Private Pilot's License

This license will allow you to be a pilot of command of an aircraft. You will be allowed to carry passengers and property (but not for compensation or hire). You will need to follow a specific set of rules (Visual Flight Rules) and stay away from clouds and have visual references at all times.

Steps to get your private pilot's licesnse:

1) Come in for the $49.00 Discovery Flight!!
2) Make sure you are medically fit to become a pilot. The requirements for medical certificates can be found on the FAA's website, link to come.
3) Start your ground and flight training. You will need to master the basic maneuvers, emergency maneuvers, aircraft systems and airport operations before being allowed to fly solo.
4) Receive your medical certificate and student pilot certificate. You must be at least 16 years old for that.
5) Pass a written presolo knowledge test. Note this is different from the aeronautical knowledge test required for your private license.
6) After you can consistently fly the airplane in a safe manner, you will get your solo endorsements. Then, you will be allowed to fly the plane by yourself (with some supervision) but will not be able to carry passengers or go to different airports.
7) The next phase will be navigation and cross country flight planning. We will fly to different airports and you will develop skills required for your first solo cross country flight.
8) When you can safely and accurately navigate, you will get an endorsement for a solo cross country flight. Each such flight will need to be completely planned, reviewed and approved by your flight instructor.
9) You will need to take an FAA knowledge exam. The exam is computerized and administered by independent test vendors LaserGrade or CATS. You will also need an endorsement from your flight instructor before you can take this test.
10) When you have enough experience flying the aircraft and can control it to the tolerances described in the Practical Test Standards, your instructor will endorse you for the final step of your pursuit - the Practical Exam (also known as the checkride).
11) The exam is administered by an FAA designated examiner who charges a fee. The fee varies, but usually is around $250.
12) The practical test consists of the oral portion and the flight portion. During the oral portion, the examiner will check your knowledge and understanding of the federal air regulations, aircraft systems, emergencies, and any other subject covered under practical test standards. If you successfully complete the oral portion, you and the examiner will go flying! You will need to perform the maneuvers described in the practical test standards while navigating, looking for other traffic otherwise ensuring the safety of the flight.
13) Once you pass the test, the examiner will issue you a termporary airman certificate good for 120 days. When FAA receives and processes your paperwork, you will receive your permanent certificate in the mail.
14) Congratulations! Enjoy your "license to learn", and come back for the instrument rating.