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What are the
requirements to become a private pilot?
In addition to the student pilot requirements, to be
eligible for a private pilot certificate, you must be at least 17 years of
age, complete specific training and flight time requirements described in
the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), pass a
knowledge test, and successfully complete a practical test which consists
of oral quizzing, performing pilot operations, and executing maneuvers in
the airplane.
Normally,
you will take the knowledge test after you have progressed through a
substantial portion of your ground and flight training so that you have
gained a sufficient understanding of the subject material. The knowledge
test is administered in a computer-based testing format. Your test is
graded by the computer and the results are available immediately. You must
score 70 percent or better to pass. The test results are valid for 24
calendar months.
The
FARs require that you have
received instruction in specific flight operations and maneuvers, as well
as ground instruction in certain knowledge areas. In addition, there are
minimum flight hour requirements which must be completed to apply for a
private pilot certificate. According to FAR Part 61, you must have at least
40 hours of flight time consisting of at least 20 hours of dual instruction
and 20 hours of solo flight. You should remember that these are minimum
hour requirements. The average student with no prior flying experience
requires approximately 65 to 75 flight hours to meet the proficiency
standards necessary to pass the practical test and operate safely as a
private pilot.
How much does pilot training cost?
The cost of each flight lesson is based on the price of
aircraft rental and the instructor's fee. The aircraft rental charge is
normally based on the time spent in the airplane from engine start to
engine shutdown. This period is determined by a digital recording clock in
the airplane called the hobbs meter. Your instructor usually
charges you for the time recorded by the hobbs meter, as well as additional
time spent conducting preflight and postflight
discussion. Your pilot training environment determines the method of
payment for instruction. You may be charged separately for each lesson or
the school may offer a set number of lessons for a fee paid in advance. The
total cost of your flight training largely depends on the number of flight
hours which are necessary for you to complete your training program.
The
number of hours required for you to become proficient depends on several
factors, such as your initial comfort level with the airplane, whether you
have any previous flying experience, and the frequency of your flight
lessons. For example, the longer the time period between lessons, the less
information you retain, and the more time you spend reviewing during each
lesson. If you are able to fly at least several times a week, your training
may be more cost-effective. In addition to the expense of flight lessons,
you will have to consider the cost of ground instruction. This cost will
depend on which method of ground instruction you have selected; ground
school classes, individual lessons with your instructor, home study, or a
combination of several methods.
The total expense of pilot training also includes the
cost of study materials, a logbook, a copy of the
pilot's operating handbook for the training airplane, aeronautical charts,
a flight computer, and navigational plotter. In addition, fees are charged
for the knowledge test, the services of the aviation medical examiner, and
the designated examiner who administers your practical test. While the cost
of pilot training is significant, you'll find most pilots agree that the
benefits of learning to fly are well worth the expense.
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