Have you ever had the desire to drive down to your local airport, hop in a plane and fly off into the wild blue yonder? Maybe you can! Becoming a private pilot gives you the ability to do just that. If you have ever considered the possibility of learning to fly, you may have wondered how to get a pilot license.
The Easiest Way To Become A Pilot
The easiest way to become a pilot is by going down to your local airport and paying a Certified Flight Instructor(CFI) to guide you through the process of learning to fly and getting your license.
You’ll need a minimum of 40 hours of flight time to become a private pilot in the US. You’ll also need to get an FAA medical certificate, pass the private pilot knowledge test, and pass the private pilot practical exam which consists of an oral test and flight test.
What Is A Private Pilot?
A private pilot is someone who can fly privately, meaning they cannot get paid to fly like a commercial pilot can. In other words, as a private pilot you can fly an airplane with passengers in it, but you can’t get paid for your services as a pilot. So for example, if your goal is to own your own plane and use it to fly yourself, your family, or friends somewhere for a weekend getaway, then all you need is a private license.
What Can You Do With a Private Pilot License?
You’re pretty much allowed to fly any aircraft that you’re rated to fly, take passengers along with you, and you can even fly at night. You can share the expenses of the flight with your passengers and this is often a good way to do some flying at a cheaper rate. A private pilot can also use an airplane as transportation for another business. Examples of this would be a doctor who periodically flies in to a remote village to offer medical services, or a real estate agent who uses an airplane to show clients an aerial view of the property. In order to fly above 18,000 feet above sea level and in certain weather conditions, you would need to have an instrument rating.
Signing up For Lessons At A Local Flight School
Signing up for lessons at a local flight school is very simple. You can usually just walk in and sign up for lessons and you’ll be assigned a flight instructor who will guide you through the process of getting your private pilot’s license. I would recommend that you take an introductory training flight before you sign up for lessons — this allows you to get a general feel for the school, the instructor, the scheduling process, and their available facilities . You are paying for this, so unless you are in a remote area with only one choice, you should choose the school you like best!
Different Types of Flight Training
There are two main types of flight instruction in the United States. One operates under Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 61 and the other operates under FAR Part 141. You may hear them referred to as a “Part 141 Flight School” or “Part 61 Flight Instruction”. Part 61 schools are less formal and many of the “mom & pop” flight schools at local airports are run under these rules. If you join a large flight school, especially those that are attached to a University or are a large school that has locations all over the country, then you’ll most likely be attending a Part 141 school. You will get the same pilot licenses through either kind of instruction.
Part 141 Schools
Part 141 schools are mainly geared towards training professional pilots who may want to train full time. They are more highly regulated and must have training plans that have been submitted, reviewed and approved by the FAA. Students can complete flight certificates in less hours if the school has been approved to allow it. These schools are not always available at your local airport, and may not be flexible enough for someone who just wants to get a private pilot’s license.
Part 61 Flight Training
Flight training that takes place outside of a Part 141 school is covered under Part 61. Most flying clubs, flight schools at local airports, and independent flight instructors will be working under Part 61 rules. These regulations are the most flexible and are better for part time students who won’t be flying on a regular schedule. The flight instructor has a lot more flexibility to tailor the curriculum to individual student’s needs. Part 61 may require more hours to complete the flight training, but if you’re flying part time it will probably take more time anyway. But whether you learn at a more rigid Part 141 school or go the more flexible Part 61 route, you will have to pass the same tests and will end up with the same flight privileges.
What About Ground School?
Some flight schools or flying clubs will offer a formal ground school where you sit in a class once or twice a week and learn all the things you need to know as a private pilot. But more often, if you’re learning to fly under Part 61, you’ll purchase a home study course and then supplement your learning by asking your flight instructor to explain things. There are many good online home study courses available that will help you learn what you need to know.
What Tests Does a Private Pilot Have to Take?
There are two main tests that you’ll need to take to become a private pilot. There is a written test consisting of multiple-choice questions, and then there is the practical test or check ride as it’s commonly called. Online ground schools will prepare you pretty well for the written test, and most of these courses provide an endorsement which allows you to take the private pilot written exam. The practical test or check ride will consist of an oral test and a flight test. Your flight instructor must certify that you are ready for the test. The oral test can include direct questions from the FAA designated flight examiner as well as a demonstration of your skills in planning a cross country flight. Your flight instructor will prepare you well for your check ride and will likely spend time quizzing you on the things you’re most likely to be asked during the oral exam. The flight test will consist of demonstrating flight maneuvers that you will have practiced over and over with your flight instructor.