Want to Become a Pilot? Here are Some Tips to Get Started
So you finally want to realize your dream and become a pilot? Congratulations you are entering the new world of aviation and I guarantee you will have challenges and successes and a memorable time up ahead!
So how do you go about getting a pilot’s license? Well you will need to do 3 basic things — 1. Take a ground school course and pass a written knowledge exam 2. Get at least an FAA Third Class Medical Certificate and 3. Complete training in an airplane with your instructor and pass a “check ride”.
Getting a pilot’s license is not cheap and it varies from place to place. As your first step, I recommend going to websites of local flying schools and see how much a pilot’s license may cost you. Don’t go visit them in person yet, just get a feel about the cost and see if it’s doable for you. Keep in mind that when you begin training in the airplane you will want to try to fly 3-times per week if you can so you can keep your skills sharp.
Next, you will want to decide whether to do a “Part 141” or “Part 61” training program. Basically Part 141 is a structured training program and Part 61 is a more freestyle training program. Check the websites of your local flying schools to see if they offer Part 141, and most flying schools offer Part 61.
Next start your Ground School. There is a debate on whether to take the Ground School first or simultaneously while training in the Airplane. Since you are new to the world of aviation I recommend doing the Ground School first (or at least take several classes before getting in the Airplane). The Ground School is not that expensive and the things you learn on the ground will help you a lot when you start flying in the Airplane.
You can either attend Ground School at a flying school near your home or you can shop online for Ground Schools. These days there are lots of great online Ground School courses you can take that have lots fo good material and they will give you an endorsement to take your Knowledge Exam. (If you want to do a Part 141 training program ask flight schools if you need to do the Ground School with them) Soon after you finish your course make sure to take your Knowledge Exam since the material will be fresh in your mind.
Now it’s time to fly! Try to begin your training during the spring or summer because you will need relatively clear skies and good weather to train. And again, try to fly about 3-times per week. And most importantly -find a great Flight Instructor! Start flying with a few Instructors at your flying school and pick one that you like. When you were in school you had no choice who your teacher was, but now you do. You are the customer and you should find the right Flight Instructor who can help you reach your goals.
What resources should I get to help me learn how to fly? Don’t break your bank, lots of great resources are free or cheap. The FAA publishes great free handbooks for pilots including the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. Weather data is free at aviationweather.gov and there are tons of YouTube videos and websites that can help you along the way. I don’t recommend getting Foreflight and an Ipad just yet. It’s really not necessary and you will have to show how to plan flights on paper (the old way) in order to get your license anyway.
But you will probably have to buy some other things like — an aviation headset (check around for low prices), a log book, and a kneepad that will help you organize in the small cockpit.
That’s all my advice for now, have a good flight!
