Introduction
Your instructor
• 15 years of experience in aviation flight training.
• Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science.
• Masters degree in Aviation Human Factors.
• Commercial Pilot, Airplane Single and Multiengine, Instrument Rating.
• Certified Flight Instructor & Flight Instructor Instrument.
• Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Professor at large Aeronautical University.
Course
Introduction
Who is this for?
• Anyone interested in becoming a pilot.
• Student pilots working towards an FAA Private Pilot certificate.
• "Rusty" pilots who are looking to get back into aviation
• Aviation enthusiasts interested in furthering their knowledge.
• Students enrolled in a Part 141 program looking for additional resources
and alternate explanations.
• If you are a commercial pilot or ATP, this is NOT for you.
What is expected of you?
• Take this seriously, it can save you thousands of dollars.
• Make the best of your experience by:
✓ watching and re-watching the videos if you don’t understand,
✓ asking questions: I’m here to help,
✓ taking the quizzes. Get at least 90/100 before moving on,
✓ reading the study material.
• With all this being said, flying is fun, and the ground knowledge is a
requirement. Good luck!
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
- How to be a pilot - Basic Aerodynamics - Regulation
- Aircraft Structure - Aerodynamic Forces - Inspections & Docs
- Aircraft Systems - Weight & Balance - Aeromedical Factors
- Flight Instrument - Performance - ADM
Part 4 Part 5
- Weather Theory - Charts
- Weather Services - Airspace
- Airport Operations - Navigation & Cross-
- Radio Comm. country planning
Study Material
• FAA-H-8083-25B: Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak/
• FAA-H-8083-3B: Airplane Flying Handbook
https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/
airplane_handbook/
• FAA-S-ACS-6B: Airman Certification Standards (ACS) Private Pilot
https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/
Study Material
• Federal Aviation Regulation/Airman Information Manual (FAR/AIM)
App store ($9.99)
• FAA-H-8083-1 Weight and Balance Handbook
https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/media/FAA-
H-8083-1.pdf
• FAA-H-8083-2 Risk Management Handbook
https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/
Study Material
• AC-00-6B: Aviation Weather
https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/
document.information/documentID/1029851
• AC-00-45H: Aviation Weather Services
https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/
document.information/documentID/1030235
• AC-00-54: Pilot Windshear Guide
https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/
document.information/documentID/22291
Study Material
• AC-90-66B: Non-towered airport operations
https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/
document.information/documentID/1032988
• AC-68-1: Part 68 BasicMed
https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_68-1.pdf
• Aeronautical Chart User's Guide
https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/digital_products/aero_guide/
• FAA-CT-8080-2G: FAA Test figures
https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/supplements/media/
sport_rec_private_akts.pdf
Course Format
• Lectures
• FAA Publications
• Hands-on with websites and apps
• Typical FAA questions
• Quizzes
The role of the FAA
• The FAA is empowered to promote aviation safety and establish safety
standards for civil aviation.
• The FAA establishes the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The regs!
• Title 14 of the CFR is Aeronautics and Space.
• The FAA headquarter is in Washington, DC.
✓ Nine regional offices
✓ 80 Flight Standard District Offices (FSDO)
FAA Roles
• Aviation Safety Inspectors enforce the safety regulations and standards.
• FAA Safety Team (FAAST) members are dedicated to improving safety.
• Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) conduct check rides and issue licenses.
Aircraft Classifications
Airplane: engine-driven fixed-wing aircraft heavier than air.
Aircraft Classifications
Glider: heavier-than-air, does not depend on an engine.
Aircraft Classifications
Balloon
Airship
Lighter-than-air: can rise and remain suspended by using contained gas.
Aircraft Classifications
Powered-lift: heavier-than-air capable of vertical takeoff/landing and relies on
non-rotating airfoil for lift during horizontal flight.
Aircraft Classifications
Powered parachute: flexible or semi-rigid wing connected to a fuselage
so that the wing is not in position for flight until the aircraft is in motion.
Aircraft Classifications
Rocket: aircraft propelled by ejected
expanding gases generated in the engine.
Aircraft Classifications
Gyroplane Helicopter
Rotorcraft: heavier-than-air that depends on lift
generated by one or more rotors.
Aircraft Classifications
Weight-shift control: powered aircraft with
a framed pivoting wing.
Certification of Aircraft
When aircraft are certified, they also fall under different category and class
✓ Category: Normal, Utility, Aerobatics, Transport, Limited, Restricted,
Provisional
✓ Class: airplane, rotorcraft, glider, balloon, and seaplane
Additional information available on Certification of Airmen vs Aircraft at this
link: https://www.cfinotebook.net/notebook/rules-and-regulations/aircraft-
categories-and-classes
Certification of Airmen
The FAA uses broad classifications of aircraft with respect to certification of
airmen:
✓ Category: airplane, rotorcraft, glider, and lighter-than-air
✓ Class: single-engine, multiengine; land, water; gyroplane, helicopter, airship,
and free balloon
✓ Type: for aircraft that require a type certification: Boeing 737, Airbus A320
Pilot Certifications
• The type of flying influences what type of pilot
certificate is required.
