Getting Started
So you want to be a pilot but not sure where to start.
This guide is for you.
The first step in your flying adventure is to schedule a Discovery Flight.
Basically this is your chance to go up with an instructor in a general aviation aircraft and see if you like it. Usually this flight will be less than one hour in duration. During this flight you will have the opportunity to take the controls and actually fly the aircraft. You can also have the instructor demonstrate some of the maneuvers required during the pilot training. That way you'll have a better idea of what your getting into.
Keep in mind that your body and vestibular system may not be accustom to the movement of an aircraft in 3 dimensions. So if your stomach doesn't like it at first don't let that discourage you. Lots of student pilots deal with a little airsickness at first. The more you fly the better it gets. Your body will get used to it. As a quick tip take some antacids like (tums) with you on your flights. If your stomach starts to feel funny at all take one. It really helps. Make sure to discuss with the instructor any questions or concerns you might have.
Below are some resources for finding Flight Schools, CFI's, and Rental Aircraft to help you take that first step.
Click the links below to open in a new page:
Flight School Finder AOPA.ORG Easy to use. Search for flight schools, rental aircraft, and more by city or state.
Airport Search AirNav.Com Search for airports in your area. The phone number will be listed so you can call and inquire about local available flight training.
Gleim Flight Instructor Search Tool Search by Country, State or Local Area
After the discovery flight your next step is to make sure you can pass the medical requirements to become a pilot. It would be a big bummer if you spent money on flight training just to find out you have some medical condition that disqualifies you.
So what level of medical certificate should you get? Well all that's required to start training is a 3rd Class Medical Certificate. But if you're looking to become a commercial airline pilot you should probably go ahead a get a 1st Class Medical Certificate. This way you know for sure you can pass this level of medical exam.
Now you need to find a AME (Airman Medical Examiner).
Below you will find a link to search for an AME in you area. Make sure to ask any questions you may have about medical concerns.
Click the links below to open in a new page:
FAA.GOV Designee Search Here you can search for an AME. Start by selecting AME in the Designee Type
MedXpress.FAA.gov Online Medical Certificate Application
FlightPhysical.com AME search but may not have as many options as the FAA search
AOPA.com Information on medical certification and standards
Let's talk about part 61 vs part 141 flight training. Both are going to turn you into a pilot and the check ride at the end is exactly the same either way. It all depends on what style might suit your needs and you may use a mix of both. Use whatever helps you reach your goals.
Part 61 is going to be the majority of available flight schools and freelance CFI's instructing in a students' plane or utilizing a rental plane.
Part 61 is probably a better choice if your working full time and can only fly after work or on days off. With part 61 you can train at your own pace and can spend more time on the things your struggling with. Ground training with part 61 can be done at home using a home study course. Part 61 is going to be more readily available and is more common. You may not find flight training information on the internet for your local airport. Your best bet is to go visit the airport and ask around about Flight Instruction.
Part 141 Schools started out as part 61. Only after they have met the requirements set by the FAA in part 141 listed in the FAR/AIM can they operate as a part 141 school. They are usually going to be larger more established flight schools. They also might be at larger airports with more traffic and control towers. The flight training is going to be more structured and ground training with an instructor may be mandatory. This would depend on if the flight school participates in an approved online ground training program. Required hours will be less than part 61 but it depends on the student if this advantage is maximized. The majority of student pilots will go over the minimum hours before their ready for the checkride whether it's part 61 or part 141. I personally wouldn't let this factor weigh to heavily on my decision between the two types.
If your looking to finance your flight training with a student loan, scholarship, or G.I. bill then a part 141 school may be a better option. Some 141 flight schools partner with local community colleges and offer a degree program. Most part 61 or 141 schools will have all the resources available to take you from beginner to ready for the airlines in about 2 years or more depending on the time you dedicate to the program. 141 schools can be a little more expensive overall and if it's at a busy airport some of your money may be spent taxiing and holding short waiting in line to takeoff. At busy schools scheduling flights might be an issue as well.
One last tip I would like to pass along. Make sure you have a good understanding how much your training will cost and add at least 20% to that number. Some flight schools will try to entice you with low numbers but this is based on the absolute minimum hours. Realistically I would count on at least 60 flight hours (plane rental) and up to 40 hours of flight instructor time (not counting ground training) before your ready for the private pilot checkride. If you get it done sooner that's extra funds available for the next phase of training.
Below are some links for more information on 61 vs 141. They may do a better job explaining the differences between the two. Make sure to do the research on the type of flight training you want.
This is a big investment so spending some extra time now might save time and headache later.
