{"id":312,"date":"2010-02-22T15:26:33","date_gmt":"2010-02-22T20:26:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/daverowe.wpengine.com\/?p=312"},"modified":"2010-03-22T15:51:27","modified_gmt":"2010-03-22T20:51:27","slug":"getting-your-pilot%e2%80%99s-license","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/daverowe.net\/?p=312","title":{"rendered":"Getting your Pilot\u2019s License"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"color: black;\">For a long time I have considered getting my pilot&#8217;s license.\u00a0\u00a0My dad is a licensed pilot and we used to own our own airplane.\u00a0 When we moved to Germany in the early 1980s they sold the plane and planned to buy a new one, but never did.\u00a0 Here is some info I\u00a0found on the process.\u00a0 Maybe one of these days I will actually pursue it.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: black;\"><strong><!--more--><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: black;\"><strong><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">No matter what your ultimate goal in aviation is &#8211; be it recreational flying or a more advanced training program &#8211; you must start by getting a private pilot&#8217;s license. (Word to the wise: technically, pilots hold &#8220;certificates,&#8221; not licenses, to fly, although hardly anyone except the FAA calls them that.) This private license allows a pilot to fly a single-engine airplane under <strong>visual flight rules (VFR)<\/strong>, meaning visibility of at least three miles, as well as at night. A private pilot may carry passengers but may not be paid for doing so, although the pilot can share operating expenses with the passengers.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Once you have earned a private license, you can work toward other certificates: a commercial certificate allows you to be paid for your flying, a flight instructor certificate enables you to teach others, and an airline transport certificate permits you to fly an airliner. You can also add various ratings that allow you pilot multi-engine airplanes, navigate using instruments in bad weather, and fly different aircraft like seaplanes, gliders, helicopters, and balloons. But before you even think about doing that fun stuff, you gotta get your basic private license.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">The prerequisites for a pilot&#8217;s license are simple enough that almost anyone can earn one:<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\"><strong>Medical examination.<\/strong> You must pass the basic medical exam that all applicants are required to undergo, certifying that you meet the medical standards for safely operating an aircraft. This medical exam is so important, that we&#8217;ve devoted the entire next step to it. To cheat and skip ahead, click here.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\"><strong>Language.<\/strong> All applicants for the private license have to be able to read, speak, and understand English (the international language of aviation).<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\"><strong>Age.<\/strong> The FAA says you must be at least 16 years old to fly solo with a student pilot certificate, and 17 years old to get a pilot&#8217;s license. There is no upper age limit, provided that you are healthy enough to pass the basic medical exam discussed above.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\"><strong>Time.<\/strong> It&#8217;s gonna take quite a bit. A private license requires a minimum of <strong>40 hours<\/strong> of <a href=\"http:\/\/www.soyouwanna.com\/site\/syws\/pilot\/pilot.html\" target=\"undefined\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #009f33; text-decoration: underline;\">flight time<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\">, with most student pilots logging closer to 60-80 hours before their final check ride, as well as extra time for study on the ground in preparation for an FAA written test. The length of your training depends in part on whether you want to study full- or part-time. Intensive full-time programs can be completed in as few as two weeks or a month, while a part-time student typically takes between four and six months of flying several times a week.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\"><strong>Money.<\/strong> Again, it&#8217;s gonna take quite a bit. While flying is certainly not restricted to the fabulously wealthy-you can learn to fly on a budget &#8211; it nevertheless is not an inexpensive endeavor. If you <a href=\"http:\/\/www.soyouwanna.com\/site\/syws\/pilot\/pilot.html\" target=\"undefined\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #009f33; text-decoration: underline;\">train<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\"> part-time at a local <a href=\"http:\/\/www.soyouwanna.com\/site\/syws\/pilot\/pilot.html\" target=\"undefined\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #009f33; text-decoration: underline;\">airport<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\">, for example, plan on investing in the range of $3,000 to $5,000, with costs varying widely by region. It is a good idea to consider whether you have the funds to start toward and reach your goal within a reasonable time period. Keep in mind that you do not need to pay for all of your flight training up front. Most training programs let you pay as you go, although you might get a price break by paying for a block of lessons in advance.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\"><strong><a name=\"para2\"><\/a>GET A MEDICAL CERTIFICATE<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">This poke-&#8216;n&#8217;-prodding physical must be conducted by an FAA-designated Airman <a href=\"http:\/\/www.soyouwanna.com\/site\/syws\/pilot\/pilot2.html\" target=\"undefined\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #009f33; text-decoration: underline;\">Medical<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\"> Examiner (AME). You can find one of the 5,000+ AMEs in the US by checking out this <a href=\"http:\/\/ame.cami.jccbi.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #3d62ae; text-decoration: underline;\">search site<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\">. If you&#8217;re lonely and want to actually talk to someone, try calling the Aeromedical Certification Division of the FAA in Oklahoma City at <span style=\"background-color: yellow;\">(405) 954-4821<\/span>.