10 Steps to Becoming a Pilot
1. Why become a Pilot?
There are many reasons to become a pilot: Pursue a Career, Travel for Business, Hobby, Overcome Fear of Flying, and many, many more. Knowing your aviation goals will help you, and your instructor, tailor training to meet your individual needs and manage expectations.
2. Discovery Flight:
While not required, it is recommended that you take a discovery flight. Learning to fly is fun, but it is not for everyone. A discovery flight will help you decide if you want to make the financial and time commitment.
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3. Medical Certificate:
Prior to taking lessons, it is recommended that you obtain the appropriate 1st, 2nd, or 3rd class medical certificate. Learning to fly is an investment. Knowing that you can obtain the appropriate medical certificate ensures you do not spend money flying only to find out a certificate cannot be granted. Find an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) | Federal Aviation Administration
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4. FAA Knowledge Test:
Purchase an online ground school or enroll in a class to obtain a sign-off to take the required FAA knowledge test. You can start and complete this prior to taking lessons or complete the course while you are training. Cargill Aeronautical requires students pass the test prior to soloing the aircraft. ​How can I find the closest FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center to me? | Federal Aviation Administration
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5. Flight Training Provider:
Evaluate and select a flight training provider. Consider total cost of training, which is not only driven by the hourly rates for the aircraft and instructor but also the student’s commitment to the process and ability to master the FAA prescribed standards. Ask if the training provider has a standard curriculum that all instructors use for training. While the FAA minimum is 40 flight hours for Part 61 and 35 flight hours for Part 141, the national average for all flight schools is 76 flight hours with completion rates of 20%-50%.
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​If you are not a United States citizen, you must be approved by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
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6. Setup an FAA IACRA Account:
Register with IACRA prior to starting your flight training. You will need this registration number to take the FAA knowledge test, get a student pilot certificate and schedule a checkride. IACRA - Federal Aviation Administration
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7. First Lesson:
Instructor introduces the training aircraft and its systems. The instructor signs off in IACRA on your student pilot certificate request.
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8. Milestone 1-First Solo:
You perform three takeoffs and three landings at the training airport
9. Milestone 2-Cross Country Flying:
Use of aeronautical charts for VFR navigation using pilotage and dead reckoning with the aid of a magnetic compass. Use of aircraft performance charts pertaining to cross-country flights. Procurement and analysis of aeronautical weather reports and forecasts, including recognition of critical weather situations and estimating visibility while in flight. Procedures and operating practices for collision avoidance, wake turbulence precautions, and windshear avoidance. And, much more!
10. Milestone 3:
Pass the Check Ride with a Designated Pilot Examiner to become a private pilot.
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Once you have obtained your Private Pilot License, you are ready to pursue an Instrument Rating (IFR), Commercial Pilot License, and Certified Flight Instructor Licenses.
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