You may wonder if small airplanes themselves are safe. The reality is that training aircraft, like the Cessna 162s and 172s that Rainier Flight Service uses, have safety in the design and details:

Stable and Forgiving Design - Training aircraft designed to be naturally stable, meaning it has a tendency to return to level flight if the controls are released. This self-correcting behavior, especially in minor upsets, can give pilots more time to regain control. Also, its high-wing design offers better visibility of the ground for navigation and provides added protection for the occupants in case of an emergency landing.

Reliable Engine and Simple Systems - Training aircraft are equipped with a highly reliable engine and straightforward systems, which reduce the likelihood of mechanical issues and make it easier for students to learn and understand aircraft operations. Additionally its slow landing speed makes it forgiving during approaches and touchdowns. The aircraft’s stall characteristics are gentle, giving pilots more time to recover and practice stall prevention techniques safely.

Modern Safety Upgrades - Most training aircraft used at Rainier Flight Service are equipped with advanced avionics such as Garmin G1000 glass cockpits. These systems provide enhanced situational awareness and tools like traffic alerts and terrain warnings.

Safety in Maintenance - Aircraft maintenance for general aviation is inherently designed to be safe due to the highly regulated and systematic framework under which it operates. Here are the key ways in which general aviation aircraft maintenance prioritizes safety:

• Regulatory Oversight - Governed by FAA regulations, requiring certified mechanics and routine inspections like Annual and 100-Hour Inspections.
• Manufacturer Requirements - Detailed maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and legally enforceable Airworthiness Directives ensure adherence to specific procedures and safety updates.
• Standardized Procedures - Comprehensive checklists, meticulous logbook documentation, and well-defined preventive maintenance tasks minimize errors and ensure thoroughness.
• Systematic Inspections and Testing - Scheduled maintenance and advanced testing methods (e.g., Nondestructive Testing) help detect and address potential issues before they escalate.

Rainier Flight Service conducts most of it's maintenance in-house with certified mechanics that know not only the aircraft models, but the specific planes and tail numbers intimately. Also because Rainier operate as a commercial flight school, our regulatory requirements (i.e. "100 hour" inspections) are more stringent than other operations such as flying clubs.

Safety is embedded throughout our training courses through strict policies and procedures, standardization, and advanced Threat and Error Management training.  From day one, we train pilots to not only become adept aviators but to anticipate and mitigate risk in a highly dynamic environment, thereby developing sound judgment.

At Rainier Flight Service, our safety culture goes above and beyond industry requirements. We have adopted best practices from major airlines, including the implementation of a Safety Management System (SMS). An SMS is an FAA-endorsed framework that ensures a proactive approach to managing risk. While it is mandatory for airlines and air taxi operators, Rainier Flight Service has voluntarily embraced this system to operate at the highest level of safety. An SMS involves every member of our operation, from leadership to instructors to mechanics, creating a shared responsibility for maintaining a safe environment. Key Elements of Our SMS Include:

• Safety Reporting System - All team members *and* clients are encouraged to report safety concerns without fear of retribution. For example, an instructor might report unusual aircraft performance, or a student might raise concerns about runway lighting. These reports are reviewed, tracked, and addressed promptly to proactively minimize operational risk.
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation - We continuously assess potential risks, such as identifying high-traffic airport challenges or monitoring flight performance. Mitigation strategies like updating policies/procedures, enhancing training resources, and providing continuing education to staff are implemented to minimize risks.
• Safety Assurance - Regular audits and evaluations ensure that our safety policies are effective. For instance, we review aircraft maintenance records and conduct spot checks on operational procedures to maintain compliance with high standards.
• Safety Promotion - We cultivate a safety-first mindset through ongoing training, clear communication, and transparency. This might include sharing safety updates in team meetings or providing training on how to recognize and respond to potential hazards.

By integrating a robust SMS into our operations, Rainier Flight Service demonstrates its commitment to providing a safe environment where students can focus on their training with peace of mind.

Being ready for lessons is vital to staying on track and keeping time and costs in check. Encourage your child to stay organized, study consistently, and prepare for each flight. You know your child well and can help them diagnose procrastination (i.e. is motivation lagging or is better organization needed). Be curious, ask questions, and remind them to prepare, prepare, prepare - thereby allowing us to focus on higher level learning.

Your child is making a big commitment to earn a rating. Celebrate milestones, show genuine interest in their progress, and remain positive during setbacks. Flight training can be demanding, so your encouragement can help them stay motivated.

Being a pilot requires making decisions under pressure and taking responsibility for outcomes. Give your child space to take ownership of their training journey while offering guidance as needed. This includes encouraging student-initiated intervention if training is not meeting expectations. For instance, encourage your child to talk to their instructor if a tweak to the instructor’s approach would support your child's learning style. This type of open communication helps create lasting trust between instructor and student.

Training progresses at different rates for each student depending on factors like background in aviation, the individual skill-building acumen of the student themselves, and things like weather and scheduling. Trust the process and focus on your child’s long-term development and safety.

Flight training timelines can vary widely, especially for younger students balancing school, extracurriculars, and aviation. Again, consistency and preparedness play a big role in determining how quickly progress is made. While we strive to create a clear plan for each student, flexibility is often necessary to accommodate individual needs such as additional time needed to become proficient in a needed skill.

We have general guidelines for the amount of time required for each course. We all come with varied levels of natural aptitude for subject matter and learning to fly is no exception. Unlike traditional higher education courses, standards for pilot certification are governed by federal law and not negotiable. There are no opportunities to turn in extra credit for a better grade as students must complete lessons to the prescribed standards. It is common to repeat a lesson to meet proficiency requirements for a given task.

