Flying Mentor
Become a Pilot
Interested in becoming a pilot? Flying Mentor can help! Ask the questions and I will provide the answers!
Private Pilot
What is the first step to becoming a pilot?
Decide what you want to fly. FAA's rules for getting a pilot's license (certificate) differ depending on the type of aircraft you fly. You can choose among airplanes, gyroplanes, helicopters, gliders, balloons, or airships. If you are interested in flying ultralight vehicles, you don't need a pilot's license.
You should also think about what type of flying you want to do. There are several different types of pilot's licenses, from student pilot all the way up to airline transport pilot. The information below describes the eligibility, training, experience, and testing requirements for Student Pilots, Recreational Pilots and Private Pilots.
Requirements
- Be at least 17 years of age
- Be able to read, speak, and understand the English language
- Obtain at least a current third-class medical certificate
- Receive a minimum of 40 hours of flight time including training and solo flight
- Pass a knowledge test as well as the practical test
Commercial Pilot
A commercial pilot may be compensated for flying. Training for the certificate focuses on a better understanding of aircraft systems and a higher standard of airmanship. The commercial certificate itself does not allow a pilot to fly in instrument meteorological conditions. For aircraft categories where an instrument rating is available, commercial pilots without an instrument rating are restricted to daytime flight within 50 nautical miles when flying for hire.
A commercial pilot must be able to operate a complex airplane, as a specific number of hours of complex (or turbine-powered) aircraft time are among the prerequisites, and at least a portion of the practical examination is performed in a complex aircraft.
Requirements
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Be at least 18 years of age
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Hold a private pilot certificate
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Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
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If training under Part 61, at least 250 hours of total time including 20 hours of training with an instructor and 10 hours of solo flight, and other requirements including several "cross-country" flights, i.e., more than 50 nautical miles from the departure airport (which include Day VFR and Night VFR 100nm between points, with a time of at least two hours; also one solo cross country of at least 250 nm one way, 300 nm total distance, with landings at three airports and both solo and instructor-accompanied night flights
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If training under Part 141, at least 150 hours of training time including 55 hours with an instructor and 10 hours of solo flight, and other requirements including several cross-country, solo, and night flights
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Pass a 100-question aeronautical knowledge written test
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Pass an oral test and flight test administered by an FAA inspector, FAA-designated examiner, or authorized check instructor
Become A Pilot FAQ's
Is it hard to learn to fly?
No. People of all shapes and sizes, ages and abilities have learned to fly. It's fun, and from the beginning of your training, you get to do most of the actual flying! On the practical side — while flying isn't a difficult skill to learn, you'll have to be willing to stick with it until you meet all the requirements. Also, you should consider the cost of becoming a pilot — you'll have to pay for your physical exam and your lessons.
When can I start?
Right away. All you have to do is find a flight instructor and sign up for an introductory lesson. You don't have to have a student pilot's certificate or a medical certificate to take flying lessons. Of course, you won't be able to fly solo right away. That takes time and the paperwork described in this guide.
How many lessons do I have to take before I solo?
It depends on you. There is no set number of lessons or hours of flight training. Your instructor must make sure you have learned to perform certain maneuvers before allowing you to solo. These maneuvers include safe takeoffs and landings. You must use good judgment when flying and be able to keep control of the aircraft.
Also, you'll have to get a medical certificate and a student pilot's certificate to fly solo.
Is flying safe?
Yes. A well-built and well-maintained aircraft flown by a competent and prudent pilot is as safe or safer than many other forms of transportation.
If engine failure occurs, what will happen?
Modern aircraft engines are reliable and failure rarely occurs. However, your lessons will cover what to do in this situation, including selecting a good landing area and safely landing.
