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Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
Q: Is there an age limit for obtaining a private pilot rating? (What about max age?)
Q: What written tests and flight tests are required to obtain my private pilot rating?
Q: What physical exams are required to get my private pilot rating (and where do I take them)?
Q: What is a medical certificate?
Q: Are there any medical restrictions to prevent me from becoming a pilot?
Q: Am I required to have special insurance to be a pilot?
Q: What is the optimum progression through the ratings?
Selecting a Flight School
Q: What is the difference between a Part 141 school and Part 61?
Q: What is the difference between a Cessna Pilot Center (CPC) and a flight school?
Q: How do I find the location of my nearest CPC?
Q: What if there isn't a CPC close to me?
Q: If I live outside the U.S., what is required for me to train in your country?
Discovery Flight
Q: What is a Discovery Flight?
Q: How much does a Discovery Flight cost?
Q: How do I arrange a Discovery Flight as a gift?
Q: Is there an expiration date on the Discovery Flight coupons?
Flight Training
Q: How many hours do I have to fly before I fly solo?
Q: Can I learn to fly in my own plane?
Q: Do I have to be a pilot to purchase a plane?
Q: How do I learn to fly an aircraft that has a glass cockpit?
Private Pilot Rating
Q: What is the average length of time needed to obtain a private pilot rating?
Q: What is the average cost of obtaining a private pilot rating?
Getting Started
Q: Is there an age limit for obtaining a private pilot rating? (What about max age?)
A: The Federal Aviation Regulations require an individual to be at least 16 years of age to operate an aircraft solo and 17 years of age to obtain a private pilot certificate. There is not an age limitation on beginning flight lessons with a certified flight instructor. There is no maximum age for acquiring a private pilot certificate. Once someone gets this certificate, they may exercise the privileges of that certificate as long as they continue to get a medical certificate and a biannual flight review.
Q: What written tests and flight tests are required to obtain my private pilot rating?
A: Student pilots have to pass a pre-solo written exam before solo, a private pilot written exam (FAA), and a practical exam (flight test).
Q: What exams are required to get my private pilot rating (and where do I take them)?
A: To obtain a private pilot rating, you must obtain at least a 3rd class medical, and these are available from FAA medical examiners (refer to phonebook or contact flight school).
Q: What is a medical certificate?
A: Every pilot must obtain a medical certificate in order to exercise the privileges of their pilot's license – there are three classes; 1st (most stringent, and good for six months), 2nd (good for one year and required for use with a commercial rating), and 3rd (good for three years if you are under 40, two years if 40 or older).
Q: Are there any medical restrictions to prevent me from becoming a pilot?
A: Some medical conditions may require a waiver for a pilot to get a medical certificate, and these are best described by the FAA medical examiner.
Q: Am I required to have special insurance to be a pilot?
A: No, but some insurance companies do specialize in insurance for pilots.
Q: What is the optimum progression through the ratings?
A: This depends on why the student is achieving the ratings, but the progression that occurs most often is: private rating, an addition of an instrument rating, then a multi-engine rating. The next progression is to a commercial rating, and the prior ratings apply to this one.
Selecting a Flight School
Q: What is the difference between a Part 141 school and Part 61?
A: The "Parts" refer to different sections of the Federal Aviation Regulations, and the different Parts dictate different requirements for flight schools. Generally, Part 61 flight schools have less stringent requirements – no chief flight instructor required – and they have the flexibility to progress through their training syllabi as needed. Part 141 schools must have a chief flight instructor, have their syllabus or training course outline (TCO) approved by the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), and progress through that syllabus exactly as outlined – no flexibility.
Q: What is the difference between a Cessna Pilot Center (CPC) and a flight school?
A: Cessna Pilot Centers must meet higher standards than the typical flight school in order to be eligible to operate under the Cessna logo. They must be clean, neat, and provide superior customer service and flight training. They must make available for flight training fully insured, new Cessna 172 aircraft that are currently under factory warranty. Most importantly, Cessna Pilot Centers are the only schools that utilize Cessna's integrated computer-based instruction – a revolutionary method of teaching ground school that is easy, thorough and fun.
Q: How do I find the location of my nearest CPC?
A: To find the location of the nearest CPC, use our online locator, http://learntofly.com/directory.html, or call the Learn to Fly hotline at (877) 359-2373 or (316) 517-6056.
Q: What if there isn't a CPC close to me?
A: Visit the Find a Local Flight School Database at www.aopa.org/learntofly to locate the nearest flight school.
Q: If I live outside the U.S., what is required for me to train in your country?
A: It is recommended to visit sites, such as www.aopa.org, where U.S. requirements for foreign citizens are posted. Once in the U.S., the training requirements for a citizen of another country are the same as for a U.S. citizen.
Discovery Flight
Q: What is a Discovery Flight?
A: A Discovery Flight is a flight of approximately 30 minutes intended to familiarize a student with the airplane, the airport, and with the flying environment. During most Discovery Flights, the student sits in the left seat, and the instructor allows the student to fly for a majority of the flight.
Q: How much does a Discovery Flight cost?
A: Generally, it costs $99. The form to print a Discovery Flight coupon can be found on the Learn to Fly Web site, http://learntofly.com/howto/discovery.chtml.
Q: How do I arrange a Discovery Flight as a gift?
A: Cessna Pilot Centers sell gift certificates for Discovery Flights.
Q: Is there an expiration date on the Discovery Flight coupons?
A: No. Discovery Flight Coupons are always valid at participating Cessna Pilot Centers. Please contact your nearest Cessna Pilot Center to inquire about their participation in the program. Please ask for the flight school manager when making this inquiry in order to get the most current information on the program.
Flight Training
Q: How many hours do I have to fly before I fly solo?
A: There is no requirement for hours before solo. This is based on the judgment of one's instructor.
Q: Can I learn to fly in my own plane?
A: Yes.
Q: Do I have to be a pilot to purchase a plane?
A: No. Anyone may purchase an aircraft.
Q: How do I learn to fly an aircraft that has a glass cockpit?
A: Almost every manufacturer of aircraft with glass cockpits can provide references for training, or the avionics provider may provide training.
Private Pilot Rating
Q: What is the average length of time needed to obtain a private pilot rating?
A: On average, it takes about five months. You must complete a minimum of 40 hours of flight instruction (the national average is 75) and study to pass the written and oral exams (typically 40 hours of study material).
Q: What is the average cost of obtaining a private pilot rating?
A: The cost varies by location and the type of aircraft used for training, but the average cost is between $6,000 and $8,000.
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