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Requirements For Getting A Pilot License
By Matt Tanner, Mon Dec 26th
Getting a pilotlicense is a very fun and rewarding experience. There areguidelines set by the FAA that explain what you have to do inorder to get a private pilot license. The basic requirements fora pilot license are as follows: Medical Certificate - You must pass the basic medical exam thatall applicants are required to undergo, certifying that you meetthe medical standards for safely operating an aircraft. Moredetails about the medical certificate are discussed below. Age - You must be at least 16 years old to fly an airplane solo(by yourself) with a student pilot certificate, and 17 years oldto get a private pilot license. There is no upper age limit,provided that you are healthy enough to pass the basic medicalexam.
Language - As a private pilot, you have to be able to read,speak, and understand English (the international language ofaviation). Time - A private license requires a minimum of 40 hours of totalflight time, with the national average around 65 hours beforethe final check ride, as well as extra time for study on theground in preparation for an FAA written test. The length ofyour training depends in part on how much time you devote to it.Concentrated full-time programs can be completed in as few astwo weeks or a month, while a part-time student typically takesbetween four and six months of flying a few times a week. Money - You can learn to fly on a budget; even still, it is nota cheap undertaking. If you train part-time at a local airport,for example, plan on investing in the range of $4,000 to $6,000,with costs varying widely by region. It is a good idea toconsider whether you have the funds to start training and reachyour goal within a reasonable time period. Someone who flies afew times a week keeps what they have just learned fresh intheir mind. Each lesson allows new topics to be introduced.However, flying only a couple times a month may have yourelearning some of the
material from the previous lesson. Inthis case, not only will it take you longer (on the calendar) toget your license, but it might take more flight training hoursto get ready for your checkride as well. But as long as you arehaving fun, it will be well worth it in the end. Keep in mindthat you do not need to pay for all of your flight training upfront. Most flight schools let you pay as you go, although youmight get a price break by paying for a block of lessons inadvance. Another way to pay for your training is throughfinancing. When you learn to fly at a Cessna pilot center,you're eligible for a Sallie Mae Financial Corporationprofessional education loan - affordable financial aid from thenation's leader in educational financing (www.salliemae.com).It's easy to qualify, your rate can be as low as Prime +1%, andyou can make interest-only payments (as low as $75 per month)until your training is complete. Generally, for students, thereis financing available through Sallie Mae Company, PilotFinance, and Key Bank. Many students also use local banks forflight training loans. Another way to reduce your costs once you have your license isto share time with other pilots. There are many people who arelooking to fly and build time and experience. Most of the time,it is very easy once you are a pilot to find other pilots whowill gladly share in the expense of the flight just for theflight hours. Money is one of the largest obstacles to becominga pilot. That is why so many people put it at the top of theirlist of questions when considering flying. You should beconcerned with the cost, but ask yourself this question: What isit worth to you to learn tofly safely? For me, it was well worth it. About the author:Matt Tanner is a Flight Instructor in Atlanta, Georgia. Heshares his extensive aviation knowledge with thousands of peopleeach year. His students have become private pilots, aircraftowners, flight instructors, and U.S. Air Force pilots. To learnthe best way to become a pilot, go tohttp://www.privatepilotguide.com or http://www.matttanner.com
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