To Be a Pilot: A Private Pilot Certificate

(NOTE: This is part of a series of blog entries designed to provide you more information on becoming a pilot.  To read previous "To Be a Pilot" blog entries, go to www.pea.com. Click on "What's New.")

Each country has their own aviation authority which sets the requirements for pilot certificates, so U.S. Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) requirements will be discussed here. Differing pilot requirements for different countries is not a problem for international flight training students, however, as they can readily convert their FAA flight certificates to that of their home country. This is typically done when the pilot returns to their home country after completion of flight training. At best, conversion is a paperwork and verification process; at worst it may require a little extra study and flight time. However, converting a license is common and not difficult to do.

If you want to work as a pilot, you will first study and train for your Private Pilot Certificate. To be eligible to be certified, you will need an up-to-date first or second class medical certificate. You will also need to complete a ground school program (50 hours) and pass a written test, plus fly with an instructor for a minimum of 35 hours, more if you or your instructor feel you need some additional instruction in order to pass your Private Pilot exam. This 35 hour minimum requirement is under the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) FAR 141 program. There are a number of advantages from training under FAR 141, and all international students are required to do. U.S. students have the option of training under FAR 61, which has a 40 hour minimum flight requirement before you are eligible to take your flight exam or to train under FAR 141.  A Private Pilot Certificate allows the pilot to operate an aircraft day or night under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Passengers can be carried, but not for compensation or hire -- so you cannot get a job flying people with only a Private Pilot Certificate.

If you expect to fly for a career as a professional pilot, you will also most likely want to train and pass your tests for both Private Pilot - single engine and Private Pilot - multi-engine.

Congratulations: you are now on your way.  The next step is your Instrument Rating.  Following achieving your Instrument Rating, you will train for your Commercial Pilot Certificate. Watch for information on both the Instrument Rating and the Commercial Pilot Certificate in future blog postings.  If you would like more information right now, go to www.pea.com. Phoenix East Aviation has Admissions Officers who will respond quickly to your inquiry and answer your questions.