Pilot Roadmap
This is my actual, real roadmap to becoming a pilot. Not the dream (that's in The Pilot Dream) — this is the operational plan. The tasks, the timelines, the things I'm actively working through right now.
The Goal
Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA). That's the target. One of the best flight training programs in the world, right here in Dubai. Everything on this page is reverse-engineered from "how do I get there?"
In Progress
These are the things I'm actively doing right now:
Academic Prep
- Building a study plan for Math, Physics, and English — the three subjects that matter for aviation
- Using spaced repetition for retention (not just cramming before exams)
- Working through past papers regularly to build exam readiness
- This connects directly to school — I take only the subjects I need for this path
Physical Fitness
- Cardio + strength routine, 3-5 times per week
- Aviation medicals are no joke — they test everything, and I want to be well above the minimum
- This doubles as the foundation for LockIn's push-up philosophy (see Health & Fitness)
- Building consistent habits now so it's second nature by training age
Upcoming
Class 1 Aviation Medical
- Need to book the medical exam — this is the commercial pilot medical, not just a checkup
- Currently gathering: valid ID, passport copies, vaccination records
- This needs to happen 6-12 months before flight school enrollment
- No medical = no flying. Period.
Flight School Comparison
- Comparing 5-7 flight schools on:
- Total costs (tuition, living, equipment)
- Fleet (what planes they train on)
- Weather (year-round flying or seasonal gaps?)
- Instructor-to-student ratio
- Job placement support after graduation
- EFTA is the top choice, but I'm doing the homework on alternatives too
Backlog
These are things I know I need to do but haven't started yet:
Financial Planning
- Create a savings plan and budget for training — flight school is expensive, and I want to fund as much of it myself as possible
- This is where my ventures come in: Simplifly, LockIn, Raly — they're not just projects, they're the funding engine for this dream
- The philosophy: fund it myself through my ventures before turning 18
License Path Mapping
- Map the full path: PPL → CPL → IR/ME and the costs at each stage
- PPL (Private Pilot License) — the fundamentals, solo flying
- CPL (Commercial Pilot License) — what lets you fly for money
- IR (Instrument Rating) — flying by instruments, not just visual
- ME (Multi-Engine) — flying the big stuff
- Each stage has its own cost, timeline, and requirements. I need a detailed spreadsheet.
Real-World Exposure
- Shadow a pilot or attend an open day at a flight school
- Talk to people who've actually been through the process
- Get a feel for the day-to-day reality, not just the dream version
Testing Prep
- Aptitude tests — flight schools have their own entrance exams
- ICAO English proficiency — international aviation standard for English communication
- Radio-telephony skills — you need to communicate clearly with ATC
The Philosophy
Here's what makes this different from most 15-year-olds' career plans: I'm not waiting for someone to hand me this. I'm building the path myself.
Every line of code I write for Simplifly, every event I run for AI + Frnds, every LockIn session — it's all connected to this roadmap. The ventures fund the dream. The building philosophy keeps me shipping. The discipline from fitness and study keeps me ready.
"My goal is to fully fund my flying education at the Emirates Flight Training Academy."
Before 18. Self-funded. No shortcuts.