subject: Are You Considering South Florida Private Pilot Flight Training? [print this page] The private pilot license (or private pilot certificate) is a license permitting the holder to pilot an aircraft privately rather than for pay. A person with a private pilot license is permitted to do most of the things a commercial pilot does, except for flying for pay. Private pilots may earn ratings and endorsements that allow them to fly multi-engine planes and jets. Private pilots may fly cross-country and may fly to other countries. They are allowed to carry passengers and fly at night. Private pilots who have earned their FAA instrument rating can fly in weather conditions that pilots without an instrument rating cannot.
The Basics for Obtaining a Private Pilot License
To obtain a private pilot license, you have to be at least 17 years old (though you may begin training at an earlier age), and you must be fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English. Private pilots must obtain an FAA medical certificate showing that they are physically fit to fly, and they must have at least 40 hours of in-flight training. Those pursuing a private pilot license have to have at least 20 hours of flight training with an authorized flight instructor, and they must have at least 10 hours of solo flying time. Before obtaining a private pilot license, the student pilot must pass an oral exam and a flight test.
Getting Your Instrument Rating
Your instrument rating qualifies you to fly under Instrument Flight Rules, or IFR. Getting an instrument rating requires instruction beyond what you need to obtain your private pilot's license. Procedures specific to instrument flying, along with instruction in meteorology and in-flight instrument training are all required, and you're also required to pass a written exam and a check ride. Obtaining your instrument rating allows you to fly in meteorological conditions you can't fly in otherwise. Also, flights operating at higher altitudes must be done under Instrument Flight Rules.
What to Expect from Your Training Program
When you choose a South Florida private pilot flight training program, you should tour the facilities and see what kind of classrooms, ground training, and study facilities are available to you. Find out about the program's fleet, including what types of aircraft they have and how often they are inspected. But more importantly, find out about the instructors and speak with other students. Flight training by necessity involves a certain amount of one-on-one instruction, and it is important that you choose a training program run by instructors you are comfortable with and have confidence in.
Don't Settle for Less than the Best South Florida Pilot Training
Earning a private pilot's license is a big achievement, and it requires an investment of time, effort, and money. That's why you should choose the South Florida pilot training program that offers you the most for your investment. Beyond facilities and planes, find out whether the flight training program you're considering includes the personal attention necessary to help you become the pilot you want to be and the option to continue your training to get your instrument rating if you so choose.