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">If you are in good health, you should have no problem getting your medical certificate. At the exam, you will first be asked to fill out an FAA application and medical history form. The doctor will then check your <a href=\"http:\/\/www.soyouwanna.com\/site\/syws\/pilot\/pilot2.html\" target=\"undefined\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #009f33; text-decoration: underline;\">vision<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\">, hearing, balance, and nose and throat. Finally, the doctor will determine that you do not have any mental or <a href=\"http:\/\/www.soyouwanna.com\/site\/syws\/pilot\/pilot2.html\" target=\"undefined\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #009f33; text-decoration: underline;\">neurological<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\"> problems such as alcoholism, epilepsy, psychosis, or a serious <a href=\"http:\/\/www.soyouwanna.com\/site\/syws\/pilot\/pilot2.html\" target=\"undefined\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #009f33; text-decoration: underline;\">medical condition<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\"> like chronic heart disease or <a href=\"http:\/\/www.soyouwanna.com\/site\/syws\/pilot\/pilot2.html\" target=\"undefined\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #009f33; text-decoration: underline;\">diabetes mellitus<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\">.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">The cost of the exam is not regulated by the FAA, but you can typically expect to be charged between $60 and $75. The third class airman medical certificate, required for a private pilot certificate, is valid for three years for applicants younger than 40, and two years for those 40 and older.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Don&#8217;t panic yet if you happen to have a medical condition (even a serious one); it is still possible for you to get a license. However you then would need to an AME to discuss your options (for instance, you may have to always fly with another licensed pilot present).<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">While you don&#8217;t <em>need<\/em> to have your medical certificate in order to start flight training, we recommend you obtain it early in the process because you will need it once you start to fly solo &#8211; a milestone that comes more quickly than you might think (sometimes after only 10-20 hours of flight training!). Your medical certificate is also your student pilot certificate, a &#8220;learner&#8217;s permit&#8221; that is valid for two years while you work toward a permanent pilot&#8217;s license. Take care this piece of paper &#8211; anyone acting as pilot-in-command (PIC) of an airplane must carry a current and appropriate medical certificate and on each flight.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\"><strong><a name=\"para3\"><\/a>SELECT A FLIGHT SCHOOL AND INSTRUCTOR<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><strong><span style=\"color: black;\">The <a href=\"http:\/\/www.soyouwanna.com\/site\/syws\/pilot\/pilot3.html\" target=\"undefined\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #009f33; text-decoration: underline;\">flight school<\/span><\/strong><span style=\"color: black;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">What, did you think that you were gonna flap your arms real hard? Here&#8217;s how to get started on a search for a good flight school:<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Start by asking around. If you know someone who flies, ask for his or her opinion about flight schools.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Check the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.yellowpages.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #3d62ae; text-decoration: underline;\">Yellow Pages<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\"> under &#8220;Aircraft Schools&#8221; and call for information.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Visit your local general aviation airport. Talk to pilots and personnel of the fixed-base operators there. Don&#8217;t be shy. People who fly usually LOVE to talk about it.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Utilize online resources. Many aviation-related organizations like the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.aopa.org\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #3d62ae; text-decoration: underline;\">Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\"> and the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.eaa.org\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #3d62ae; text-decoration: underline;\">Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\"> have searchable databases that can help you seek out qualified flight schools and instructors in your area. Several <a href=\"http:\/\/www.soyouwanna.com\/site\/syws\/pilot\/pilot3.html\" target=\"undefined\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #009f33; text-decoration: underline;\">flight training<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\"> web sites also exist, like the student pilot network at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ufly.com\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #3d62ae; text-decoration: underline;\">UFly.com<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\">.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Pick of a copy of an aviation publication and page through the ads. AOPA offers six free issues of its <em>Flight Training<\/em> magazine. (Call 1-800-USA-AOPA and request a free subscription.)<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">There are tons of schools and organizations that offer pilot training, ranging from &#8220;dealer&#8221; schools run by general aviation manufacturers, to independent schools offering accelerated courses, to nationally accredited colleges and universities providing four-year <a href=\"http:\/\/www.soyouwanna.com\/site\/syws\/pilot\/pilot3.html\" target=\"undefined\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #009f33; text-decoration: underline;\">degree programs<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\">. Each type of program differs widely in nature. Compare facilities, airplane &#8220;trainers&#8221; used for flight lessons, availability and coverage of insurance, safety standards, and cost and chose the school that best meets your needs and your budget.