How To Become a Pilot: Your First License

A common question from friends and family about my aviation career is: how does someone become a pilot?  What is the typical path?  How much does it

Artwork by Sara Pimental aka Wifey

cost?  Where do you train? What qualifies you to fly passengers?  When can you fly for a commercial airline?  These are a lot of the same questions I had when considering the career.  This is the first post of a new blog series in which I will aim to answer some of these questions.

For many people, the lure of flying starts in childhood.  But that doesn't have to be your story!  I never even considered flying a small plane for profession or pleasure until I was well into my education career.

5 Steps to Private Pilot

Think of it this way: your driver's license is to driving, as your private pilot's license is to flying. Whether you want to fly for pleasure or professionally, this is where you should start.

Let's start with the basics:  Are you at least 16 years old? Are you fluent in English?  Will your background check be free of drug or alcohol related crimes?  If so, you're on track!

1.  Get Your Medical Certificate

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) wants to make sure you're fit to fly.  You need to schedule a physical exam with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) in your area.  This will alert you to any conditions that might disqualify you from being a private pilot before you pay for any lessons (some disqualifying conditions: certain heart conditions, epilepsy, diabetes, personality disorder, any indication of substance abuse, etc.)  This really isn't just a suggestion, you have to have your official Medical Certificate with you when flying.  So get it now!  *You could do this AFTER a demo flight*

2. Schedule a Demo Flight

Now it starts to get fun.  If you've never been in a small plane, you'll want to see if General Aviation (GA) is right for you.  The aircraft are small and loud... but so much fun to operate!  Some of the training you'll do will induce that feeling you get when riding on a roller coaster.  

Where?  Most Fixed-Base Operators (FBO) offer this type of experience.  Do a Google search for: Learn to Fly in (your city).  You'll find some good information that way.  Here are my recommendations if you live in one of the following areas:

• Twin Cities: Schedule an Intro Flight at Thunderbird Aviation.  They have two locations: Eden Prairie and Crystal, MN.  This is where I did all my flight training, in partnership with Academy College.
• Phoenix: Inquire about an Intro Flight at Westwind School of Aeronautics.  This is where I currently work as an instructor.

Pick a beautiful day, invite some family or friends (up to two) to come and sit in the back seat, have them bring a camera, and if you decide it's not for you...at least you got a scenic tour out of it!

3. Choose Your Own Adventure

(Remember those books?)  Assuming you are as excited as I was and want to learn to fly, you need to decide how.  Training as a civilian typically happens one of two ways: via Part 61 or Part 141 guidelines.  The main difference? Part 141 schools have more FAA oversight and rigid schedules.  Part 61 is considered more of a self-paced and flexible option.  Either route trains you to pass the same practical and written exams.  Do some homework and make the choice that's right for you.

4. Study, Fly, Repeat!

The great thing about training is that the curriculum for learning to fly--Part 61 or 141--is so concrete!  You'll start your training with ground and flight lessons from your Certified Flight Instructor (CFI).  This is usually a 1:1 student:teacher ratio!  The best thing about your first license is that there is so much new and "basic" information to learn about flying.  It truly is fun. Some things you'll learn about include:

• Areas of Operation 
• Preflight Procedures 
• Takeoffs, Landings & Go-Arounds 
• Performance Maneuvers
• Ground Reference Maneuvers
• Navigation 
• Slow Flight & Stalls
• Basic Maneuvers
• Emergency Ops
• Night Operation (see video below)

If you are able to fly 2-3 times per week, it should only take you about 4 months to get to the check ride (and approximately $7-10K).  Although I took the Part 141 route, I was only able to train part-time or on the weekends.  It took me about 5 months to complete my Private Pilot's License and 58.2 flight hours (To see my cost breakdowns, visit my Training Costs page).  I trained while maintaining three other jobs...so you can do it too!

5. Examination

Does it sound intimidating?  It is.  First, you have to pass a "written" test.  This is a computer based knowledge exam.  Here's an example of some of the questions you'd see:

Source: FAA Private Pilot Sample Exam

Once you pass your written, it's time to schedule the Check Ride.  The check ride consists of two parts: an oral exam and a practical (flight) exam; in total the exam could take up to ten hours!  The exam is one on one with an FAA Designated Examiner.  Bring water because cotton mouth is guaranteed.  You will be tested on the FAA's Private Pilot Practical Test Standards, which is what your training prepares you for.  But literally anything in the linked document above is fair game.  It's a lot! As it should be.

So, Congratulations!  Once you pass your check ride you are a Private Pilot!   Whether owning or renting an aircraft, you can now enjoy getting from point A to point B in a straight line with no car traffic, you can fly to other airports for a $100 Burger, fly up north to your lake home, enjoy scenic flights with friends, and so many other possibilities!

That's it: five steps. You should do one of the first two in the next month if you're really interested!  If you're fit to fly and enjoy a challenge--you will love learning to fly.  Subscribe to my blog by entering your e-mail to the right so you won't miss my next post in this "How To Become a Pilot" series!