|
Learning to Fly
Many people dream of flying their own plane,
whether for recreation, business,
or
transportation. Learning to fly is, in fact
straightforward. To fly a plane in the United
States, you must be at least 16, speak English,
and pass a basic medical exam. From that
point onward, becoming a qualified pilot
can be both time consuming and expensive.
A qualified pilot must meet a
variety of
requirements established by the
FAA in order
to demonstrate their fitness
and capability
of flying. Requirements include
a minimum
of 40 hours of flying time, of
which 20 hours
needs to be with an instructor
and 10 hours
solo. Typical new pilots take
60-80 hours
to master the required skills.
Piloting also
includes a wide array of detailed
knowledge
of airplane navigation and operation.
You can get your training from a certified
flight instructor (CFI) or a flight school.
The major differences are in the resources
available (choice of instructors, planes,
simulators, coursework, etc.). Flight schools
come in two flavors, Part 61 and Part 141
(referring to the FAA regulations under which
they operate). Part 141 schools are closely
audited, but either type can train a qualified
pilot, with Part 61 schools offering much
more flexibility.
It's best to shop around to find
the right
match between your goals, schedule,
pocketbook
and personality. Ask about introductory
lessons
(some offer a free
introductory flight) and references. It's
also a good idea to join a local flying club
or airport association. You'll find the contacts
and insights of other pilots extremely helpful
not just with getting started but throughout
your flying career. |
|
|
