Balancing Life and Airline Pilot Training: Mastering Time Management

Post date: 23 June

Do you remember when your burning passion for soaring through the clouds started? Was it when you first traveled on your first holiday by plane, fascinated by the size of the powerful machine that took you into the sky? Did you decide then to become the tamer of this power and keep the passengers safe until they leave the deck?

Then you have to face the demanding schedule of airline pilot training that can be all-consuming without the proper balance between training commitments and personal life. Are you capable of doing it and describe yourself as rather successful than overwhelmed?

Pilot training as a lifetime investment? A guide from A-Z

Prioritise tasks and set goals in Airline Pilot Training

The first days of the pilot training may be a bit overwhelming, with the amount of knowledge to learn, and the effort that needs to be put into the training. After all, you will be responsible for the lives of hundreds of people every flight you take.

Each student needs proper time management, as time is of the essence. Ground school sessions, flight lessons, and self-study demand a significant portion of your time. To manage these commitments effectively, it is crucial to set clear goals. Define your objectives to tailor your study schedule that is time optimised.

The Airline Pilot Integrated Programme is thoroughly constructed to streamline your progress making it possible for you to focus on the areas that need more attention. It gives future pilots all the required skills, focusing on 828 hours of theory together with summative and formative assessments. You also get the most advanced flight training, in a total of 225 hours with the use of single-engine aircraft, twin-engine aircraft, and simulators.

Apart from the focus on your knowledge as a pilot, and your steering skills, you shall be trained to be part of a multi-crew environment. Such training provides pilots with non-technical skills which are necessary under normal and extreme conditions. The skills include decision-making, allocation of tasks, mutual supervision, use of checklist, teamwork and support.

The 9 Competencies Every Aspiring Airline Pilot Needs to Succeed

Study smart and with a focus

The complex world of aviation requires efficient studying and optimising training. Various strategies promote efficient studying and provide insights into managing distractions and creating a conducive study environment.

One of the most fundamental aspects of studying is taking effective notes, which means something different for everyone. It’s necessary to find a system that works for you, and that helps you in learning. It’s best to focus on capturing key concepts, details, and any questions that require further clarification.

Keep your notes organised and neat, using bullet points, headings, and diagrams, which will facilitate easy review later on. Summarising and synthesizing information using your own words are perfect for the reinforcement of understanding and retention.

Bear in mind to use active learning methods instead of passive ones, by applying the knowledge you acquire, practising solving aviation-related problems, engage in discussions with fellow students or instructors. Fortunately, by choosing the pilot training in a renowned academy like Egnatia Aviation, you will learn this way every day, as the experienced instructors, who are pilots themselves, know well how to engage their students, and how to share their knowledge and skills.

How to choose the right flight school

Omnipresent technology and various tools make the process of learning simpler and more pleasant, with a high impact on the efficiency and organization of the learning process.

Yet, none of the methods will be efficient if you are constantly distracted. Minimise distractions or create a space without them. Prepare the study area by using the proper light and a comfortable place to sit. Work, take short breaks, and make sure you have access to the fresh air.

 

Keep a healthy work-life balance

During airline pilot training, it is quite easy to become overwhelmed and tired. However, it is crucial to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It will prevent burnout, enhance overall well-being, and ensure a successful career.

Build and nurture personal relationships to provide emotional support during the demanding and stressful periods of pilot training. Your relationships with people from outside the industry can help pilots stay grounded and connected to the world beyond aviation.

Egnatia Aviation is located in one of the most beautiful Greek cities, Kavala. This may be a huge help during lows and ups periods. Megalou Alexandrou pedestrian street, cafes, bars, and tavernas, are all the places where you can spend free time with your friends and talk about the difficulties you are facing, as well as about the aspects of the training that are fascinating.

The town is also a great place to focus on your passions and hobbies, as it’s the centre of arts with its Filippi Festival and more cultural events all year round. Spend time on the beaches of the beautiful island Thassos, go hiking on the European path E6, or try canoeing and kayaking. The town offers perfect weather for flight training, stunning views, and plenty of attractions to spend your free time on.

Egnatia Aviation invests heavily in the well-being of its students. Experienced personnel and mentors help not only with the transport from the airport after arrival, and making all necessary arrangements beforehand, but they are also there at every step of the flight training journey to help every single student. Egnatia Aviation has cultivated a warm and friendly environment, all-inclusive, which is dedicated to offering students all the means necessary to accomplish their goals.

Learn more about our facilities and location

Digital tools and collaboration are the keys to success

Without proper time management, aspiring pilots may struggle to stay organized, meet deadlines, and maximise productivity. Use apps that facilitate the task of managing time, including calendars, to-do lists, and task management apps.

For example, Google Calendar, Todois, Wunderlist, and Benefits are renowned online calendar and to-do-lists tools, which allow you to create your schedule with reminders. And it’s possible to sync across multiple devices. Thanks to a calendar you have a clear overview of your schedules for your Airline Pilot Training to:

  • plan,
  • prioritise,
  • set deadlines,
  • manage tasks on time, and
  • control your deadlines.

Most importantly remember you are not alone, and it’s pertinent and nothing to be ashamed of to ask for help. Take advantage of the mentorship program offered by Egnatia, and be open and transparent talking about the difficulties you are facing.

An airline pilot’s job is highly responsible, but also rewarding, giving you the chance of exploring the world. Yet, choose the right flight academy wisely, to gain the necessary skills, both technical and non-technical, to become a successful pilot. Egnatia Aviation has a philosophy of training professional pilots who are fully responsible for their aircraft and passengers.

Its location in beautiful Greece helps the students to cope with the challenges arising. Also, it provides lots of opportunities, such as training in Egnatia’s own “Lydia” Aerodrome with a modern fleet of aircraft and Ivy League instructors. The optimal conditions, in combination with the advanced courses designed with the needs of modern airlines in mind, lead to the trainee excelling as an airline pilot. Flight training courses offered by Egnatia Aviation are approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), following the latest international aviation standards.

Ready to soar the skies? Contact our mentors today.