The First Steps to Becoming a Pilot

Many people start the new year with the goal of becoming a pilot. There are many reasons why: the fascination of flight, taking on a challenge, a career change, traveling for business or adventure, and the feeling of accomplishment. You may be one of those people with the goal of becoming a pilot, but you’re not sure where to begin.

Here are several things you need to consider and first steps to take to make your dream become a reality:

Choose a Flight School or CFI

There’s no perfect flight school or flight instructor, and there are many factors what need to be considered when choosing a flight school or independent Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). Do your research, ask questions, and after weighing all your options, choose which one will be the right fit for you, your learning style, your timeline, and your goals.

·       Find a flight school: A Google search for your area, visiting local airports, looking up flight training provider directories, and contacting your regional FAA office (FSDO) are great ways to begin your search. Independent CFIs are not affiliated with a particular school, or they may operate their own flight school. Independent CFIs are usually "career instructors" who plan to keep teaching long-term, whether in a part-time or full-time capacity.

·       Ask around. Do you know any pilots? Do they have recommendations?

·       Is a large deposit required? This could be a red flag. Putting some money into your account if you don't want to pay after every lesson is different. Say no to schools that require a non-refundable deposit.

·       What is their lesson structure? Will you be required to complete an online ground school or sit in a classroom setting? Does the CFI use a structured syllabus? Every student pilot learns differently, and a good CFI will adapt to this. But also a good CFI will follow a plan with you.

·       What is their completion/success rate and safety record?

·       Do they utilize training aids, such as simulators, to enhance learning and reduce costs?

·       Location: How far will you have to drive? Are there opportunities for training airports with and without control towers? The best flight school or CFI may not be the one closest to you. How far are you willing to commute several times a week?

·       What are your goals? Interview different schools and CFIs. Let them know your overall aviation goals and ask how they will help you reach them. Are they passionate about flying and instructing?

You will spend a lot of time with your CFI, and they will have a big impact on your training, so choose carefully whom you work with!

Take a Discovery Flight

Most schools will offer an introductory lesson, or “discovery flight,” as your first lesson. These are typically a discounted lesson which is hands-on and allows you to fly an airplane for the first time, see what a typical lesson is like, and make sure the CFI is a good fit for you. If you’re undecided on schools, taking a discovery flight at each one can help your decision process. It’s also a great time to meet the staff face-to-face, see the training aircraft, facilities, and see if this is something you want to pursue further.

Obtain a Medical Certificate

A valid 3rd Class FAA medical certificate is required before a student pilot can fly solo. The medical certificate proves that you’re physically fit to safely fly. It’s a good idea to schedule your appointment with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) in the early stages of training so you’ll know if there are any issues that will delay or disqualify you from obtaining the medical certificate. The AME will check your vision, heart and blood pressure, ear/nose/throat, and will review any medical history, medications, and mental health.

Since certain medications, conditions and mental health diagnoses can prevent or delay your certification, it’s a good idea to book a consultation first with an AME if you have any underlying conditions or medical history. The FAA has an AME search tool online at www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator. Before your appointment, you’ll need to register for an account and fill out the medical certificate application at www.medxpress.faa.gov.

Ground School and the FAA Knowledge Test

You have to pass the FAA knowledge test before you can become a pilot. Your CFI can help you prepare for the test, but it’s cost-effective to enroll in an online ground school that you can complete at home on your own schedule. An online ground school will lay the knowledge foundation you’ll need for further study and preparation for the test. There are also many books and resources available to supplement your study. FAA handbooks and resources are free to download on their website, and if you like to use actual books, they can be found on Amazon or any online pilot store.

The FAA knowledge test is a 60 question, multiple choice test that covers technical subject areas such as weather, regulations, performance calculations, cross-country navigation, and aerodynamics. An endorsement by your instructor or ground school is required to take the exam. The endorsement shows that you have been taught and are proficient in the required material.

The passing grade is 70%, but you should try your best to score well! Any subjects you’re deficient in will be covered during the oral exam of your checkride.

Now let’s find out what the “checkride” is all about…

Your Checkride

The practical exam, or “checkride,” is the final step to becoming a pilot. You have your medical certificate, passed the knowledge test, and have worked hard learning your maneuvers, takeoffs, landings, and completed all the aeronautical requirements. The Airman Certification Standards (ACS) is a FAA document which outlines the minimum standards for knowledge, risk management, and flying skills you must have to pass this final exam.

The checkride is administered by a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), who acts on behalf of the FAA to verify you are a safe and skilled pilot. The checkride begins with a qualification to confirm you’ve met all the requirements, then moves on to an oral examination. If you pass the oral examination, you take the DPE on a flight where you’ll be asked to perform various maneuvers, emergency procedures, takeoffs, and landings.

If you fly to the standards consistently, then you pass the checkride and officially become a private pilot!

How much does it cost?

This whole process sounds very expensive, and you’re correct. Becoming a pilot is a huge investment of your time and money. It will be challenging, and you (and your family) will make sacrifices along the way. Hint: Keep at it because it’s worth it!

The average cost to become a private pilot will vary between region, flight schools, and type of aircraft you train in. The cost if you meet the FAA minimums at Ultimate Aviation is appx $7,500. However, MOST students are not ready for the checkride with the FAA minimums. Plan to spend 25-50% more than the minimum. On average, students spend $15,000-20,000 on their private pilot certification. There are many factors that affect the cost:

·       Location of CFI or flight school: Training in California will likely be more expensive than training in the Midwest.

·       Type of aircraft: An analog panel Cessna 150 will be less expensive to operate than a glass panel Cirrus SR22.

·       Consistency: Flying regularly will save you money over the course of your training. Flying 2-3 times a week in private pilot training is ideal.

·       Ground study: You’ll need to do a lot of studying on your own time. Staying disciplined in your ground study, chair flying, reading FAA publications, and taking notes will help you retain the information to move forward and pass your knowledge test and checkride. I have personally found this is the biggest factor in how quick a student progresses. There's a huge correlation to the amount of time you study to the hours and cost of becoming a pilot.

·       Aptitude: Not everyone is a “natural” when it comes to flying. Just remember it’s not a race or competition with others. The goal is that you are a skilled and safe pilot. Work hard, but keep your expectations in check, and this will help minimize frustrations.

You’re on the right track to becoming a pilot by reading this! Pilots who make a plan for their training often find it very rewarding, efficient, and enjoyable, despite the challenges. No matter if you want to become a pilot for fun, or want to fly for the airlines one day, we all start with these first steps.

If you have any questions, reach out to us! Text/call 479-644-3983 or book your Discovery Flight here.