Learning to Fly An Airplane: Becoming a Student Pilot

In our previous blog, we talked about how one’s desire to become a pilot begins by the desire and what are the things that could stop one from becoming a private pilot like he wanted to. In this post, we shall talk about how one could start taking the steps to becoming an aviator and that is to become a student pilot.

Finding a CFI

First off, you should find a flight school that you could go to. Like mentioned before, you could choose to go to aviation college but it could be very expensive for you to do so. Not unless you could find yourself some grants, you might be better off going to a Part 61 instruction. To do that, you need to first find yourself a certified flight instructor. Doing so should be easy, you just need to find one that you can work with and can work with you full time. Be sure to ask for some referrals and do some interviews.

Getting a Medical

A Level 3 medical is what private pilot requirements compel every student to have. This serves as one’s student pilot license, and is needed before on can start private pilot flight lessons. Now don’t think about going to your regular physician; the FAA only authorized certain doctors to issue these medicals. These are accredited physicians, which are sometimes called aviation medical examiners. This shouldn’t be a problem; most of these AMEs are willing to work with you about your medical history and get you cleared to start your flight training.

With your level 3 medical, you are now on your way to becoming a private pilot. You are now licensed to begin flight training with your CFI! This is where you really start to learn to fly. Take note that you have to pass a private pilot checkride at the end of your training, and before that private pilot requirements state that you have to log in at least 40 hours before your instructor endorses you for the exam.