It takes a lot of time and effort to get your private pilot's license, but it is worth it to be able to explore the skies.The general path to getting a license is the same in each country.You will need to study extensively for the license, either on your own or in class.40 to 70 hours of flight training is required to learn the ropes.You will have to pass several exams in order to hold your license.You will be able to live out your dreams of flight with determination and focus.
Step 1: Make sure you meet the requirements.
To get a license, you must be at least 17 years old and be proficient in English.Even if you're getting your license in a country that doesn't have an official language that's English, this is still an international requirement.English is the international language of aviation, a measure put in place by the International Civic Aviation Organization.
Step 2: Make sure you have money.
Getting a private pilot license can cost a lot.Most people have to rent a plane in order to use for flying lessons, which is the highest cost.You have to pay for equipment, fuel and test costs.The total cost for a private pilot's license in the US is between $8,000 and $13,000.It may be different depending on where you live.There are a few things you can do.If you have a lot of places to take lessons, look for the best value.Buy used equipment.It is important to study hard for your exams so that you do not fail.If you pass the exams the first time, you will save money.A sport license requires only 20 hours of training.This can save you money.You can still carry a passenger with you if you have a sports license.You can't fly at night and you have limited aircraft options.
Step 3: You should get a medical exam.
You can start training without a medical exam, but it is a good idea to get one right away.If you are not eligible to fly, you won't waste money on lessons.You will need to get a physical from an Aviation Medical Examiner.You need a third class FAA medical certificate to fly in the United States.You will be asked your medical history at the exam.You will get a physical exam and be asked to give a urine sample.If you are over 40, you will have to take an electrocardiogram, which is a test for electrical activity in your heart.You will need to take an eye exam.
Step 4: It's time to clear out time in your schedule.
It will take around six months to get your license.Depending on your schedule, clear out at least one day a week during which you can take lessons or study.It is easy to get overwhelmed if you do not have a clear schedule.
Step 5: Know what type of plane you want to fly.
Do you want to learn to fly an airplane, helicopter, hot air balloon, or a different type of aircraft?You have a number of options when learning to fly an airplane with a single engine.
Step 6: Find the right instructor.
You want an instructor that is experienced in both teaching and flying, and can communicate well.Look for an instructor who has done more than 3000 hours of teaching.The easiest way to find an instructor is through a flight school.Pick an instructor that you feel comfortable with.When flying for the first time, you want to find someone who will make you feel calm and relaxed.
Step 7: You should start your lessons.
The most important part of your learning process is your flying lessons.You can check your country's individual standards by researching on the internet or calling a flight school.You will need to do a certain amount of hours with your instructor, night and cross-country flights, as well as solo flights with takeoffs and landings, no matter what country you are in.There are 20 hours of training with an instructor in the United States.10 hours of solo time, which includes travel to various airports.You need 40 hours in the US to complete training.A good estimate of the amount of hours people do is 60 hours.It takes a certain amount of time to master all the skills you need.
Step 8: Consistently fly.
You should not take long breaks between flying sessions.You will have to do more hours to master flying if you forget what you have learned in a couple weeks.This will make the process more difficult and cost you more money.
Step 9: If you need to repeat lessons on certain skills, let your instructor know.
You will be learning a lot about flying.It can be difficult to retain everything you learn.If you feel uncertain about an aspect of piloting, tell your instructor that you would like to go over it again.Don't be hesitant about asking your instructor to repeat themselves, they are there to help.Airport operations, preflight procedures, takeoffs and landings, navigation, flight at various air speeds, stalls, night operations and emergency operations are some of the skills and knowledge you will learn.
Step 10: Ask your instructor for help.
To pass your tests, you will need to study.It is a good idea to start with a study guide for training to get a private pilot's license.Ask your instructor for good resources.Your instructor may know the best and latest resources to help you get people through their training and testing.
Step 11: Study flight procedures.
It is a good idea to study flight procedures on your own time.Many people benefit from having information presented in a variety of ways.You will have a better chance of remembering skills and information if you read about them in your lessons.
Step 12: It is a good idea to study aeronautics.
To get a private pilot's license, you have to pass both a flying test-run and a knowledge test.There is a written and oral exam for the knowledge test.Aeronautical decision making, how to read weather forecasts and reports, and planning for the unexpected are some areas of study you will need to explore.
Step 13: Take classes.
If you are confused about what to study or have a hard time learning all of your ground knowledge at home, enroll in a class taught by a flight instructor.The information you need to know to fly and pass the written test will be provided in this class.
Step 14: Take a practice test.
Online or through your school, you can find practice written exams.Taking these tests will give you an idea of what to expect.If there is a particular area of study you need to study, score your test and take note.Before you take the real test, go over this subject.
Step 15: You have to take the exam.
You should take the written test when you are confident.The written exam in the US must be completed within two and a half hours.You need 70% to pass the exam.Depending on what aircraft you are taking lessons on, the written exam is offered in seven different aircraft categories: airplane, helicopter, gyroplane, glider, hot air balloon, gas balloon and ligher-than-air gas ship.The exam costs $90 in the US.
Step 16: You have to take the oral test.
The practical flight exam takes place before the oral test.In order to take the test, the examiner will give you a specific hypothetical flight route, and ask you to plan the details, including time and fuel burned.Aeronautical knowledge that you have studied will also be covered.
Step 17: Do the practical exam.
You will be asked to act as a pilot in the practical examination after the oral exam.You will be asked to start a cross country flight and plan a course to a nearby airport.This will test your ability to plan on the spot, which is an essential part of flying, as conditions are constantly changing.Don't get distracted and keep your focus.Some examiners will try to distract you to see if you have the temperament to fly.The cost of a practical exam in the US is between $300 and $400.
Step 18: Don't lose your license.
You have earned a private pilot license.Every couple years, you must complete another quick oral exam and check-in, so keep it in the back of your mind.The person giving you your license should tell you how to maintain it.