Learning to fly airplanes by taking aviation training courses has never been easier. Here are the things to consider if you want to become a pilot.
1. Pinpoint purpose for wanting to be a pilot. Different aviator classifications exist. First is a sport pilot who flies planes for recreational pursuits. There's also the private pilot who transports passengers but not for compensation. Lastly, a commercial pilot is one who has aviation as a career and transports people via established airlines, charter service, or pilot an owners personal aircraft for hire. Deciding on a classification is crucial as it dictates the training and certification you will need to accomplish.
2. Consider the overall costs. You'll be shouldering anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 for all your classroom and flight training expenses for Sport Pilot, and $5,000 - $10,000 for Private Pilot depending on your choice of aircraft etc. If you're signed up with the GI Bill, then your flight training may be covered by the government granted the flight school you choose is FAA accredited.
3. Assess a handful of flight schools. Choosing the best school from which to obtain your pilot training from is crucial. These should be present in the institution you select:
A long-established school with impeccable reputation in the aviation field. Industry-grade ground and flight school facilities should be present. Ideally, instructor-to-full time student ratio is at 1 to 4. Forwards flexible schedules.
4. Free up your schedule to accommodate flying lessons. Work out a schedule that can accommodate a chunk of your flying lessons every week. This is especially crucial if you're working. The quicker you finish, then the closer you are to your goal of becoming a sport pilot or private pilot.
5. Sign up for the chosen courses. If you intend to fly airplanes for recreation, then you can opt for recreational or sport pilot training lessons. But if you want to pilot your own plane to transport multiple friends and family, then you can opt for private pilot training courses.
6. Accomplish the FAA written exam utilizing the ground school or online ground course provided by the flight school. Take and pass the exam through any of the FAA-authorized testing center in your area.
7. Complete required flight hours. At least 20 hours of flying has to be accomplished for sport pilot. Private Pilot requires at least 40 hours. Your Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) has to be with you through all these to ensure necessary skills such as safe takeoffs and landings have been taught to you. Light Aerobatics (namely upset recovery training), should have been taught as well especially if you're enrolled in Commercial taking sport pilot training lessons.
8. Obtain a third-class medical certificate. Select from any of the FAA-authorized Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), complete an official application form, and go through the physical exam. This does not apply to the Sport Pilot rating.
9. Obtain a student's pilot certificate from a Flight Standards District office for free, or an FAA medical examiner for around $25 for Sport Pilot. Private Pilots must obtain at least a 3rd class medical certificate from an FAA Examiner.. This medical official will then conduct a test to assess your physical eligibility to become a private pilot. If you pass, you can begin training for a Private Pilot, if you have medical conditions you may want to mention to the medical examiner ahead of time to confirm eligibility. If you aren't eligible, you are best to pursue the Sport Pilot Certificate where your Drivers License is the only D.O.T. approved medical certification you need.
10. Fly solo. Once in possession of a student pilot's certificate, and your instructor determines you are capable of flying without assistance, you can now fly solo. And it is advised that you do this often so that you further hone your skills. You always have the option to rent a light sport aircraft if you don't have your own plane for these purposes.
Our Florida Sport Pilot Flight Center was created to lead the Sport Pilot industry in safety and Florida flight training. We are dedicated to flight training and providing an environment to make your training experience fun, while also providing the safest and best maintained aircraft in Central Florida.
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