How to Get Your Private Pilot License in 2021
All things indicate that the aviation market is set for a comeback in 2021. People are ready to fly and we now know enough to do it safely. However, the private flying industry is booming more than ever before and will likely continue. COVID-19 led to a lot of wealthy individuals switching from first-class to private flying. Getting your private pilot license is a good step to getting into private flight. So how what do you need to do to get your private pilot license? Keep reading!
Getting Your Private Pilot License
Here is an overview of all the necessary steps:
- Fulfill your eligibility requirements
- Get your medical certificate
- Join a flight school
- Complete your ground school course
- Complete your private pilot written test
- Get through your flight training and earn the required endorsements
- Pass your private pilot check ride
What are the Requirements for a Private Pilot License?
The FAA requires applicants to be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. You need to be at least 17 years old. The following requirements must also be met:
- Hold either a student, sport or recreational pilot certificate
- Have at least a third-class medical certificate
- Receive proper ground instruction, flight training, and logbook endorsements
- Pass aeronautical knowledge and practical tests
What is Ground School?
During ground school you’ll learn key aviation concepts. You’ll build your aeronautical knowledge in areas like aerodynamics, Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), and radio communication procedures. Instructor lessons and home-study are both options for completing ground school requirements.
Flight School
As part of your private pilot training, you’ll learn to fly aircraft. Your flight training will teach about preflight preparation, navigation, emergency procedures, and several other areas of aircraft operations.
You’ll learn to fly with a flight instructor through flight lessons. Each flight lesson consists of three parts:
- Preflight briefing: Discussing what you’re going to do in the aircraft.
- Flight training session: Doing what you discussed in the briefing.
- Postflight briefing: Evaluating your performance.
It takes most pilots 60 to 75 hours to gain the required flight proficiency. Your aptitude, flight frequency, flight school, and flight instructor are all variables that influence how many hours it will take.
Private Pilot License Privileges & Limitations
After you earn your private pilot license you can:
- Pilot any aircraft you’re qualified for, at night, and in VFR
- Fly IFR after getting an instrument rating
- Carry passengers and property – but not for compensation or hire
- Share operating expenses with passengers
- Participate in charitable flights and search and rescue operations
The main restriction of the private pilot license is that you can’t fly for commercial purposes. However, you’re not far from getting your commercial certification to fly for money.
Ready to Get Your Private Pilot License in 2021?
Thinking about getting a pilot certificate or starting a career in aviation? The demand for pilots is high, and the rewards are big. Book your discovery flight today and find out how CTI can get you started in aviation.
