Choosing the right airport for flight training can be influenced by the type of flying you envision for yourself. When we talk about a “big airport,” we’re usually referring to Class Charlie airports with control towers, which handle a fair amount of commercial and general aviation traffic. By contrast, smaller, non-towered airports offer a different training experience.
Small, Non-Towered Airports
Example: Porter County Regional Airport
If you plan to fly locally, for leisure, or on short cross-country trips, starting your training at a smaller, non-towered airport might be ideal. At these airports, you don’t need ATC (Air Traffic Control) clearance for taxiing, takeoff, or landing, giving you more flexibility and often a faster pace for takeoff and landing practice. Let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks:
Pros of Learning at a Small, Non-Towered Airport:
- Cost-Effectiveness: With fewer delays, shorter taxi times, and often lower operating costs, training at a smaller airport can be more affordable.
- Reduced Traffic: Traffic is typically light, allowing for quicker access to the runway and less time waiting on the ground or in the pattern.
- Simplified Radio Communication: You communicate primarily with other pilots, not ATC, which can be less intimidating and easier to master at the start.
Cons of Learning at a Small, Non-Towered Airport:
- Limited Exposure to ATC: Since you won’t be interacting with ATC, you may lack the confidence and experience needed to navigate controlled airspace.
- Potential Hesitancy with Larger Airports: Pilots trained solely at smaller airports may feel less comfortable flying into or near busy, controlled airports, which could limit your flying options and destinations.
- Fewer Resources for Diverse Training Needs: Small airports may have limited resources, such as aircraft types or specialized instructors, that larger facilities can offer.
Big, Controlled Airports
Example: Chicago Midway International Airport
If your aspirations include becoming a commercial pilot, making long cross-country flights, or using aviation for business, training at a busier, towered airport can be a smart choice. Here are some pros and cons to keep in mind:
Pros of Learning at a Big, Controlled Airport:
- ATC Communication Proficiency: You’ll gain extensive experience with radio communication, essential for handling ATC instructions accurately and confidently.
- In-Depth Airport Procedure Knowledge: Larger airports expose you to a wider variety of procedures, from ground operations to flight departures and arrivals, enhancing your overall skill set.
- Enhanced Awareness of Airport Signs and Markings: Busy airports feature more complex signage and markings, which you’ll learn to navigate seamlessly—an essential skill for any professional pilot.
- Assisted Aircraft Separation: ATC provides separation guidance, which can be particularly helpful for new pilots learning to navigate in busier airspace.
Cons of Learning at a Big, Controlled Airport:
- Higher Training Costs: Training costs may be higher due to landing fees, additional ATC-related ground time, and longer taxi times, which increase fuel use.
- Longer Wait Times: You’ll often need ATC clearance to taxi, take off, and land, which can lead to longer wait times, especially during peak hours.
- More Complex Air Traffic Patterns: Busier airspace requires a quicker reaction time and adherence to strict air traffic procedures, which can be challenging for beginners.
Final Thoughts
If your primary goal is recreational flying or short cross-country flights, a smaller airport may serve you well and offer cost savings. However, if you have ambitions of flying in controlled airspace or plan to pursue a professional pilot career, training at a larger airport with a control tower can provide invaluable experience. The ideal path for many pilots includes a mix: starting at a smaller airport to gain foundational skills affordably and later transitioning to a busier airport to build advanced communication and procedural skills.
