Expert: David Bidwell - 10/8/2007

Question
 My question is, is there any classes or training I can take before college to learn how to fly or to teach me about planes that would pre-pair me for the classes I will take in college? I want to be a commercial airline pilot. I live in Decatur, Il. It's about 30 minutes away from Springfield, Il. Ive tried to find flight schools for kids but i can't find any. Do you know of any near where I live? I'm a junior in high-school so anything you can find that would make it easier for me to understand the classes I will take in college would be great, and if you have any advice for me on how to become a pilot I would appreciate it very much.
                                      Wesley

Answer
Hi Wesley,
First off, you can train at any age!  Your local flight school can train you and you can obtain your Private Pilot certificate by age 17.  You should probably start at 16 which is when you can get your Student Certificate.  With this out of the way your college (providing it is an aviation college) can move you on to your Instrument rating and then your Commercial.  As a side note, if you can take Earth Science and or Physics in High School go for it (especially Meteorology, weather).
Good Luck,
Dave