Some will want to learn for a career, while others will learn to add another skill to their portfolio. But before anyone chooses to take the significant step of joining a flying school, there are a number of issues which need to be considered . . . and without knowing the right questions to ask, some people might actually end up making the wrong decisions.

The Pilot Training College of Ireland (PTC) is one of Europe's most professional JAA-approved Pilot Training Colleges, approved for pilot training under JAR-FCL by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). It has been training pilots since Ireland's accession to JAR (The Joint Aviation Regulations in Europe) in 2000, and is the market leader for ab initio training in Ireland.

With college headquarters based at the main airport terminal building in Waterford Airport, PTC is a quality training college focused on providing the optimum in training and facilities for its students. It operates a modern and well-maintained fleet of aircraft and is training up to 150 students from 25 countries. To date, graduate pilots have been placed in some of Europe's most successful airlines such as Aer Lingus, Aer Arann, Ryanair, easyJet, Club 328, JetClub, Cityjet and Westair.

But, in order for potential pilots to be able to make the best decisions regarding their flight school, PTC Chief Flight Instructor (CFI) Capt.

Mike Edgeworth has suggested a number of questions which he feels should be asked by any prospective student pilot looking to begin their training.

How easy is it to learn to fly?

"Most people can learn to fly, " said Edgeworth. "There are a number of different options available to students but most of all it is important that you chose carefully the right training college. Ultimately if you want to work for a European airline , it is highly recommended that you chose a European based JAR certified flight training organisation."

How important is it to do a Pilot Skills and Aptitude Assessment?

"It is critical that you complete an assessment, which involves both a computer based aptitude test and a practical skills test in the air with a qualified JAA Instructor" said Captain Kyle Johnston, former Aer Lingus pilot and now PTC Chief Ground Instructor. "PTC has developed a highly sophisticated and unique testing method that enables you to evaluate your personal training abilities before enrolling on the 14 month Airline Pilot Training Program."

What are the benefits of training in Ireland?

"Ireland offers freely available airspace, variable weather with no extreme conditions, accessible airports with special training facilities and special training charges, no VAT on training, and all required instrument navigation facilities, " explained Edgeworth. "In addition, while studying at home, students enjoy the support of friends and family as they focus on the critical components of their intensive training modules."

What are the job prospects for your graduates?

Job prospects for graduate pilots are better now than they have been for several years due to a pending world shortage of qualified pilots.

It is important, when choosing a flying training school, that you look at the schools list of graduates and where their graduates are employed. PTC graduates fly with Aer Lingus, Aer Arann, Ryanair, CityJet, Air Asia, West Air, Club 328, Jet Club and easyJet.

Is learning to fly safe?

"Yes, it's absolutely safe, " said Edgeworth. "The most important part of choosing a Pilot Training College is to arrange a visit where you can experience the training facilities first hand. The Pilot Training College operates to an exceptionally high standard of aircraft maintenance. With an in-house maintenance facility, state of the art computerised scheduling system where preventative maintenance is scheduled well in advance, safety is always the first priority."

A measure of the quality of training available at the Pilot Training College of Ireland is the success that PTC alumni have enjoyed over the years. For example, Trevor Clarke from Dundalk began working for Aer Arann immediately after his graduation in December 2005, and, in February 2007, he joined easyJet.

To mark his success, Trevor was awarded the much-coveted PTC Pilot of the Year Award for 2006.

"My aviation career has moved at an unbelievably fast rate since I graduated from PTC, " he said. "I know that this is in no small part due to the very thorough and professional tuition I received during my time there."