Learning how to fly a plane and becoming a professional pilot is no easy feat and can take around 2 to 3 months. Some opt for a sped-up training course that can be completed as quickly as three weeks but aren’t nearly comprehensive.
Regardless of what route you take, it’s essential to be prepared and at least have some idea of what to expect. Otherwise, you may run into some issues that will only hold you back. In this article, we aim to provide such insights.
What to expect when getting started with private pilot training?
First things first — there are two parts to private pilot training. There’s the ground course (aeronautical knowledge) and actual flight (aeronautical experience). Also, there are 3 phases to your pilot training that you will need to comprehend. Each of these phases has the aerial knowledge and aerial experience requirements you will need to know.
Understanding the process before you begin your private pilot training will help you succeed in your goal of becoming a qualified pilot.
Pre-solo flight training
The very first part of your Pilot Training is the pre-solo phase. You will find out the fundamentals of flying an airplane throughout this phase of your pilot training. This training phase will be the hardest for many students, given that the routine of driving a vehicle has been with you most of your life. Once you are through this phase, you will believe in yourself, and you will have the ability to carry out solo flights restricted by your flight trainer.
The pre-solo phase of your pilot training will also have an aeronautical requirement that you will have to meet likewise. A pre-solo composed examination is likewise a requirement. This exam will comprise your flight instructor and concentrate on the aircraft and the airspace you will be flying in.
Post-solo flight training
The next part of your Pilot License Training is the post solo or cross country phase. Under the latter, students focus on different types of landings, night flying, and instrument flight. A significant part of this stage will be solo flights to amass your solo flight time to meet the basic pilot requirements.
While post-solo flight training does not have any specific requirements for aerial knowledge, however, it would help if you had already completed your written test for the private pilot license before entering the flight test preparation phase.
Flight Test Prep Stage
The final stage of your pilot training will be the flight test preparation stage. The Practical Test Standards is the outline for the practical test; this will focus on testing everything that you’ve learned in your pilot training.
Students begin by taking and passing a written test of at least 60 multiple choice type questions. This is then followed by a pilot dry run, a practical test, and the sum of your accumulated knowledge and experience. The test itself comprises a series of tasks, including navigation, maintenance, and flight maneuvers.
As soon as you have completed your Dry run, your Private Pilot License will become active and accessible to you. The very best thing you can do is plan your training out and understand the process before starting.
