The Pilot Training Process
The Federal Aviation Administration mandates a rigorous training process for people who want to obtain a civilian private pilot's license. The process is even more exacting for those seeking a commercial pilots license and a multi-engine license.
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Ground School
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The first phase of pilot instruction is ground school. This is a classroom program that focuses on developing a basic understanding of aerodynamics, navigation, aerospace technology and maintenance. Significant course time is spent studying FAA regulations and the use of the FAR-AIM manual, as well. At this phase of your development, you must also obtain a third class medical certificate, clearing you medically to fly an airplane. Expect between 30 and 40 hours of classroom or individual instruction.
Private Pilot License
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The next phase is obtaining a private pilot license. To complete the requirements, you must have at least 40 hours of flight training. Of these, 20 hours must consist of in-person dual instruction. You must have three hours of cross-country flying to destinations at least 50 miles from your take-off point. You must have at least three hours of instruments training, and three hours of night flying. You must have a 100 nautical mile round-trip, and successfully complete 10 night takeoffs and landings. You must have three hours of instruction within 60 days of your practical test.
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Solo Flight Requirements
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To obtain a private pilot license, you must have logged 10 solo flight hours. These must include five hours of cross-country flying, and include a round trip of at least 150 nautical miles. You must also successfully complete three takeoffs and landings at an airfield with a control tower.
Commercial Pilot Requirements
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To obtain a commercial pilot certificate, you must have at least 250 hours of flight time and hold a private pilot's license. You can train in a simulator, but not more than 100 hours of flight time can be simulator hours. You need to log at least 100 hours in aircraft. Fifty hours must be in airplanes, rather than helicopters. You must have 100 hours logged as a pilot-in-command. You must complete 20 hours of training on specific areas of operation, including 10 hours of instrument training, and 10 hours of training in a plane with retractable landing gear, flaps and a controlled-pitch prop. You must also complete a cross-country flight of at least 300 miles and five hours in night flying under visual flight rule conditions.
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