How to Become a Pilot in Pennsylvania

You must train for many hours to become a pilot.

Depending on what type of license he or she holds, a pilot can fly commercial, cargo or private propeller airplanes and jets. The training can cost several thousand dollars, as it requires a number of flight hours, many of which a future pilot must log under the supervision of a licensed pilot. Although an individual can take examinations for different types of pilot certificates (such as sport or commercial), he or she must first complete the steps mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration for prospective pilots in all states. According to Richard Poch of TAS Flight school in West Chester, Pennsylvania, this FAA process applies to prospective pilots in Pennsylvania and every state.

Things You'll Need

• 20/20 vision or corrective lenses
• Plane (optional)
• Money
• Instructional materials (optional)

Instructions

1. Determine what type of pilot you wish to become. The types of FAA examinations you will need to take differ for each type of pilot certificate.

2. Locate an airport near you that offers flight training, or a flight school. You can choose a flight school or training system in one of two ways. The first involves selecting a flight school based on location, as you may not want to drive or commute too far. The second way involves contacting a number of flight schools and speaking to the instructors to determine who you would feel more comfortable teaching you to fly an airplane.

3. Study for and then take the FAA's pilot knowledge test. You can purchase instructional materials from the FAA or buy study guides and test-preparation material.

4. Apply for your student pilot certificate from the FAA. If you want to become a private pilot you will need to see an FAA approved doctor to receive and pass a medical exam. If you only want to get your "sport pilot" license and you already own a valid Pennsylvania Driver's License, you do not need to get a medical exam.

5. Complete the required number of flight training hours. In order to become a sport pilot, you will need 30 hours of supervised flight training, whereas a private pilot requires 40 hours. You can either use your own airplane or rent one from the pilot training school.

6. Complete your first solo flight. Your instructor must sign a form that permits you to take this step. Continue with solo and supervised flight training until you feel comfortable enough to take the FAA pilot skills test.

7. Take and pass the FAA pilot skills test. This practical, in-flight test will require you to show that you can competently execute a number of skills as well as demonstrate knowledge of how to operate an airplane in flight and during simulated emergency situations.

8. Apply for your pilot certificate.

Tips & Warnings

• The cost of earning a private pilot license includes airplane rental, fuel and the instructor's fees and you should expect to spend between $4,500 and $6,500. A number of grants can help to defray these costs.

• Please note that you must be at least 16 years old to fly solo. Also, because English is the standard language used by air traffic controllers and pilots worldwide, you must also be able to speak and write English fluently.

References

• TNT Air: Learning to fly
• Flight Training: How to become a pilot
• Federal Aviation Administration: Become a pilot
• TAS Flight School: Start Flying

Resources

• General Aviation: 101 Scholarships and Grants for flight training
• Top Aeronautical Schools: Where to look for aviation grants