Click on the links below for more info on part 61 vs part 141:
PilotInstitute.Com Info and video on 61 vs 141
AirplaneAcademy.com Info and links to other topics
FAA.GOV FAA information on 141 schools
GleimAviation.com Part 61 vs part 141 training
Step 4 Training Supplies
Now that you have an idea where your training is going to take place you need some basic books and equipment. If you have decided to go with a part 141 school they will probably have a preference on the books you use since you may be doing your ground training with an instructor. If this is the case check with the school.
If your going part 61 with your training you can do your ground school at home. There are several home study courses and each one recommends or sells books for the training.
Buyer beware: Sometimes their package deals contain things you don't need.
You can always ask your instructor which training materials they recommend.
Below is a list of basic training items I recommend to my students and I personally used for my pilot training.
Make sure you get the most recent release of the books below.
Click the underlined links if you would like to purchase from Amazon.com
From what I've seen the prices are very good.
2. Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge "PHAK" FAA-H-8083-25B
3. Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3C
4. Airman Certification Standards Private Pilot FAA-S-ACS-6B.1
5. Private Pilot Syllabus ASA PPT-S7
6. Oral Exam Guide Private Pilot ASA-OEG-P11
7. Chart Supplement for your area
8. Sectional navigational chart for your area
9. E6B Flight Computer The non electronic "Whizz Wheel"
11. Foggles or view limiting device
12. Log Book
13. Kneeboard
14. Flight Bag or Backpack to carry all your gear and books
15. Weight & Balance Sheets - Navigation Log
I use the ASA books. They are the official FAA pilot handbooks. Plus you can download them from the FAA website. It's way more convenient to have the physical book in your hand but it can be helpful to have the downloaded backup. Other brands like Gleim or Jeppesen will work too.
Other Recommended Gear:
3. Pilots guide books by ASA - Books for Cessna 172 and Piper PA-28 Cherokee. A good resource for the aircraft you might be flying. Check with your instructor to see what make and model of aircraft you'll be flying.
Click the links below for more information:
ASA2FLY.com Pilot handbooks
ASA2FLY.com Guide books for Cessna and Piper
MyPilotStore.com Pilot supplies
Sportys.com Pilot supplies
Checkmate Checklist Available at MyPilotStore.com
FAA.gov Downloadable copies of the pilot training books
Step 5 Student Pilot Certificate
During this step you will apply for a student pilot certificate.
Below is a link to the IACRA (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application) website.
On this website you will create an account and complete your student pilot application.
If you require help with this step contact your instructor.
The flight instructor will need to sign off on your application anyway.
Normally it takes awhile for your laminated I.D. card to show up but within a few days your temporary copy will be available. So keep an eye on your email because you will need the temporary or laminated version before you can complete your first solo.
Below are links for IACRA, instructions from Gleim.com, and a great instruction video by Fly8MA.com
IACRA.FAA.GOV Student pilot registration and application
GLEIM.COM Application instructions
Step 6 Schedule Flights
This step is best done while meeting with your instructor and coming up with a game plan for your training. Your instructor will probably discuss with you the requirements to get you started.
I tell my students that flying 3 times a week is ideal. The more often you fly the better. It helps with muscle memory and retention of information. The less you fly the more review you have on the next flight. So try to fly as much as possible - Days per week.
But don't over do it. When your starting out, flying for more than an hour per session is not recommended. You'll be learning a ton of new things all at once. It is physically and mentally exhausting. Overdoing it won't help you learn any faster.
So fly as many days per week as you can but keep each flight around an hour or so. You're instructor will know when you're ready to handle longer flights.
The instructor will also need to complete your TSA endorsement. The instructor needs to verify your identity before you start flight training. For this endorsement you will need your logbook, State or Government picture I.D. birth certificate and/or a passport if you have one.
After this step your now a Student Pilot.
Check out the student pilot section for more useful information
If you're doing flight training through a part 141 school ground training with an instructor may be mandatory but that doesn't mean you wouldn't benefit from a home study course.
For Part 61 the majority if not all of your ground training will be done at home. You will still have some ground training with an instructor.
There are tons of home study options. You can use books and study guides, Utilize online study programs, Watch videos, or a mixture of all of these. The nice thing about Part 61 is it's on your schedule and terms. A quick google search for (private pilot home study course or private pilot ground school) and you'll be overwhelmed with options. Check out YouTube as well. There are plenty of hours of content on flight training available.
Be aware that some programs are only designed to help you pass the written exam. But if your looking to get a high score on the knowledge test they do the trick.
What you should be looking for is a program that teaches you everything you need to pass the knowledge test and also become a safe, competent pilot. Be aware you also need to pass the check ride at the end of your flight training. Half of the check ride is knowledge based oral questioning.
Below are some options for at home study ground school courses. But don't rely on my list.
Take the time to do your own research and discuss your options with your flight instructor.
Click the links below to open in a new page:
Just to name a few.
Click here for the Student Pilot section