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Learning to fly
What is
involved in becoming a pilot?
Firstly you'll
need to FAA-designated Medical Examiner and get a third class medical
certificate. The medical certificate will eventually become your student pilot
certificate. Check
Aviation Medical Examiners
for a list of medical examiners in your area
The training can
be accomplished in your own aircraft, if you own one. Most people will want to
become a member of the West Valley Flying Club to gain access to the fleet of
over 75 aircraft. For information on WVFC, check out
West Valley Flying
Club
During the pre-solo phase of your training, you'll learn how to perform the
basic maneuvers. Then you'll learn how to land the airplane under varying wind
conditions. When you're ready, I'll get out of the plane and you'll do your
first solo flight!
The second phase of your training will focus on evaluating weather, planning
cross-country trips, and various methods of navigation. After doing
cross-country trips together, you'll plan and fly several cross-country trips
all by yourself.
The last phase of training will prepare you to take the private pilot practical
test with an FAA-designated pilot examiner.
Federal regulations require you to log a minimum of 40 hours before you can
apply to become a private pilot, but the national average is 60 to 90 hours.
You'll need to enroll in a ground school or do your own self-study program to
prepare for a FAA knowledge test. The knowledge test should be completed prior
to doing solo cross-country flights. See
14 CFR part 61.83 Eligibility requirements for student pilots and
14 CFR part 61.103 Eligibility requirements : General for more information
on student and private pilot requirements and regulations.
How long will it take?
If you fly 2 or 3 times a week, you can expect to be ready for your private
pilot practical test in 6 to 8 months.
How much will it cost?
Each lesson typically involves 1 hour of flight instruction and 1 hour of ground
instruction for a total of about $170, including fuel. In total, plan to spend
between $6000 to $9000 to become a private pilot.
Is flying safe?
Like all things in life, flying carries with it certain risks. A big part of
your pilot training will involve learning to recognize and manage risk. With
proper training and procedures, flying can be both fun and safe.
Basic requirements :
- Read, speak, and understand English.
- Be at least 17 years of age.
- At age 16 you can fly solo.
- Obtain at least 40 hours of
aeronautical experience (flight time).
- At least 20 hours of this must be
flight training from a CFI (Certified Flight Instructor).
- At least 10 hours of solo fight are
required.
- Obtain an FAA Medical Certificate.
- A Private Pilot needs to obtain a
"Third Class" medical certificate.
- The medical certificate is not
required until you start flying solo.
- Pass a written test.
- You'll need to score 70% or better
on a computerized FAA written test.
- The written test is not required
until you take the practical test.
- Pass a practical test.
- A DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner)
will give you an oral test and a flight test.
- The content of the test is precisely
specified by the FAA in a small booklet entitled "Private Pilot
Practical Test Standards".
Click here for
Aviation Medical Examiners
Click here for
West Valley Flying Club
Questions ? contact us at:
plong@outback-aviation.com
or (408) 406 7370
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