Flight Training

Flight training is a comprehensive educational journey designed to equip aspiring pilots with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to operate aircraft safely and efficiently. Through a combination of ground school and in-flight instruction, students learn about aerodynamics, navigation, weather, aircraft systems, and regulations. They gain hands-on experience in piloting, including takeoffs, landings, and emergency procedures, under the guidance of certificated flight instructors. Whether your goal is to fly for recreation or pursue a professional aviation career, flight training provides a structured path to achieving your pilot certification, ensuring you are well-prepared for the responsibilities and challenges of flying.

Private Pilot

To obtain a Private Pilot Certificate, you must meet the following requirements:

Age: Be at least 17 years old.
Language: Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.
Medical Certificate: Obtain at least a third-class medical certificate from an FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner.
Flight Training: Complete a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, including:
- 20 hours of flight training with an instructor
- 10 hours of solo flight time
- Specific flight experiences such as cross-country flights and night flights
Ground School: Complete ground school training covering topics like navigation, weather, regulations, and aircraft operations.
Written Test: Pass the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test (written exam).
Practical Test: Successfully complete a checkride, which includes an oral exam and a flight test with an FAA examiner.

Meeting these requirements ensures you have the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to safely operate as a private pilot.

Instrument

To obtain an Instrument Rating, you must meet the following requirements:

Private Pilot Certificate: Hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate.
Medical Certificate: Hold a current medical certificate appropriate for the privileges you seek to exercise.
Ground Training: Complete ground training from an authorized instructor or a home-study course, covering instrument flight rules (IFR) and procedures, weather, navigation systems, and other relevant topics.
Flight Experience: Accumulate the following flight experience:
- Total Flight Time: At least 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot-in-command.
- Instrument Training: At least 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, of which:
  - 15 hours must be with an authorized instructor.
  - At least one cross-country flight under IFR, consisting of:
    - A distance of at least 250 nautical miles.
    - Instrument approaches at each airport.
    - Three different types of approaches using navigation systems.
Written Test: Pass the FAA Instrument Rating Knowledge Test (written exam).
Practical Test: Successfully complete a checkride, which includes an oral exam and a flight test with an FAA examiner, demonstrating proficiency in instrument flying.

These requirements ensure you are well-prepared to operate an aircraft under instrument flight rules, enhancing your skills and safety as a pilot.

Commercial

To obtain a Commercial Pilot Certificate, you must meet the following requirements:

Age: Be at least 18 years old.
Language: Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.
Medical Certificate: Hold at least a second-class medical certificate.
Private Pilot Certificate: Hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate.
Ground Training: Complete ground training from an authorized instructor or a home-study course covering advanced aerodynamics, systems, regulations, and other relevant topics.
Flight Experience: Accumulate the following flight experience:
- Total Flight Time: At least 250 hours, which includes:
  - 100 hours in powered aircraft, 50 of which must be in airplanes.
  - 100 hours of pilot-in-command time, including:
    - 50 hours in airplanes.
    - 50 hours of cross-country flight, of which at least 10 hours must be in airplanes.
- Training: 20 hours of training on the areas of operation listed in the regulations, including:
  - 10 hours of instrument training.
  - 10 hours of training in a complex airplane, turbine-powered airplane, or technically advanced airplane.
- Solo or Acting as PIC: 10 hours of solo flight time or 10 hours of flight time performing the duties of pilot in command with an instructor, including:
  - One cross-country flight of at least 300 nautical miles with landings at three points.
  - Five hours of night VFR with 10 takeoffs and landings at a controlled airport.
Written Test: Pass the FAA Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test (written exam).
Practical Test: Successfully complete a checkride, which includes an oral exam and a flight test with an FAA examiner, demonstrating proficiency in commercial pilot maneuvers and operations.

These requirements ensure you have the advanced knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to operate as a commercial pilot.