Private Pilot License
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A Private Pilot License (or, in the United States, a certificate) permits the holder to operate an aircraft, initially only under visual flight rules. In most countries, a private pilot possessing an instrument rating may also conduct flights under instrument flight rules. Passengers may be carried and flight in furtherance of a business is permitted; however, a private pilot may not be compensated in any way for services as a pilot and must pay at least the pro rata share of a flight's expenses. Neither passengers nor cargo may be carried for hire. A Private Pilot is also required to be at least 17 years of age, read, speak, write and understand the English language, and maintain at least a third class medical certificate, which is issued by an Aviation Medical Examiner. Standards for each of the three classes of medical certificates may be found in Part 67 of the Federal Aviation Regulations.
A Private Pilot Certificate may be obtained in a variety of aircraft categories and classes. An Airplane category rating may be earned in Single-Engine and/or Multi-Engine aircraft, either land-based or seaplane. A Rotorcraft category rating may be earned in Helicopter and/or Gyroplane classes. Additional categories include Powered-Lift, Glider, Lighter-Than-Air (in Airship and/or Balloon classes), Powered Parachute, or Weight-Shift-Control Aircraft. The most common license sought is Airplane category, in the Single-Engine Land class, also known as ASEL (Airplane, single-engine, land). The list of requirements to become licensed as a Private Pilot are perscribed in Part 61 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. Some flight schools may also be certified to conduct training under Part 141 or 142 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. However, these authorizations are granted on a case-by-case basis, and the specific requirements for each pilot certificate may vary by school.
In the U.S., training is based on a mixture of flight and ground instruction. In addition to completing the instruction and reaching a necessary skill level, two tests must be passed.
The first is the Knowledge Test, more commonly known as the written test. Study for this can be accomplished independently or through a formal ground school. For independent study, a wide variety of books and DVD products are available. Online are found testing sites where students can practice with sample tests, and knowledge sites that actually teach the conceptual material.
The second test is the Practical Test. It is better known as the "checkride" and is performed with an FAA or FAA-designated examiner. The Practical Test consists of two parts: the "oral" examination, and a flight conducted with the examiner as an observer.
The oral exam is typically conducted one-on-one with the examiner, and consists of oral questions related to certificates and documents, airworthiness requirements, aviation weather, flight planning, the national airspace system, performance and limitations, aircraft systems, aeromedical factors, and any other knowledge areas in which the applicant is expected to be proficient. Knowledge areas tested during the oral examination vary depending on the type of Private Pilot License applied for.
Following the oral examination, the applicant conducts a flight with the examiner where other operational areas are tested. The applicant must perform a predetermined set of flight maneuvers, and demonstrate satisfactory operational proficiency in various normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures.
Throughout the checkride process, the applicant is expected to perform to the FAA standards set forth in the "Practical Test Standards", which vary by pilot certificate sought. There are three possible outcomes of a practical test. The applicant may be issued a notice of disapproval, meaning they have failed a portion of the test, and it must be repeated after further training. The applicant may be given a letter of discontinuance, meaning the test must be completed at a later time due to unforseen circumstances such as unfavorable weather, illness, or aircraft problems. A letter of discontinuance is not considered failing or passing. Or, after successful completion of the Practical Test, the candidate is immediately issued a temporary pilot certificate. A permanent certificate is later mailed from the FAA.
After a Private Pilot License is issued, the pilot is also responsible for maintaining their currency by performing biannual flight reviews, and recency requirements regarding the carriage of passengers.
You need 40 flight-hours minimum: 20 hours with an instructor and 10 hours solo.