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">As a general rule, instructors charge $15 to $25 an hour for ground instruction and $20 to $30 per hour for dual instruction in the aircraft. You are also responsible for paying to rent the airplane in which you train. Rental rates for airplanes vary depending on the model, age, and size of the plane you are using, but typically cost between $40 and $75 an hour. One way to reduce the cost of your lessons is to join a local flying club, a group that together owns or leases one airplane, keeping rates lower by renting it to members at cost.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">As you start gathering information on flight school options, you&#8217;ll notice that two basic categories of schools keep coming up: <strong>Part 61<\/strong> and <strong>Part 141<\/strong>. These names refer to the parts of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) under which the schools operate. While both types of school cover essentially the same material in their <a href=\"http:\/\/www.soyouwanna.com\/site\/syws\/pilot\/pilot3.html\" target=\"undefined\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #009f33; text-decoration: underline;\">training programs<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\">, the manner in which they are structured differs.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Schools certified under Part 141 must adhere to an FAA-approved syllabus that specifies the order in which specific skills must be taught.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Part 61 schools ultimately cover the same FAA-approved curriculum, but are more free to adjust the order of topics according to specific factors like the student&#8217;s schedule or weather conditions.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">One other difference is that Part 141 schools have a lower minimum flight time required to earn a private certificate (35 hours instead of the otherwise standard 40). But since the national average for <a href=\"http:\/\/www.soyouwanna.com\/site\/syws\/pilot\/pilot3.html\" target=\"undefined\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #009f33; text-decoration: underline;\">students<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\"> earning a private license is around 60 to 75 hours, this difference is generally not a significant one. For an interesting discussion about getting into a quality flight school, check out this forum at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.airliners.net\/discussions\/general_aviation\/read.main\/2185716\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #3d62ae; text-decoration: underline;\">Airliners.net<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\">.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\"><strong>The instructor<\/strong><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">More important than the category of school you chose is the instructor you decide to work with, so be sure to speak to the instructor(s) at any school you are considering. Don&#8217;t be shy\u2026 you want to know that your teacher has had more than one previous student before you take off. Here are some potential questions:<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Start by asking about his or her aviation background, qualifications, and experience. Your primary instructor should be at least a certified flight instructor (CFI), which means he or she has been through extensive training and must renew the certificate to teach every two years.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Check references and talk to former students.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Request a copy of the course syllabus and discuss how you would schedule lessons.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Ask to have something explained to you, like a technical point of flying, to see if you follow the instructor&#8217;s teaching style. This should be a personal connection, so no one can tell you absolutely what to look for, but keep in mind that a key element should be trust.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">One of the best ways to evaluate an instructor is to take what is known as an introductory flight, offered by most flight schools and many flying clubs. Lasting anywhere from 35 minutes to two hours, this is a relatively inexpensive way to confirm your desire to learn to fly while observing a potential CFI in action and actually beginning your training. After a pre-flight briefing and inspection, don&#8217;t be surprised at being asked to take the left seat (that&#8217;s the seat the pilot sits in). More than simply a scenic flight, this is usually an actual lesson, during which you will get to take off and handle the controls of the aircraft yourself &#8211; under the watchful eye of the instructor, of course. An intro flight can be logged as part of your training, so be sure to take a logbook along for the instructor to sign.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">It&#8217;s important that you feel comfortable with the instructor you select. Remember, you are going to be spending many hours crammed together in the cockpit of a plane, so be confident that you are going to learn a lot, feel safe, and not be driven nuts by his\/her annoying habit of constantly falling asleep while at the wheel\u2026<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\"><strong><a name=\"para4\"><\/a>TRAIN<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Learning to fly has two aspects: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.soyouwanna.com\/site\/syws\/pilot\/pilot4.html\" target=\"undefined\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #009f33; text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>flight training<\/strong><\/span><span style=\"color: black;\">, where you actually get in an airplane and practice various maneuvers, and <strong>ground school training<\/strong>, where you get much of the &#8220;book learning&#8221; you&#8217;ll learn about the principles, procedures, and regulations of flight. Optimally, the two occur simultaneously, with ground school knowledge supplementing practical experience in the sky.