Becoming a Pilot Questions and Answers
Where can I get flying lessons?
A large majority of airports have at least one flight instructor available. The smaller airports may not neccessarily have one on staff, but can put you in contact with one. Another way to get started with flying lessons is by contacting the nearest FAA Flight Standards District Office.
Does my pilot training include a written test?
You will not need to pass a written test while flying with your instructor. On the other hand, you will need to be familiar with some of the FAA’s rules before you fl solo. Your flight instructor will also want you to be familiar with the flight characteristics and operational limitations of the aircraft you will fly. Therefore, you will be given materials to study and your instructor will be checking your knowledge before you solo. If you pass, your instructor will endorse your student pilot’s certificate for solo flight, which indicates you are thought to be competent enough to make solo flights.
When do I have to get the endorsement?
Within 90 days of your first solo flight.
After I’ve soloed, can I fly cross-country alone?
Your instructor must first review your pre-flight planning and preparation for solo cross-country flight and determine that the flight can be made safely under known circumstances and conditions. The instructor must also endorse your logbook (just like when you were endorsed for solo flight) before attempting any cross- country flight. flight.
As a student pilot, can I carry passengers with me before getting my recreational or private pilot’s certificate?
No.
Must I have an FCC radiotelephone operator’s permit to operate an aircraft radio transmitter?
No.
What is the difference between a recreational pilot’s certificate and a private pilot’s certificate?
As a recreational pilot, you have to fly within 50 nautical miles of the airport where you learned to fly, you have to fly during the day, and you can’t fly in airspace where communications with air traffic control are required. A private pilot doesn’t have these limitations. It usually takes fewer lessons to get a recreational pilot’s certificate than a private pilot’s certificate.
