PILOT TRAINING OPTIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES
THE PRIVATE PILOT LICENSE [PPL]
For many individuals a private pilot license is ideal as both a starting point and end game as it affords the holder the opportunity to fly family and friends. In addition many use the license to travel alone or to provide easy and fast transportation in work or business. As a private pilot you may elect to rent an aircraft. purchase an aircraft, or join a “flying club.”
The following requirements represents the minimum requirements for the license. Please refer to the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR) for a comprehensive list. Do note, a PPL requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight training. That being said, the national average hovers between 60 to 70 hours. This is to say, few students earn the license in 40 hours! Further, GMFT believes in teaching with an honest kind of candor where students continually can expect straightforward feedback and an honest appraisal of skills. It sets us apart from other schools. And it is one reason why we hope to help each and every student comfortably reach appropriate personal goals.
Private Pilot Requirements: Part 61
- Be at least 17 years old
- Be able to read, speak, write and understand the English language.
- Obtain a 3rd class Medical Certificate
- Receive and log ground training
- Receive and log a minimum of 40 hours of flight time that include:
- 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor (CFI)
- 3 hours of cross-country flight training
- 3 hours of instrument training
- 3 hours of Practical Test preparation
- 3 hours of night flight training
- 10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop
- 1 cross-country flight of over 100 NM total distance
- 10 hours of solo flight training
- 5 hours of solo cross-country time
- 1 solo cross country of at least 150 NM with full stop landings at a minimum of 3 points
- 3 takeoffs and landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower.
- Pass a Knowledge (written) Test
- Pass a Practical (flight) Test
THE INSTRUMENT RATED PILOT
The instrument rated pilot is not limited by weather. Because instrument flight training involves learning to control and navigate an aircraft solely by reference to the flight and navigation instruments, students learn an array of advanced skills. While following “instrument flight rules” (IFR) this training affords greater insight into the air traffic control system while acquiring the skills to pilot an airplane without being able to see outside! It’s challenging. It’s rewarding. It opens new doors to adventure.
*The following list of requirements represents the minimum and is not meant to be all inclusive. Please refer to the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR) for a comprehensive list.
Instrument Rating: Part 61
- Hold at least a private pilot certificate
- Be able to read, speak, write and understand the English language.
- Have at least a 3rd class Medical Certificate
- Receive and log ground training
- Log at least 50 hours of cross-country time as PILOT IN COMMAND (PIC)
- At least 10 hours must be in airplanes
- Log at least 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time
- At least 15 hours of instrument flight training must be received from an authorized instructor (CFII)
- At least 3 hours in preparation for the Practical (flight) Test.
- 1 cross-country flight under IFR
- A distance of at least 250 NM along airways or ATC directed route
- An instrument approach at each airport
- 3 different kinds of approaches using navigation systems
- Pass a Knowledge (written) Test
- Pass a Practical (flight) Test
THE COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENSE
The Commercial Pilot can accept compensation for flying! Still, the opportunity to become gainfully employed in aviation – whether towing banners or working for a regional or national airline – is not the sole reason to become a commercial pilot. Training at this level involves a tightening of skills, strengthening knowledge, and generally can serve to hone all those elements for the pilot wishing to enhance safe flight. In addition, the commercial license is a required credential for those interested in becoming flight instructors, in working as a ferry pilot, or for those who pursue work involving service as a professional aviator.
Commercial Pilot: Part 61
- 250 total hours (100 powered aircraft; 50 in airplane)
- 100 hrs. Pilot-In-Command (PIC) Time 50 hours in airplane
- 50 hours cross country flight (10 hours in airplane)
- 20 hours of flight instruction from an authorized Instructor
- 10 hours instrument training (5 hours in plane; waived if instrument rated)
- 10 hours complex aircraft training
- 1 dual cross-country of min 2 hours day VFR straight line 100NM
- 1 dual cross-country of min 2 hours day Night straight line 100NM
- 3 hours preparation for practical test within preceding 60 days
- 10 hours of Solo flight
- 1 cross country 300NM; 3 landings; straight line 250NM
- 5 hours night VFR; 10 T/O & LDGS at Towered airports
THE COMPLEX ENDORSEMENT
The complex endorsement – an endorsement rather than a rating – is a requisite for those who may be interested in flying an aircraft with retractable landing gear and a “constant speed” propeller. Aircraft such as the popular Piper Arrow, our own Multi-Engine Piper Aztec, as well as such aircraft as the Beechcraft Bonanza all require this “endorsement.” In a basic way this endorsement teaches the holder the procedures for flying an aircraft with retractable gear and a constant speed propeller. Understand, with gear “retracted” a plan has less drag and performs differently! Typically retracting gear reduces drag and increases speed, which is why commercial jets take this approach. This training teaches an array of advanced skills.
- 5 Hours of Flight Training in Retractable Gear Aircraft With Constant Speed Prop
- 5 hours of Flight Instruction from an authorized Instructor
- 3 hours of Ground Instruction on Complex systems