The Private Pilot Certificate is the basic pilot license for personal and leisure flight. It is the first step for those who pursue a career as a pilot. You may carry passengers, but you may not fly for compensation or hire without further training and certification. Your training will begin with simple start-up and taxi procedures, progress to your first solo, take you on your first solo cross country flight, and conclude with a practical examination with an FAA Designated Examiner (DE) who will issue you your license.
Overview:
Prerequisites:
Students enrolling in the private pilot course must be eligible for a 3rd class medical. It is strongly recommended that the medical be obtained before flight training is started. Students must be 17 years of age (training may commence before age 17) and be able to read, speak, and understand the English language.
Aircraft:
The Cessna 172 is normally used for training at the private pilot level. The Piper Arrow PA-28RT201 can be used for an additional cost.
Ground Training at a glance:
- Preflight actions
- Aircraft systems
- Aerodynamics
- Weight, balance
- Weather elements and reports
- Navigation and flight planning
- Air traffic control communications
- Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR)
- Aeronautical decision making (ADM)
Flight Training at a glance:
- Pre and post flight procedures
- Airport and ground operations
- Taxi, takeoff, and landing
- Maneuvering flight
- Cross country navigation
- Night operations
- Emergency procedures
