Question 1

What is required to obtain a private pilot certificate?

Accepted Answer

To obtain a private pilot certificate:
 
- Must be 16 years old to solo and 17 years old to obtain your certificate
- Apply for a student pilot certificate (prior to solo)
- Obtain at least a Third Class Medical Certificate from an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner (prior to solo)
- Pass the Private Pilot Aeronautical Knowledge exam with a minimum of 70% (prior to checkride)
- Pass a checkride with an FAA Examiner (at the end of training)
 
You will need at minimum 40 hours of flight time:
- 30 hours of Dual Flight Instruction (flying with an certified flight instructor)
- 10 hours of Solo Flight (which is just you and the aircraft)
 
You'll also need the following:
- Ground Instruction and Endorsement authorizing you to take the Private Pilot Airplane Aeronautical Knowledge written exam (Average ground school is between 20 to 25 hours)
- An instructor endorsement authorizing you to take your checkride with the FAA Examiner;
- Successfully complete the checkride with the FAA Examiner

Question 2

I'm not eligible for an FAA Airman Medical. Can I still obtain a private pilot certification?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, you are required to hold at least a Third Class Airman Medical Certificate to obtain a Private Pilot Certificate. However, you may want to consider obtaining a Sport Pilot Certificate that does not require an Airman Medical Certificate, as long as you have not been previously denied a medical certificate by an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner.

Question 3

I have previous flight time from another flight instructor or school. Does that time expire?

Accepted Answer

No. Any previous logged flight time you had with another certified flight instructor (CFI) still applies toward the FAA minimum requirements. However, if a long period of time has elapsed you may want to consider a proficiency check on the areas completed.

Question 4

What’s the best way to get started?

Accepted Answer

Start by taking our Discovery Flight. (undefined)During this event your flight instructor will demonstrate how to prepare for a flight and operate the airplane systems. You will actually fly the aircraft and be at the controls for takeoff and during cruise flight. A Discovery Flight lesson will give you a taste of the fun and excitement of learning to fly. Once you start, your instructor will ensure that your training is efficient, thorough and fun. You don't have to have a student pilot certificate or a medical certificate to start take flying lessons. However, you will need both before you can fly an aircraft solo. Contact us today (javascript:void(0))to get started.

Question 5

As a student pilot, am I permitted to carry passengers prior to receipt of my private pilot certificate?"

Accepted Answer

No, you are not permitted to carry passengers as a student pilot.

Question 6

I have a busy schedule. How often am I required to train?

Accepted Answer

Our training schedules are very flexible. We team students with instructors to best accommodate your schedule. We understand that many flight training students have busy work, school, or personal schedules and we strive to accommodate every student's unique situation.

Question 7

What is a typical flight lesson like?

Accepted Answer

With the exception of a few 2-3 hour cross country flights, your flight lessons are generally 1-2 hours in length. At your request, we can make them longer or shorter, but 1-2 hours is a good training period. When you arrive, you will spend 5-10 minutes doing a preflight briefing with your instructor, followed by a preflight inspection of the airplane. During this process, your instructor will review your last lesson and introduce you to the day's lesson. The flight itself will usually last between 1-1.5 hours. The flight will be followed by a post-flight briefing of the day's flight and what you can look forward to during the next lesson.

Question 8

What is the difference between Part 61 and Part 141 training?

Accepted Answer

This is a great question! The FAA has structured pilot training in such a way to be flexible for the learning pilot. There's a great article at Flying Magazine that explains the difference. View the article here.(https://www.flyingmag.com/part-61-or-part-141/)

Question 9

How can I convert a foreign pilot license into an FAA pilot certificate?

Accepted Answer

This is a comprehensive guide on how to convert a foreign pilot license to an FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) pilot certificate. The process of obtaining an FAA pilot certificate involves meeting the eligibility requirements, passing written and practical tests, and demonstrating a level of proficiency and knowledge of FAA regulations and standards. In this paper, we will discuss the steps involved in the conversion process, including the documents and information required, the requirements for flight experience, and the testing and certification process.

The FAA is the governing body responsible for overseeing the aviation industry in the United States. The FAA pilot certificate is required for individuals who wish to operate aircraft for hire, including commercial and private pilots. For foreign pilots, the process of converting their license to an FAA certificate can be a complex and time-consuming process, but it is possible with proper preparation and knowledge of the requirements.

Step 1: Eligibility Requirements

The first step in the process of converting a foreign pilot license to an FAA certificate is to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements. These requirements include:
 • Legal residency in the United States
 • An age requirement of 17 years or older
 • A valid medical certificate
 • A minimum of 40 hours of flight time, including 20 hours of solo flight time

Step 2: Gather Required Documents and Information

The next step is to gather the necessary documents and information required for the conversion process. These include:

• Your foreign pilot license
 • Your medical certificate
 • Proof of flight time
 • Any other certificates or ratings held
 • A passport or birth certificate for proof of identity
 • A social security number
 • 
Step 3: Flight Experience Requirements

The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, including 20 hours of solo flight time, for the conversion process. It is important to note that the flight experience must be in the type of aircraft in which you intend to be rated by the FAA. For example, if you are converting a glider license, you must have experience in gliders.

Step 4: Testing and Certification Process

Once you have gathered all the necessary documents and information, and have met the flight experience requirements, the next step is to take the written and practical tests. The written test covers the FAA regulations, air traffic control procedures, aerodynamics, weather, and navigation. The practical test is a flight test that assesses your ability to perform flight operations and maneuver the aircraft safely.

The process of converting a foreign pilot license to an FAA certificate requires a significant amount of preparation and effort, but it is a necessary step for those who wish to operate aircraft for hire in the United States. By following the steps outlined in this paper, and with proper preparation, foreign pilots can successfully convert their license and obtain their FAA pilot certificate.

HERLONG AIRPORT

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