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Flight training<br \/>\nGround school training<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\"><strong>Flight training<\/strong><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Lessons usually last about two hours, though actual time in the air is closer to one hour, with pre- and post-flight briefings before and after. We recommend that you schedule at least two <a href=\"http:\/\/www.soyouwanna.com\/site\/syws\/pilot\/pilot4.html\" target=\"undefined\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #009f33; text-decoration: underline;\">flight lessons<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\"> per week (three if possible) &#8211; instructors say that <a href=\"http:\/\/www.soyouwanna.com\/site\/syws\/pilot\/pilot4.html\" target=\"undefined\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #009f33; text-decoration: underline;\">students<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\"> retain more information from lesson to lesson if they take place close together. This doesn&#8217;t mean you have to manage three days a week at the airfield. Many student pilots fly twice on Saturday and once on Sunday, or once each weekend day plus one weekday after work. Just use your brain and figure out what works best with your schedule.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">To earn a private pilot certificate to fly a single-engine airplane, the FAA says you must log:<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">At least 40 hours of flight time.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">At least 20 hours flying with an authorized instructor (dual flight). This must include at least:<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">3 hours of cross-country flight<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">3 hours of night flying, including one cross-country flight of at least 100 nautical miles<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">3 hours of instrument training<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">3 hours of practical test preparation with your instructor<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">At least 10 hours flying cross-country by you (solo flight).<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Once again, these are the minimum time requirements for a private license and most students fly many more hours, depending on ability and flying frequency. The important thing is not how many hours you fly but how much confidence you and your instructor have in your skills and experience. When he\/she feels you are a safe and effective pilot, he\/she will recommend you for your FAA flight test.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\"><strong>Ground school training<\/strong><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Your study will encompass aerodynamics, airport operations, radio communications, aircraft systems, weather theory, weather reports, navigation, physiology, and regulations &#8211; all information that will prepare you to pass a required FAA knowledge test. This is not, however, just information to be learned for a test and then forgotten; it is <strong>vital<\/strong> knowledge you will need in order to perform your duties as a proficient, safe pilot.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Most <a href=\"http:\/\/www.soyouwanna.com\/site\/syws\/pilot\/pilot4.html\" target=\"undefined\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #009f33; text-decoration: underline;\">flight schools<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\"> offer ground school courses or the option of one-on-one instruction with your CFI as training for the knowledge test at a package price of $150-$300, but be aware that there are other (often less expensive) options. Independent ground schools, high schools, community colleges, local universities, and public adult-<a href=\"http:\/\/www.soyouwanna.com\/site\/syws\/pilot\/pilot4.html\" target=\"undefined\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #009f33; text-decoration: underline;\">education programs<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\"> may provide this instruction.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">In addition to a classroom course taught by an instructor, you can also chose to learn on your own in a self-paced study program, utilizing the many videotapes, computerized test preparation software, textbooks, and government-issue study guides and training manuals that are available through your local airport&#8217;s pilot shop, mail-order catalogs, and specialized bookstores.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Whichever way you chose to pursue ground school training, you will need the endorsement of your instructor to take the knowledge test upon its completion.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\"><strong><a name=\"para5\"><\/a>PASS THE KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICAL TESTS<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">To make sure you paid proper attention to your flight and ground school training, the FAA makes you pass <strong>two<\/strong> separate tests before they give you a license to fly.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Knowledge test<br \/>\nPractical test<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\"><strong>Knowledge test<\/strong><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">The airman knowledge test examines you on the concepts and information you learned in your ground school training. The exam is given at designated computer testing sites for a fee of $70, and you will be asked to present proof that your instructor has approved your ground school training.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">You will have <strong>two and a half hours<\/strong> to complete the 60 multiple-choice questions selected from the 711 airplane-related questions in the FAA&#8217;s <a href=\"http:\/\/www.faa.gov\/education_research\/testing\/airmen\/test_questions\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #3d62ae; text-decoration: underline;\">test questions<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\">. Topics that can be tested on the knowledge test range from the current FARs to air traffic control information to cross-country flight planning. A grade of 70% or better is required to pass. Your score from the knowledge test will be valid for two years, after which, if you have not completed your practical test, must be retaken.