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Requirements and Steps to Becoming a Private Pilot License

The goal of most pilots is to become a pilot with a Private Pilot License. The license acquisition is training that offers foundational knowledge and skills to future pilots in training. Therefore, obtaining this license means that a pilot is allowed to fly privately and carry people close to them. There are, however, limitations to the license. For example, the private pilot license does not give pilots the authority to fly when hired or paid to compensate for the services. Pilots with licenses can therefore work in organizations offering flying jobs. To understand how to get a private pilot license and get a flying job with a good salary, you should understand how it works and know what is required.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Pilots have to fulfil the following requirements to be eligible to pursue the training.
  • Have a third-class medical certificate.
  • The pilot should have completed at least 16 years old to fly solo.
  • Be able to read, write and understand English.
  • The certificate can only be given to someone over 17 years of age.
  • You should be able to solve basic math such as adding, multiplying, subtracting and dividing.

Steps Followed to Become a Private Pilot.

  1. Ensure you meet the requirements.

Before applying to start the training, check to ensure that you fulfil all the paperwork, age and skills set needed. Once you meet all the eligibility criteria requirements, you are allowed to begin the process. 

  1. Finish Ground School

Ground schools offer a variety of topics and training that prepare pilots for this training. It takes four weeks to learn various topics such as flight planning, navigation, aerodynamics, and weather. At the end of each ground school syllabus, they offer exams that show you have completed.

  1. Complete Flight Training

To earn a private pilot license, one has to go through 40 hours of flight training at a suitable organization. The training is composed of cross country and night training, among other methods of manoeuvring. The training is conducted by flight instructors who help the students build their confidence and skills.

  1. Check-ride Examination.

At the end of the training, you should pass a check ride that a flight examiner conducts to test and see whether you are ready to fly. During the examination, the trainee should demonstrate the skills and knowledge they mastered during the training. Once the pilot passes the test, they can become an official private pilot on obtaining a license. The check ride is usually done in 3 months.

Conclusion

Pilots aim at becoming private pilots once they complete their training and flight school. Private pilots are given the authority to fly any aircraft virtually but with a few restrictions and different ratings. Becoming a private pilot, however, required thorough training and examination before you can be certified. Additionally, there are specific age, skills and paperwork requirements that must be met before you can begin the training.

Marcin Aleem

The author Marcin Aleem