern flight decks have evolved with advanced automation and systems, pilot training remained unchanged for years.

Flight crews typically undergo recurrent training once every six months, generally performed in a simulator.

Recognising this gap, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) introduced Evidence-Based Training (EBT).

It uses training data to prepare pilots for real-world situations. It focuses on the skills that matter most and evaluates pilots based on specific goals, making training more effective and useful.