If progress feels slower than expected, consider:

• Lesson Preparation: Is your child reviewing materials and practicing as recommended?
• Frequency of Lessons: Regular flight lessons are crucial to building skills and retaining knowledge.
• Weather and Other Variables: Some delays, like weather, are going to create extended timeframes, especially in the Pacific Northwest.

We genuinely want all students to succeed on time and budget so we have developed tools to help monitor progress. Check our Progress Tracking page for tips on how to get the most from every flight lesson.

The majority of training costs cover aircraft rental and flight instruction. Estimated costs are available by course within the course catalog. Our curriculum is designed to minimize these costs while providing the flexibility to be adaptable to each student's needs. Here are some tips to minimize cost and ensure the greatest training value possible. 

Learn on the Ground, then Practice in the Airplane: The airplane is a challenging learning environment. Especially during early stages of training, it can create sensory overload while trying to focus on the task at hand. Whether learning radio communications, a new maneuver, or checklist procedures, new material should be introduced during preflight briefings to ensure a solid understanding. This understanding is then often applied in a simulator (at a lower cost than an airplane) where the instructor has the ability to pause, reset, and practice until the student demonstrates an adequate level of application. The task is then reviewed in the aircraft to gain proficiency in a real-world environment. Students often want to skip right to the airplane - because that is where all the fun occurs! Sticking to the building block approach, however, is proven to expedite the learning process while saving significant expense.

Take Ownership: Flight instructors will provide direct feedback and guidance on performance while sharing resources students may find useful, but nothing an instructor can do will replace a student's willingness to put in the work and learn. Students must take ownership of their own success and participate in the learning process through preparation and study. Students should self-assess and solicit feedback from their instructor on areas of improvement. Performance is documented for each lesson to provide a transparent record of progress which your child can share with you.

Several scholarships and financing options exist to help your child achieve their goals. Visit our Scholarship & Financing Page for more information.

NeedleNine, our online training management system, includes detailed information on training records and accounting.  Due to security and privacy, Rainier Flight does not share access to anyone but the client.  However, your child can provide their login credentials so you can see in real-time all training records and detailed accounting. Questions should be directed to the student's instructor or contact the front desk, if there are concerns.

The pilot shortage that has developed over the past decade has created a wealth of opportunities for aspiring aviators. The retirement of a significant portion of the current pilot workforce has left vacancies not only in major airlines but also in regional carriers, cargo operations, and corporate aviation. This shortage is expected to persist for years and support job stability for newly qualified pilots. Review this detailed Boeing Pilot Outlook for current industry forecast.

Pilots are among the highest-paid professionals in the transportation sector. While starting salaries at regional airlines or smaller operations may be modest, pilots at major airlines enjoy six-figure salaries, with many earning even more as they gain seniority.  In addition, employers offer excellent benefits including health, retirement and profit sharing incentives.  If you are curious to learn about compensation and benefit details for specific airlines, Airline Pilot Central consolidates current information including base and fleet forecasts.

Pilots consistently report high levels of job satisfaction, driven by the unique nature of their work. The combination of technical skills, problem-solving, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with mastering complex machinery is deeply rewarding. Beyond that:

• Adventure and Variety - No two days are the same, with opportunities to visit new destinations and experience different cultures.
• Prestige and Responsibility - Pilots are entrusted with the safety of their passengers, making the profession both highly respected and fulfilling.
• Community and Camaraderie - Many pilots describe the profession as joining a close-knit community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for aviation.

Of course others may disagree.  Common reasons for leaving the profession including the lack of agency for time/schedule and days off, especially early in career in seniority-based environments like the airlines. This may include many nights spent in a hotel and related lifestyle tradeoffs with a current mandatory retirement age for US airlines at 65 years old. If your child has the adventures of flight in their blood, these may not be compelling, but they are considerations worthy of exploring before investment.

Many parents wonder how their child's dream of flying fits into potential college plans, especially right after high school. Unlike many high-paying professions, becoming a professional pilot does not require a four-year degree. While some airlines may prefer or require one, there are multiple pathways to a successful aviation career, both with or without a degree.

Even for those who choose to pursue higher education, our experience says that you're not likely to go wrong starting with your private pilot as soon as they're ready, even in the latter years of high school itself. Doing so can help to solidify the decision to pursue flying and generally to do so at a better price point than obtaining that rating through a university. In terms of college selection, it is very possible to train as a pilot while attending college or even launch a flying career while completing an online degree. In fact, many pilots earn degrees in business, engineering, or other fields—both to broaden their knowledge and to have a backup career option in case of unforeseen medical restrictions that could impact their ability to fly.

For others, they may want to attend a university and receive a degree in aviation or a related field. You'll find no shortage of articles and organizations that will rank colleges that offer aviation related degrees so it's worth doing your research and reviewing timing and selection criteria closely; remember, that may include criteria that require a private pilot rating in advance. One key advantage of an accredited aviation degree is the ability to qualify for airline employment with fewer flight hours. A Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate allows pilots to work for airlines with:

• 1,000 flight hours (with a 4-year degree)
• 1,250 flight hours (with a 2-year degree)
• 1,500 flight hours (standard ATP, no degree required)

However, since most students complete flight training in under 300 hours, there is still a significant gap—typically 700+ hours—that must be filled before reaching airline minimums. Most pilots build these hours working as flight instructors or charter pilots, and the difference between R-ATP and unrestricted ATP requirements usually amounts to about six months of additional flying experience.

Ultimately, there is no single “best” path—each aspiring pilot must decide what works best based on their goals, circumstances, and resources. Rainier Flight Service is here to help you explore your options and determine the right course for your aviation journey.