Flying Lesson Myths De-bunked Before Your First Lesson

Dreaming of flying but worried your eyesight, or other factors, might hold you back? Perhaps you have heard that only military pilots can fly commercially in the UK, or that you need to be exceptionally young or exceptionally wealthy to get started.

Let's clear up those myths and get you flying with confidence. The world of aviation is open to many, and here's everything you need to know about common misconceptions, specifically for aspiring pilots in the UK.

Myth #1: You Need Perfect Vision to Become a Pilot

The short answer: No, you don't need perfect, unaided vision.

Under the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations, the medical standards vary depending on the licence type you want to obtain:

• For a Private Pilot Licence (PPL), you need to meet Class 2 medical standards.
• For a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), you must meet Class 1 medical standards.

Vision Requirements in Practice:

• You can wear glasses or contact lenses as long as your corrected vision meets the standard.
• The CAA requires corrected visual acuity of at least 6/9 (0.7 decimal) in each eye separately, and 6/6 (1.0 decimal) binocularly (with both eyes open).
• Colour vision testing is mandatory to ensure you can distinguish aviation signal lights and displays.
• Your optometrist or aviation medical examiner will confirm whether your vision meets these criteria.

If you need glasses or contact lenses, bring them to your medical examination. The CAA will issue you a medical certificate with any necessary restrictions.

Myth #2: Only Young People Can Learn to Fly

Good news: There is no upper age limit to learn to fly or obtain your Private Pilot's License (PPL). You can start flying lessons at 16 and solo from that age, but many pilots begin their training much later—often in their 30s, 40s, or even retirement.

As long as you can pass the required medical exam, your age isn't a barrier.

Some professional pilots continue flying commercially well into their 60s or 70s, depending on their medical fitness.

Myth #3: You Need a University Degree to Become a Pilot in the UK

While some airlines prefer candidates with degrees, a university education is not mandatory for obtaining a Private Pilot's License (PPL) or a Commercial Pilot's License (CPL).

Your skills, flight hours, and licences matter far more.

Many regional and charter airlines value flight experience and a professional attitude over formal degrees. However, large commercial airlines, such as British Airways or easyJet, often require a degree or equivalent experience due to competitive recruitment practices.

Myth #4: Flying Lessons in the UK Are Only for the Wealthy

Flight training does require investment, but you don't need to be a millionaire.

• The average cost for a PPL in the UK is roughly £10,000 to £15,000, depending on the flight school and aircraft type.
• Many schools offer pay-as-you-go lessons, so you don't need to pay upfront.
• There are also pilot scholarships available via organisations like the British Women Pilots' Association or RAF cadet programmes.
• Some training providers offer finance packages or modular training to spread costs over time.
• With Flydays, we offer hundreds of flying lessons available across the UK in both aeroplanes and helicopters, starting at £79.00. Some of these experiences count towards the flight hours required to obtain a pilot's licence.

Planning, budgeting, and finding support can make flight training achievable for many.

Myth #5: You Have to Join the RAF or Military to Fly Commercially in the UK

Military training is a respected path, but not the only route. Many UK commercial pilots come from civilian flight schools and flying clubs.

Airlines are increasingly recruiting directly from civilian pools and running cadet programmes, often in partnership with flight academies.

Joining the military can offer excellent training and experience, but you can absolutely become a commercial pilot through civilian routes.

Myth #6: You Need to Be a Math or Science Whiz to Fly

Nope! True, you'll need to understand some basic maths and physics concepts, but flight training is designed for learners of all backgrounds.

During ground school, instructors will explain concepts such as aerodynamics, navigation, and meteorology in a clear and accessible manner.

If you can do basic arithmetic, read maps, and understand how to use GPS, you're off to a great start.

Myth #7: You Have to Fly Large Jets to Be a “Real” Pilot

Flying a Cessna or Piper is just as valid and rewarding as flying a Boeing 747.

Many private pilots enjoy general aviation flying for leisure, and training in smaller aircraft builds solid skills.

If you wish to pursue a career in commercial flying, you will gradually advance to more complex aircraft. Learner pilots typically begin with a flight simulator, progressing to planes such as a Piper and then to much larger aircraft.

Final Thoughts: Don't Let Myths Ground Your Dream of Flying

The UK aviation world welcomes pilots from diverse backgrounds, ages, and skill levels.

You don't need perfect eyesight, a degree, or military experience, just passion, perseverance, and a willingness to learn.

If flying is your calling, take that first step. Whether it's booking a discovery flight or chatting with a local flying club, your pilot journey can begin today. Simply take a look through our range of Flying Lessons and book onto a flight at an airfield near you.

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