How to get a Private Pilot License

There are quite a few things that you need to know to be able to get a private pilot license and be able to learn to fly a small private airplane. If you want to be able to get private pilot training you need to be at least Sixteen (16) years of age and be able to fluently speak, understand and read English (this is because English is the only language that the tests are written in and spoken in the flight control towers worldwide). You need to go through several steps in order to show that you know what you are doing to the satisfaction of the flight school you attend, the state you live in and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The first step that you need to take to learn to fly is finding out where the local flight school is and start inquiring about how you go about enrolling. You need to be aware that you are going to be required to take a medical exam that is required by federal law under the FAA’s rules to clear you of any medical conditions that could keep you from getting a private pilot license. The FAA has very strict rules in place to make sure that those who do have a pilot’s license will not black out while in flight or create any other types of safety hazards to and for themselves and all other aircraft that are in the air around them. Once you are medically cleared, you will start your private pilot training with Ground School classes.

You need to make it completely through your Ground School classes (which are going to run between three and four thousand dollars) that are part of your private pilot training and will run for three, four or five weeks (depending on the school in question) to be able and eligible to take the written test that the FAA created to test the knowledge and skills of those seeking a private pilot license. It is after you have finished the Ground School course that you will actually get into a plane and learn to fly it hands on. You need a minimum of Thirty (30) and maximum of Forty (40) hours real flight time with your instructor. After that you will do a “Solo” flight (without the instructor aboard) to prove that you know what you are doing.

The last couple of things that you need to do in the process of private pilot training are to take the true Final Exam that is referred to as a “Check Ride” that will grant you your private pilot license if you pass. The FAA will give you your pilot’s license that also carries a Visual Flight Rating so that you will be able to fly a small private plane (single-engine only) during good weather providing you have good clear visibility. This is all part of the deal when you want to learn to fly a small private plane for your own use.