Step 1: Private Pilot training

April 17, 2008 · Filed Under Aviation Related · 1 Comment 

Flight training can be one of the most enjoyable experiences one can have in their life. Once you take a demo flight, one of two things will happen; either you are hooked for life, or it’s just not for you. If you decide to pursue aviation as a career or hobby, a Private Pilot certificate is the first step. If your dream is to fly a military fighter, then having flight hours will be a necessity. Once you start flying lessons you will experience challenges. I’ve seen many stop flying altogether when they realize that airplanes don’t really fly themselves, at least not at this stage of the game. After your first few lessons, your instructor will start to evaluate you on your pattern work and ability to land the airplane. Once he or she feels like you are comfortable and capable, the fun begins!

A major thing will happen somewhere in between starting your first lesson and earning your Private pilot certificate. Soloing an airplane for the first time is a major milestone in one’s life! The feeling you get when you land an airplane for the first time is worth a thousand words. The confidence gained through this experience will thrust you towards the check ride.

Requirements for Private Pilot:

  1. You must be at least 17 years of age.
  2. You must be able to read, speak, write, and converse fluently in English.
  3. You must obtain at least a third class medical certificate (or a driver’s license for sport pilot) and student pilot certificate.
  4. You must pass the pilot knowledge test with a score of 70% or better. All FAA tests are administered at FAA-designated computer testing centers (Lasergrade or CATS).
  5. The sport pilot knowledge test includes of 40 multiple-choice questions selected from the FAA’s sport pilot test bank.
  6. The private pilot knowledge test includes of 60 multiple-choice questions.
  7. You must undergo flight training. Many of the lessons will require more than one flight to make you comfortable and proficient.
  8. For a private pilot certificate issued under Part 61 of the federal aviation regulations, you must receive a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, including a minimum of 10 hours of solo (i.e., by yourself) flight time in an airplane.
  9. As an alternative to Part 61 training, you may enroll in an FAA-certificated pilot school that has an approved private pilot certification course (airplane).
    1. These schools are known as Part 141 schools because they are authorized by Part 141 of the Federal Aviation Regulations.
    2. The Part 141 course must consist of at least 35 hours of ground training and 35 hours of flight training.
    3. There is little difference between Part 61 training and Part 141 training, except that a Part 61 course has more flexibility to adjust to your individual needs.
  10. You must successfully complete a practical (flight) test, which will be given as a final exam by an FAA-designated pilot examiner.

This may seem like a lot, but the average from 0 hours to Private Pilot (35 or 40 hrs) is approximately three to four months, but I’ve seen it done in three weeks if you are able to fly at least two lessons a day. I wouldn’t recommend it however.
The day of your check ride, you will be nervous. After all, this is what you worked so hard to get to. Stay calm and confident and everything will go well. On the day of my check ride, my examiner told me that “It’s okay to be nervous. If you aren’t nervous I’d be afraid.” I was glad to hear that because I was almost shaking! You’ll find that more often than not, the examiner does most of the talking and will ask you questions during a story of his.
If the examiner is convinced you know what you should (hint: study the ASA oral exam guide) then you will proceed to the flying portion. Fly exactly as you were doing with the instructor. It’s okay to make a mistake, but stay focused and don’t give up. Again, if the examiner feels certain that you are safe he will approve your pilot certificate! You will never forget the day you carry your first passenger.

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