A Personal Pilot Certificate Training

Training for a pilot certificate should be fun and exciting.

There are three different types of personal pilot certificates a private aviator can test and train to achieve. There is the recreational, sport and private pilot certification. Each has different requirements. Along with the requirements, each certificate has limitations and restrictions. Cchieving any one of them should be a fun and empowering experience.

Recreational Pilot

Buzz the skies.

To be eligible for a recreational pilot certificate you must be at least 17 years of age, pass the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) approved medical exam and pass the written, oral and practical examinations through the FAA. A recreational pilot certificate limits the holder to specific categories and classes of aircraft, the number of passengers who may be carried, the distance that may be flown from the departure point, the flight into controlled airports and other limitations, according to FAA rules and regulations, section FAR 61.303. A minimum of 40 flight hours must be completed, with 10 of these hours being solo flights with you as the PIC, or pilot In command.

Sport Pilot

You can train on a myriad of single engine airplanes.

According to the FAR-AIM (Federal Aviation Regulations-Aeronautical Information Manual) for 2010, Section 61.301, you may hold a sport pilot license after undergoing the FAA-approved medical exam, passing the written test for sport pilots and logging in a minimum of 40 hours of flight time. The written test is shorter than the private pilot test. A sport pilot certificate restricts which levels of airspace you may fly into, which airports you may use and number of passengers you may carry with you during flight times. Ten hours of the flight time logged must be solo, with you being the PIC.

Private Pilot

Try landing a tail-dragger aircraft to really perfect your landings

The private pilot certificate is what most will go for. The certificate, according to FAR-AIM Regulations 61.93e through 61.109, requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight training. These hours break down to 10 hours minimum solo with you as PIC; three hours of cross-country dual training (with an instructor); three hours of night flying (with 10 full take-offs and landings); one night flight cross country; and three hours of IFR training (instrument flight rating). You must pass an approved FAA medical exam, the FAA private pilot written exam, the oral exam and the practical test.

Training Centers

You can get certified in any number of aircraft.

You can train for your certificates at any FAA-recognized flight center or training school. Make sure your instructor has a current CFI (certified flight instructor) certificate issued from the FAA. You can choose which type of aircraft you wish to train on, although you will start with single engine aircraft, such as Cessna 172s or Piper Archers.

Going Further

The sky is the limit no more!

Once a private pilot certificate is achieved, you can further your training and get additional ratings. Float, ski, multi-engine, high-performance and lighter than air certifications and ratings are possible with additional airtime and training with a certified CFI. If you wish to have access to renting different types of aircraft you need to get "checked off" in them by having a certain number of hours (decided by the FAA and instructor) in the dedicated aircraft. Look into flight schools that have a range of aircraft to log in hours in many different airplanes. If you wish, you can also pursue a rotor rating which will allow you to fly helicopters.

References

• FAA: Become a Pilot - Recreational And Private
• FAA-FAR Regulations