subject: How To Get A Pilot's License [print this page] So you want to be a pilot? That's great! If you are 17 years old and have no health issues, then it's quite possible to get yourself a private pilot license. With this basic license, you will be able to fly any single engine aircraft and even carry passengers. This license is also the stepping stone to further licenses that allow you to pilot more advanced airplanes.
Step By Step:
- First of all, you'll need to be at least 17 years old. You also need to be able to speak, read and understand English at a fluent level. English is used by airports and air traffic control towers all across the world, so it really is essential.
- Next thing to do is to find out about the aviation schools in your area. You can check with local airports or do a search online for this information.
- Now you will need to enroll on a course at a licensed flight school. Generally, these schools charge around $3,000 or $4,000 for flight training and ground school services.
- All potential pilots need to undergo a health evaluation before they can qualify as a private pilot. You will need to obtain a special certificate from a doctor who is qualified to perform aviation medical assessments before starting your flying lessons. Usually the flight school should be able to recommend someone to you.
- Before getting into the cockpit, you'll need to complete your ground school classes, which can take from three to five weeks.
- At the end of your ground school course, you will be required to take (and pass!) the FAA written test. This test, which you can take either at an FAA test center or with a licensed test provider, involves 100 multiple choice questions.
- Now the fun really starts! You will need to complete a minimum of forty hours actual flight time, sitting with an instructor next to you. For this, the school provides the plane.
- Once you have completed your forty hours and your instructor feels you are ready, it's time to take your first solo flight, without anyone on board except yourself!
- Now for the final test - The "check ride". This involves an FAA examiner asking you some questions before accompanying you onboard a flight, where he will monitor your skills and assess your abilities.
- Finally, should you pass the last test, you will be handed your private pilot license, along with something called a visual flight rating. With this license, you are now able to fly single engine planes by yourself, to anywhere you want, at any time of day or night, so long as there is good visibility.
