With inflation, rising housing costs, and even the cost of travel, it’s no surprise that young people deciding on a career path are turning to aviation. With an average salary of $210,020 for airline pilots, combined with the ability to complete flight school faster than completing a Bachelor’s Degree, young people are able to live comfortably while getting to travel on the job.
In Georgia, the interest is high. Unlike flight training in Northern states, Georgia flight schools have a more stable climate for year-round flying, as they’re not as bogged down by snow. But, there’s an even bigger reason for the benefit of flight training in Georgia.
For those who are serious about becoming commercial pilots for an airline, they get to train near the busiest airport in the world, giving them experience that most don’t get until they are on the job. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in Atlanta, Georgia is consistently named the busiest airport in the world. Those attending flight school to become commercial pilots will gain immediate experience within a busy airspace of high air traffic control (ATC) communication.
Flight Training Near the World’s Busiest Airport
Training near the world’s busiest airport offers competitive advantages that allow you to stand out as a pilot when applying for jobs after flight school. These benefits include:
- Advanced Communication from Day One: Student pilots will hear all the communications surrounding the busiest air tower. They will learn to decipher ATC communication with pilots at a rapid fire pace.
- Real-world experience: Not only is it the busiest airport in the world, but Atlanta is also a major hub for international connecting flights in the U.S. Student pilots who want to fly both domestic and international will get real-world experience flying at one of the airports that airlines fly to the most.
- Training in a complex airspace: Heavy flight traffic surrounds Atlanta. Anywhere in Georgia, pilots will get to navigate a complex Class B airspace during heavy ATC communication.
While flying near Atlanta sounds intense for those just starting out, it can be a great way to gain experience in a controlled flight school setting. Not all flight schools are positioned directly in Atlanta’s airport. Those right outside of Atlanta, such as in Kennesaw, Georgia, can be introduced to the busy airport from a more controlled setting, as opposed to being thrown into the fire.
The Aviation Industry in Georgia Is Strong
Georgia has strong connections to the aviation industry in the U.S. Delta Air Lines is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with partnerships to Georgia flight schools through its Propel Program. Major aerospace companies are also situated in Georgia, including Lockheed Martin, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., and Pratt & Whitney. Those who train to become pilots in Georgia are immersed in the aviation industry just by training within the state.
The Job Outlook for Commercial Pilots
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for pilots is expected to grow 5% between 2025-2035. With that, the demand for pilots remains high, as do the competitive benefits each airline offers.
Young people deciding on their future career path are considering becoming commercial pilots for more than just the salary. Pilots get to travel for their job, long or short distances depending on the job. With flight travel expecting to increase in cost, young people can still see the world beyond where they live, simply for going to work. In addition, they can become a pilot faster than most people complete a college degree, depending on the program.
Through a Part 141 or accelerated (fast track) flight training program, student pilots can get into their career path in two years or less, as opposed to obtaining a Bachelor’s degree, which takes four years to complete. Those who want a college degree while becoming a pilot can attend college courses in tandem with their flight training, though it is not required to obtain a degree to become a pilot.
Student pilots interested in working for the most competitive airlines, as well as ones ready to take on experience from the get-go, will benefit from the advantages that Georgia has to offer.
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