How to Study to Become a Pilot

Determine which license you wish to pursue. The sport pilot license is less expensive to obtain and requires a minimum of 20 flight hours, compared to a minimum of 40 hours for a private pilot license. If you wish to be able to take more than one passenger, then the private pilot license will better meet your needs.

Consider whether or not to obtain an FAA medical certificate before beginning to train. An FAA medical certificate is required for a private pilot license. Sport pilots do not need an FAA medical certificate and can use a state-issued driver's license for medical eligibility. Individuals who have any concerns about passing the physical exam should review the requirements beforehand. Failing the FAA medical examine precludes you from operating under any pilot license. Medical certificates are issued by Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs). An AME is a physician authorized by the FAA to administer the physical exam and issue a medical certificate.

Select a course to study for the knowledge exam. Either license requires the applicant to pass a knowledge exam prior to taking the flight check and becoming a licensed pilot. To prepare for the knowledge exam, you can study on your own, take an online course or attend a ground school. Consider your study habits in determining which method is most appropriate. Much of the material will be new or unfamiliar to someone without an aviation background. Allow ample time to thoroughly study the material. The material will be more relevant if you study for the knowledge exam and take flying lessons together.

Begin taking flying lessons. You will be spending a lot of time with your instructor while you are learning. Consider interviewing several instructors to make sure you find someone you are comfortable with. Many local airports have flight schools. Students can learn from individual instructors at schools that have a single aircraft. Other businesses offer many services and have fleets of aircraft. There are also large pilot training schools that offer intensive training, much like a pilot college.

Study the procedures for the required maneuvers between lessons. Knowing the proper procedures for the maneuvers you must master will help you focus your attention on executing them. Pilot applicants are required to be able to demonstrate several different take-off and landing techniques, stalls, ground reference maneuvers, such as turns-around-a-point and rectangular patterns, as well as flight at minimum controllable airspeed. Required maneuvers for each license exam, along with acceptable tolerances, are published by the FAA in the sport pilot flight test guide or private pilot flight test guide.

Continue practicing for the flight test. Once you have passed your knowledge exam, your flight instructor will recommend you for the flight test once she is confident that you can perform the maneuvers safely and within the acceptable guidelines of the flight test guide. The flight test will consist of two parts taken at the same time. There is an oral exam of knowledge and a flight test in the aircraft.