7 Steps to Become a Private Pilot

Do you dream of flying almost any type of aircraft and traveling virtually anywhere? The life of a private pilot can be exciting, but you first need to be eligible for flying lessons and meet the requirements. Here are seven basic steps to take for becoming a pilot, along with our aviation services for pilots and travelers.

1. MEET THE ELIGIBILITY AND EXAM REQUIREMENTS

First, you must meet the requirements to be eligible for becoming a private pilot. As for age requirements, you have to be at least age 17. However, to fly balloons or gliders, you can be 16. Also, you must be able to speak as well as read and comprehend the English language.

You must successfully finish the requirements for flight training and pass the private pilot knowledge test. Finally, applicants are required to pass what’s known as a practical exam, consisting of both a flight test and a verbal exam.

2. GET A CERTIFICATE FOR A STUDENT PILOT

There are three ways you can get your student pilot certificate.

  • The option most people choose is to obtain their certificate for a student pilot at the same time that they have their appointment for their medical exam. Once you complete a successful medical exam, you can receive a document that serves as both a medical exam and a student pilot certificate.
  • Another way is to submit an application at the FSDO (FAA Flight Standards District Office) for your certifications. This application is given to an FAA examiner.
  • A third option is submitting the student pilot application to an FAA examiner. This is the least common choice.

3. SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE AND PASS A THIRD-CLASS OR HIGHER MEDICAL CERTIFICATE

Before you’re allowed to do any solo flying, you first need to pass at least a third-class medical examination. Since solo flight often occurs considerably quicker than most people believe it does, don’t procrastinate in getting your medical exam. You need to hold a third-class medical certificate that is current and is issued by the FAA.

4. GET A HIGHLY QUALIFIED FLYING INSTRUCTOR AND TAKE AN EXAM

The next step is finding a good flight school or flying instructor. Find out if your local airport offers flying lessons. But if they don’t, then ask people working at the terminal.

There are some flying instructors and flight schools that require you to pass the FAA Written Exam for Private Pilots before you can even get into a plane. On the other hand, other schools allow you to fly while studying for the test at home. The exam has to be successfully completed before taking your final flight for your private pilot certificate. It’s a good idea to take the exam at the onset because you’ll be more knowledgeable.

5. BEGIN FLYING AND LEARN THE BASIC FLIGHT MANEUVERS

Now you get to start flying! Consider that you need to have to fulfill the requirements for flight experience, such as the basic flight maneuvers. Students are required to have 10 hours or more in order to solo fly.

You’ll learn how to take off, land, turn, climb and descend. Your main focus will be knowing how to properly land your aircraft. You’ll learn about how to do basic emergency processes, such as radio communications. Once you’ve made your initial solo flight, you can start working on some cross-country flights.

6. PASS THE CHECK RIDE

After fining-turning your flight skills, you’re ready to take the final exam or what’s known as the check ride. This is made up of both a verbal and flight exam and can range from two hours to six hours. The first part of the exam is typically the ground portion, which is about 30 minutes to a couple of hours. Once you pass this, you do the flight part, lasting from one to two hours.

7. PAY AND GET A TEMPORARY CERTIFICATE

After passing the practical portion of the test, your examiner helps you complete all the needed paperwork. You pay a fee, and your examiner gives you your temporary license. Your official private pilot license will come later in the mail.

Questions? For more information on our wide range of aviation services for both pilots and travelers, contact us. At Saker Aviation Services we offer aviation and charter services for business and private jets and aircraft.

↑