The
flight training process involves ground school and flight
training (Dual and Solo). Both ground school and flight
training lessons are usually taught concurrently and are
based on the building block method of learning, where each
new concept or maneuver builds on the previous lesson. The
flight training process can be divided into three categories:
Ground
School
Ground school is another aspect of learning how to fly.
It is the aeronautical knowledge portion that is required
to help you understand how, where, and when to fly safely.
Subjects taught in ground school include: aerodynamics,
radio communications, aircraft systems, performance and
limitations, navigation, weather, Federal Aviation Regulations,
flight planning, emergency procedures and scenarios, and
more.
Ground
School can be taught in three forms:
1.
Scheduled
Class
Ground school is usually taught with an instructor
teaching a scheduled class held over several weeks/months
or in a 3-day condensed course. Many colleges and
independent flight schools offer scheduled classes
as an option.
2.
Home-Study
Program
Home-study programs offer the most flexibility, which
allows you to study when and where you want, at your
own pace. The ground school courses are available in
various media formats such as videotapes, DVDs, textbooks,
interactive CD-ROMs, computer-based trainers, and some
schools offer courses online via the Internet. Home-study
programs allow you to review any lessons, whenever you
need too. If you are self-disciplined and a self-starter,
these self-paced programs are excellent learning tools.
3.
One-on-One
with an Instructor
One-on-One with an instructor is another option. This
option allows you to study privately with your instructor,
which is more expensive since your instructor will charge
you for his or her time for each lesson.
You
may find best option is a combination of two. You can attend
a scheduled class and use the home-study programs for review
or as needed. Many schools offer the traditional classroom
setting and a library that contains home-study programs
for additional study.
After completing ground school, you will have to take the
FAA’s Knowledge Test before
your Practical Test. A grade of
70 percent or higher is a passing score. It is recommended
that you take the Knowledge Test after completing your solo
cross-country flights (for students training for the Private
Pilot Certificate). The hands-on knowledge gained from your
flight experiences can be used to your advantage to help
answer questions correctly on the Knowledge Test.
Dual Flights
Dual flights involve receiving instruction from your flight
instructor in the airplane. As a student pilot, your instructor
will teach you the fundamentals of aircraft control, airport
operations, radio communications, flight maneuvers, takeoffs
and landings, navigation, and more outlined in the Practical
Test Standards (PTS).
Solo Flights
As your skill level increases, you will eventually fly the
airplane alone – Solo - which usually takes between
10-20 hours of flight instruction. Your instructor will
determine when you will fly solo, once you have demonstrated
consistency in takeoffs and landings, proficiency in certain
flight maneuvers, good judgment to safely fly the airplane.
Before your instructor allows you to solo, you must have
a current Student Pilot/Medical
Certificate. This solo time is necessary towards meeting
the flight experience requirements for your Private Pilot
Certificate.
The
solo process is divided into two phases:
•
Phase
1: Solo in the Practice Area
Prior to releasing you for your first solo flight,
your instructor will endorse your Student Pilot/Medical
Certificate by signing it. You will also sign it.
You will be instructed to make several takeoffs and
landings, and return to the ramp area to celebrate
your first step of many. As your dual flight lessons
progress, you will be allowed to fly to the local
practice area and practice assigned flight maneuvers,
which builds your flying skills, judgment, and confidence.
Your first solo flight will undoubtedly be one of
the most memorable days you will ever experience!
•
Phase
2: Solo Cross-Country
A Solo Cross-Country consists of flying from airport
to airport over long distances (greater than 50 miles)
to log cross-country flight time, and to meet the minimum
solo requirements for the Private Pilot Certificate.
You will be allowed to fly your solo cross-countries,
only after receiving dual flight instruction from your
flight instructor. Your instructor will again endorse
your Student Pilot/Medical Certificate prior to releasing
you for your first solo cross-country. Your first solo
cross-country flight will undoubtedly be another memorable
day you will ever experience!
