What is the General Aviation Industry?

The aviation industry is a broad industry. That is because there are several types of aviation that one can encounter. One of this is the general aviation industry.

When you want to learn to fly, you would be presented with options. These options hinge primarily on what you really want to achieve from flying. For example, if you want to become a commercial pilot, then that’s a separate aviation industry. If you want to simply fly as a hobby or as a way of getting around between states, then you should consider becoming a private pilot and join the general aviation industry.

What is the Scope of the General Aviation Industry?

What defines the general aviation industry and sets it aside from the other aviation sub-industries is its scope. The FAA typically classifies this industry as one that is pursued solely as one’s passion or hobby. Being part of the industry, the pilot will not be able to earn money from his craft except perhaps if he decides to pursue a career as a certified flight instructor. Simply put, if you join the industry, you will be your own pilot and you can bring up passengers in the air with you but you will not be able to earn money as a private pilot the way commercial or chartered pilots can.

How Can One Become a Private Pilot?

To join the general aviation industry and become a pilot, you would have to take flight lessons either under Part 61 (private instruction) or Part 141 (aviation college). Enrolling is quite easy. You’d have to comply with the private pilot requirements, specifically a Level 3 medical certificate. Flight lessons would require completion of the entire course if going through Part 141, or at least 40 hours of flight time under a CFI if you’re studying under Part 61.