Learning to Fly

Welcome future aviators!

Embarking on the journey to become a pilot is an exhilarating adventure that opens up the skies for exploration and adventure. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates pilot certification in the United States under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 61. Specifically, these regulations are described in Subpart E of Part 61. This post is intended to provide a high level description of the process for earning your FAA Private Pilot Certificate, providing insights into the requirements, training, and examinations involved. 

Generally, Part 61 outlines the certification of pilots, flight instructors, and ground instructors. To obtain a Private Pilot Certificate (like most other certificates), candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria, complete the necessary training, and pass both a written and practical test.

Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible for a private pilot certificate, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Age: You must be at least 17 years old (solo flight is permissible for student pilots after age 16). Note that this is not to say you cannot start flight lessons prior to age 16. There is no minimum age to begin flight training and the ideal age depends on the individual. Some student pilots solo on their 16th birthday, while others may solo closer to their 60th birthday!

2. Language: Proficient in English.

3. Medical Certificate: Obtain at least a third-class medical certificate from an FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner. 

Ground School and Knowledge Test:

1. Ground School: The first step in your training is to complete a ground school course. This can be done with a certified flight instructor, ground instructor, flight school, an aviation college, a self-study program, or online. Ground school covers required topics such as aerodynamics, weather, navigation, regulations, and more.

2. Knowledge Test: Following completion of a ground school program, you'll need to pass the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test. This multiple choice, computer-based exam assesses your understanding of the theoretical aspects of flying.

Flight Training:

1. Minimum Flight Hours: Part 61 requires a minimum of 40 flight hours, with at least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight time. Note that although only 40 hours are required by law, very few are ready/able to pass the practical exam after 40 hours, due either to student aptitude or other factors (weather, maintenance, student/examiner/instructor availability, etc). Prospective students should plan for anywhere from 50-70 hours.

2. Training Areas: Training will cover various maneuvers, navigation exercises, emergency procedures, night flying, basic instrument flying, and cross-country flying. The goal is to ensure you are proficient in controlling the aircraft during any scenario in which you would be legally permitted to fly once you receive your certificate.

Practical Test ("the checkride"):

Once your flight instructor determines you are ready, you'll undergo a practical test, commonly known as a "checkride". This test includes both an oral examination and a flight test. For a flat rate fee (varies by location), an FAA-designated pilot examiner (or "DPE") will assess your knowledge, decision-making skills, and flying abilities. Think of this like a more in-depth version of the test required to receive a driver's license.

In aviation, checkrides are just a fact of life. Fortunately, although they can be quite stressful for applicants, most students pass on their first attempt. Furthermore, most instructors take pride in only recommending applicants that are ready to both pass the checkride AND to safely and competently exercise the privileges of their forthcoming certificate.

How much will it cost?

Costs vary widely depending on various factors, such as local rental pricing, fuel costs, and instructor rates. These factors vary so much that it is difficult to even provide a realistic range. However, the total cost is likely in the low five figures. Aviation is no doubt an expensive pursuit, but there are ways to save money in the long run by following a few simple rules.

1. Have a plan and goal in mind: It's perfectly OK to try a few lessons and see if flying is right for you. But once you decide to go for a pilot certificate, commit to it! Work with your instructor to develop a schedule that works for you, ideally meeting/flying multiple times per week. Avoid taking extended time away from flying to prevent skill atrophy that might require retraining.

2. Find a reputable instructor: There are a lot of instructors out there. Unfortunately, some of them may be more concerned with the number of hours in their logbooks than they are with your success. Find someone that you connect with and who is as committed to your success as you are, and if they aren't a good fit, find someone else! 

3. Do your homework: Preparation for every meeting with your instructor is absolutely essential. If they tell you to read or review something ahead of time. Do it. The cockpit is a very difficult place to learn something for the first time with no preparation. Always be ready for that next activity and never hesitate to let your instructor know when you have questions. Chair flying, visualization, practicing flows in the cockpit while the aircraft is parked, or just reviewing maneuvers with your instructor are all great ways to prepare ahead of time that will enhance your ability to perform required tasks in flight.

Other tips and recommendations:

Feeling overwhelmed by the process? This is completely understandable. The private pilot certificate is achievable for most individuals who put in the time and effort, and although aviation is certainly expensive, great pilots come from all walks of life. Here are a few tips to help set yourself up for success:

1. Get your medical certificate as early as possible in the process. Medical certification can take time especially if you have a complex medical history or current medical conditions. Though certain conditions CAN be disqualifying, many things can be handled with either a Special Issuance, Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA), or simply restrictions on your certificate. Furthermore, these special circumstances usually require additional time, review, and documentation for approval. 

2. Brush up on study strategies. It may have been a while since you've been in school, and that's OK! While there are technical topics to learn (and a mild bit of math/physics), the practical applications to flying make things fun and generally easy to learn. That said, things like chair flying, flashcards, self-quizzing, and consistency in studying a little every day can be very helpful in the long run.

Get Started Today!

Earning your Private Pilot Certificate is a challenging but rewarding journey. If you're interested to learn more, contact us today to get started!