Getting an FAA Private Pilot License
Becoming a pilot takes a lot. You have to devote money, time, and commitment. But that’s rather vague, right? The requirements are specific enough. You’ll need to accomplish different requirements depending on what kind of license you want to have and the aircraft you plan to fly. Here, you’ll see important preparations for becoming a private pilot. Note that these apply to crafts under ASEL (stands for “Airplane, Single-Engine, Land”) except glider and balloon.
Requirements
The first set of requirements includes:
These requirements are separate because they almost come naturally or there isn’t much to prepare for. You likely already know that you need to study in a legitimate flight school. The focus here is about the examinations that come after.
The Exams
There are two exams that you need to pass: the private pilot FAA knowledge test and practical test. As you might have inferred, the knowledge test is a written exam and the practical test is just as it sounds.
Knowledge/Written Test Preparation
You should take the FAA knowledge test preparation seriously since the exam would be thorough. If you go for an FAA online pilot training provider for your exam preparation, make sure you get the most out of your money. Consider the following:
Practical Test/Check Ride Preparation
Of course, you’ll also need to take care of FAA private pilot practice test preparation. Simulation practice would be a good way if it’s available to you. Also, the practical test or “check ride” would likely go well if you have completed the required hours of both instructed and solo flight. Just be aware that you will be accompanied by an examiner with FAA certification and he/she will ask you questions during the test. So you should be ready to operate the aircraft while answering questions.
Getting an Instrument Rating
Aside from taking these two exams, you probably also want to get FAA instrument ratings. An instrument rating is needed for flying under instrument flight rules. Your FAA instrument exam preparation will depend on the aircraft you wish to fly.
Requirements
The first set of requirements includes:
- 17 years of age
- Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English
- At least third class medical certificate obtained from an Aviation Medical Examiner.
These requirements are separate because they almost come naturally or there isn’t much to prepare for. You likely already know that you need to study in a legitimate flight school. The focus here is about the examinations that come after.
The Exams
There are two exams that you need to pass: the private pilot FAA knowledge test and practical test. As you might have inferred, the knowledge test is a written exam and the practical test is just as it sounds.
Knowledge/Written Test Preparation
You should take the FAA knowledge test preparation seriously since the exam would be thorough. If you go for an FAA online pilot training provider for your exam preparation, make sure you get the most out of your money. Consider the following:
- The FAA will not release the actual exams, but they do make some questions available. The online reviewer must be updated with these released questions.
- If the reviewer allows you to browse the full list of questions and review the correct answers without additional fee, then you’re getting a good deal.
- You should have flexible options to get what you need. For example, if you can take full mock exams or review by topic, you can be more flexible with your review.
- You should be able to track your performance for each question you review. It would also be nice if you can customize your review tests according to the results so you can give more focus where you need to improve.
- User interface must be comfortable enough for you.
Practical Test/Check Ride Preparation
Of course, you’ll also need to take care of FAA private pilot practice test preparation. Simulation practice would be a good way if it’s available to you. Also, the practical test or “check ride” would likely go well if you have completed the required hours of both instructed and solo flight. Just be aware that you will be accompanied by an examiner with FAA certification and he/she will ask you questions during the test. So you should be ready to operate the aircraft while answering questions.
Getting an Instrument Rating
Aside from taking these two exams, you probably also want to get FAA instrument ratings. An instrument rating is needed for flying under instrument flight rules. Your FAA instrument exam preparation will depend on the aircraft you wish to fly.
