PRIVATE PILOT

What is it?

A Private Pilot License (PPL) is the most sought after type of pilot certification. In the United States, a Private Pilot License is actually called a Private Pilot Certificate and is similar to what a driver's license is for automobiles. By earning a private pilot license, you can legally fly an aircraft with your friends and family. You can use the plane and your flying privilege to further your business, such as getting to meetings, etc., however, you may not get paid to fly until you have a commercial certificate. There are many regulations that your instructor can help you understand regarding what you can get paid for when you fly.

Private pilots are trained to operate small aircraft by themselves. Flight training includes aircraft maneuvers, navigation, emergency procedures and cross-country flight planning. While people may seek the license for hobby or sport reasons, a private pilot certification is the first major milestone on the road to having amazing experiences in the sky, whether or not you choose to make aviation just a hobby or a career.

What to expect:

STEP ONE

Discovery Flight: This introductory flight lesson will help you see first-hand the training, aircraft, and quality of instruction we will offer you. It is also a great way to get a better sense of what it's like to fly from behind the controls.

STEP TWO

FAA Medical Certificate: Pilots must meet basic medical requirements to fly. If you want to fly for fun or professionally, you should apply for a medical certificate through an Aeromedical Examiner (AME). It is best to get this completed before you start training so if for some reason you cannot pass the medical exam, you do not waste any money on training.

Start by creating an account and filling out the form with your medical history at https://medxpress.faa.gov.

Once you complete Medxpress, you will need to find an AME to have your physical examination: https://designee.faa.gov/designeeLocator

STEP THREE

Student Pilot Certificate: Apply for a student pilot certificate through the FAA's Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website (your flight instructor can help with this). While you don't need a student pilot certificate to start flying lessons, you will need it to fly solo during your training. Start by clicking the link to create an account and fill out your personal information: https://iacra.faa.gov

STEP FOUR

Start Flying Lessons: Start taking flight training lessons and begin working towards obtaining the aeronautical knowledge and pilot training experience requirements needed to become a private pilot. Ground lessons are also an extremely important part of the training curriculum to make sure you not only have the flying skill you need, but the knowledge to safely and legally fly in the National Airspace System.

STEP FIVE

Pass Private Pilot Knowledge Test: During your private pilot flight training, you will need to take and pass the computer-based FAA private pilot knowledge test. To be eligible for the test, you must receive an endorsement from your flight instructor. We recommend this is completed prior to your solo flight, because once you solo the rest of the training progresses fairly fast and not having the written completed will prevent you taking your checkride. Once you pass the written exam, it is valid for two years.

STEP SIX

Pass Private Pilot Practical Exam: The final step in earning your FAA private pilot certificate is to take a practical exam with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). This exam consists of both an oral and a flight portion, and once completed you will be a private pilot. Your CFI will have recommendations for local examiners based on scheduling and location when the time comes.