How can I get a good feel for what it’s like to fly small aircraft?

Our Discovery Flight Experiences offer a concise “trial” of what it’s like to fly general aviation aircraft to see if it’s right for you.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Pilot?

This varies from person to person and can take 4 weeks up to 6 months for private training and each subsequent rating. The key to success is consistent training and flying.

What does it cost to become a Pilot?

This all depends on the certificate and rating you’re looking to achieve and proficiency at flight. Cost is associated with the time it takes for you to become proficient. Most Private Pilots can expect to budget $15-$20K to obtain their certificate.

Flying Magazine has created an excellent article here with more information:

https://www.flyingmag.com/guides/private-pilot-license-cost/

Steps to Becoming a Pilot

In our experience, these are the exact steps you’ll need to follow to become a pilot.

1. Select a flight school to do your training.

2. Obtain a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd class medical certificate.

3. Begin training with a flight instructor to learn the basics of flying.

4. Concurrently study for the FAA private pilot written exam.

5. Take the written exam.

6. Complete all of your flight training and get signed off by your flight instructor to take your check ride.

7. Pass the FAA check ride and you are officially a private pilot.

What are the differences between flight schools?

When learning how to become a pilot, one of the biggest things to consider when choosing a flight school is deciding if you need a Part 141 or Part 61 program.

Part 141 and Part 61 are two different regulations under which flight instruction can be completed. Any flight instructor can train under Part 61, whether or not they are associated with a flight school. We believe a structured Part 61 program provides flexibility for trainees at all levels.

Training under Part 141 regulations on the other hand can only be completed at schools approved by the FAA. They often have a strict tuition and schedule policy.

The requirements to earn your pilot’s certificate are the same regardless of which training you fall under.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Pilot?

The most basic requirements to earn your pilot’s certificate are first, you must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.

You must also be at least 17 years old to obtain your pilot’s license and log a minimum of 40 hours during your flight training with a certain portion of that being solo time. You also have to pass a FAA knowledge test and a practical exam. However, you can take the FAA knowledge test at 15 years old, and solo fly at 16 years old if you wish to start early.

What is the Medical Certificate?

The medical requirements are perhaps the first hurdle every pilot must pass.

The exam must be performed by an FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner.

There are approximately 6,000 of them across the country so it shouldn’t be too challenging to find one in your area.

There are three different classes of medical certificates.

• First Class is for airline transport pilots

• Second Class is for commercial pilots

• Third Class is for private pilots

You can see the list of conditions that FAA considers disqualifying here. One of the most common dis-qualifiers for a first class medical is being color blind.

What is the FAA Student Pilot Certificate?

The first document to obtain before your first solo flight is your student pilot certificate.

Obtaining your student pilot certificate is often the first step to become a pilot.

Application for this certificate is done through the FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA).

Your flight instructor will assist with this process after your first few lessons and obtaining your Third Class Medical Certificate.

Pilot Certificates, Ratings and Endorsements

There are a number of ratings and endorsements one can pursue depending on your ultimate goals as a pilot. Below is a brief list describing the many options as you pursue your aviation journey.

Certificates

Sport Pilot Certificate

A sport certificate restricts you to specific types of planes. These are known as Light Sport Aircraft. LSA’s

The sport pilot certificate allows you to fly small two-seater sport planes during daylight hours with up to one passenger.

This certificate is ideal if you just want to fly occasionally for fun but aren’t looking to go on long trips or fly as a commercial pilot. It has the lowest minimum required flight time at 20 hours.

This can be a great option for those who cannot obtain a Third Class Medical certificate but would like to enjoy recreational aviation

Private Pilot Certificate

In your steps to become a pilot, the private pilot certificate is where the majority of people begin. This is the fundemental first step in aviation for those looking for future opportunities.

Private pilot certificate(PPL) allows you to fly a small plane with up to 5 passengers. The practical requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight time.

PPL certifies flight using visual flight rules (VFR) or clear of clouds.

Commercial Pilot Certificate

Commercial Pilot Certificate is required to be a pilot for hire. It requires a second-class medical and 250 hours of flight time.

Flight Instructor Certificate(CFI)

Flight Instruction is often the first way many pilots begin their career.

A CFI certificate allows you to train new pilots for their private pilot certificate or existing pilots for their commercial or CFI certificates

CFI requirements include commercial rating, class 3 medical, pass the Fundamentals of Instructing, Flight Instructor FAA knowledge tests, and Practical exam.

Ratings

Ratings are an add-on to your certificate and can allow you to fly in clouds and expand the types of airplanes you are able to fly.

Instrument Rating(IFR)

An instrument rating allows you to fly the aircraft in weather and visibility conditions that are restricted in VFR flight rules. You are rated to follow Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).

The pilot is able to fly in the clouds or in poor visibility conditions. This is the common next step after obtaining your PPL

An instrument rating requires 20 additional hours of training with an instructor.

If you’re about to start your instrument training be sure to take a look at these IFR acronyms you should know.

Multi-Engine Rating (MEL, MES)

A multi-engine rating is another add-on to a private pilot certificate. As the name implies this allows you to fly airplanes with more than one engine.

A career as a pilot often includes the need for this rating

Seaplane Rating (SES, MES)

If you plan on flying a seaplane or floatplane this is a mandatory rating. The only prerequisite for the rating is your private pilot certificate.

Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII)

The CFII certificate is the next step after obtaining CFI.

This rating allows you to train pilots to earn their instrument rating.

Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI)

As a MEI you provide instruction to students who want to earn their multi-engine rating.

To earn your MEI you’ll need time spent on-ground training to ensure you know how to teach pilots pursuing the multi-engine rating.

You’ll also spend time flying in the right seat with an instructor practicing your in-flight teaching abilities.

You must have a commercial pilot certificate and you’ll need to pass a Practical test with an approved FAA Designated Pilot Examiner or an FAA Inspector.

Endorsements

Endorsements are another way to expand the types of airplanes you can fly.

It is a logbook endorsement from an appropriately rated instructor of your abilities to safely operate these aircraft.

Tailwheel Endorsement

Tailwheel aircraft require slightly different handling than the conventional tricycle gear aircraft.

Pilots train to learn how to properly handle the plane through those differences.

Minimum of 5 hours.

Complex Endorsement

A complex airplane is one that has retractable landing gear, movable flaps, controllable-pitch propeller or FADEC controlled engine.

With a complex endorsement, you’ll be prepared to fly any planes with these attributes. These planes require a different set of procedures when flying which you’ll learn as you work with a certified flight instructor.

High-Performance Endorsement

A high-performance airplane has over 200 horsepower.

Most airplanes in which pilots receive their initial training will have less than this, but if you plan on working as a commercial pilot, you’ll likely need this endorsement as well.

High Altitude Endorsement

A high-altitude endorsement prepares you for flying with oxygen and pressurization systems.

Pilots learn the basics of wearing oxygen while flying, oxygen systems used in most aircraft, rapid decompression procedures, and other issues connected to flying at a high altitude