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\"><strong>Practical test<\/strong><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Your final exam, much like a <a href=\"http:\/\/www.soyouwanna.com\/site\/syws\/pilot\/pilot5.html\" target=\"undefined\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #009f33; text-decoration: underline;\">driver&#8217;s license<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\"> test, consists of a combined oral and flight test in which you demonstrate your knowledge and proficiency as a <a href=\"http:\/\/www.soyouwanna.com\/site\/syws\/pilot\/pilot5.html\" target=\"undefined\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #009f33; text-decoration: underline;\">pilot<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\"> to an FAA examiner. In the &#8220;check ride,&#8221; as the practical exam is usually called, you will be tested according to the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.faa.gov\/education_research\/testing\/airmen\/test_standards\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #3d62ae; text-decoration: underline;\">practical test standards<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\"> (PTS) set by the FAA. These guidelines spell out in detail what will be tested and how you will be tested, so there should be no surprises.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">After you have furnished the written recommendation from your flight instructor, the examiner will begin the test with an <strong>oral exam<\/strong> lasting <strong>one to two hours<\/strong>. The examiner is required to pay special attention to the areas where you were weakest on the knowledge test, so don&#8217;t think that you can skip that tough &#8220;landing&#8221; section.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">You will then begin the practical flight portion of your check ride. The examiner will test you on certain required procedures from the PTS, in addition to other areas of operation at his\/her discretion, such as:<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Pre- and post-flight procedures<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Airport operations<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Takeoffs<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Landings<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Go-arounds<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Navigation<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Slow flight and stalls<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Basic instrument maneuvers<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Emergency operations<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Night operations<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Don&#8217;t be nervous &#8211; all those hours of flight training have prepared you for this point. If your performance meets PTS standards while in dual and solo flight training, you should pass the test with flying (hah!) colors. When you have successfully passed the practical test, the examiner will issue you a temporary pilot certificate, valid for 120 days. Your permanent pilot&#8217;s license should arrive from the FAA&#8217;s Oklahoma City <a href=\"http:\/\/www.soyouwanna.com\/site\/syws\/pilot\/pilot5.html\" target=\"undefined\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #009f33; text-decoration: underline;\">office<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\"> within the next two months.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">And guess what? You&#8217;re a pilot! And remember: your seat cushion can be used as a flotation <a href=\"http:\/\/www.soyouwanna.com\/site\/syws\/pilot\/pilot5.html\" target=\"undefined\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #009f33; text-decoration: underline;\">device<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\">.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\">Whew! Now, for some great plane photos, as well as lots of <a href=\"http:\/\/www.soyouwanna.com\/site\/syws\/pilot\/pilot5.html\" target=\"undefined\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #009f33; text-decoration: underline;\">interesting news<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\"> and information about all kinds of civilian aircraft, check out <a href=\"http:\/\/www.airliners.net\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #3d62ae; text-decoration: underline;\">Airliners.net<\/span><span style=\"color: black;\">.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><span style=\"color: black;\"><br \/>\n<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"background: white;\"><a name=\"para1\"><\/a>LEARN WHAT GETTING A LICENSE ENTAILS<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For a long time I have considered getting my pilot&#8217;s license.\u00a0\u00a0My dad is a licensed pilot and we used to own our own airplane.\u00a0 When we moved to Germany in the early 1980s they sold the plane and planned to buy a new one, but never did.\u00a0 Here is some info I\u00a0found on the process.\u00a0 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-312","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-general"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/daverowe.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/312","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/daverowe.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/daverowe.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/daverowe.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/daverowe.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=312"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/daverowe.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/312\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/daverowe.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=312"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/daverowe.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=312"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/daverowe.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=312"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}