• Privileges and limitations for each certificate.
• Types of pilot certificates are:
✓ Sport Pilot
✓ Recreational Pilot
✓ Private Pilot
✓ Commercial Pilot
✓ Airline Transport Pilot
Sport Pilot
• Requirements
✓ Be at least 16 years old to be a student sport pilot.
✓ Be at least 17 years old to test for sport pilot.
✓ Be able to read, write, and understand the English language.
✓ Airplane: 20 hours (other requirements for other aircraft).
✓ Hold a current and valid driver’s license as evidence of medical eligibility.
Sport Pilot
• Privileges
✓ Operate as pilot in command (PIC) of a light-sport aircraft.
✓ Fly during the daytime using visual flight rules (VFR), a minimum of 3
statute miles visibility and visual contact with the ground.
Sport Pilot
• Limitations
✓ Prohibited from flying in Class A airspace.
✓ Prohibited from flying in Class B, C, D airspace until you receive training
and a logbook endorsement from an instructor.
✓ No flights outside the United States without approval from the foreign
aviation authority.
✓ No towing, no flying for compensation or hire, no flying in furtherance
of a business.
Recreational Pilot
• Requirements
✓ Be at least 17 years old.
✓ Be able to read, write, and understand the English language.
✓ Pass the required knowledge test and practical test.
✓ Single engine airplane, helicopter, or a gyroplane.
✓ Third-class medical certificate.
✓ 30 hours of flight time.
Recreational Pilot
• Privileges
✓ Carry no more than one passenger.
✓ Not pay less than the pro rata share of the operating expenses of a
flight with a passenger.
Recreational Pilot
• Limitations
✓ No cross-country over 50 NM range from the departure airport (unless
additional training is received)
✓ No night flying.
✓ No flying where radio communication with ATC is required.
✓ Cannot act as PIC of an aircraft certificated for more than four
occupants or has more than one powerplant.
Private Pilot
• Requirements
✓ Be at least 17 years old (for rating for glider or balloon, 16 y.o.).
✓ Be able to read, write, and understand the English language.
✓ Pass the required knowledge test and practical test.
✓ Third-class medical certificate.
✓ 40 hours of total flight time, 20 hours instruction, 10 hours solo.
Private Pilot
• Privileges
✓ Carry passengers.
✓ Not pay less than the pro rate share of the operating expenses of a
flight with a passenger.
✓ May fly in connection with a business if the flight is not incidental to that
business or employment.
✓ More privileges highlighted in 14 CFR Part 61.113.
Private Pilot
• Limitations
✓ Can’t carry passengers or property for compensation or hire.
Commercial Pilot
• A commercial Pilot may be compensated for flying.
• Requirements
✓ Must be at least 18 years old.
✓ Be able to read, write, and understand the English language.
✓ Pass the required knowledge test and practical test.
✓ Second-class medical certificate.
• 250 hours total time (14 CFR Part 61.129).
Airline Transport Pilot
• Highest possible level of piloting abilities.
• Required to act as a PIC and second in command (SIC) of scheduled
airline operations (and some charter and fractional operations).
• Minimum pilot experience is 1500 hours of flight time.
• Must be at least 23 years of age.
Other certifications/ratings
• Instrument Rating.
• Certified Flight Instructor.
• Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Single vs multiengine, Land vs Sea…
Selecting a Flight School
• What is your goal? Fun? Become an airline pilot? Consider degree
programs.
• Location: local airport vs driving for several hours vs moving.
• Time dedication: flying once a week vs flying four times a week.
• What is your budget?
EVERYTHING IN AVIATION IS MORE EXPENSIVE THAN
EXPECTED AND TAKES LONGER THAN EXPECTED.
What questions should you ask?
• Ask what is included in your quote:
✓ Are the hours quoted based on minimums or school average?
✓ Is fuel included in the hourly rate (wet vs dry rate)?
✓ If dry rate, how often are fuel rates adjusted?
✓ Is the instructor rate the same for ground, flight, and simulator instruction?
✓ Additional fees: knowledge test fees, kits (books, headset, flight bag), admin
fee, FAA Examiner, Training Management System fee, visa fees (for
international students)…
What questions should you ask?
• How many instructors do you have?
• How many active students do you have?
• How many aircraft do you have? What type? How old?
• Who maintains your aircraft?
• How do you schedule your airplane? Online vs paper.
• How often will I be able to fly?
• What is the scheduling priority for your customers?
What questions should you ask?
• What is the average completion hours for Private Pilots for your students?
• What is the average completion timeframe for Private Pilots?
• Can I talk with my future instructor (or any instructor)?
• Can I see the fleet? The maintenance department?
• Do your instructors follow a curriculum?
• Do you use simulators to reduce the cost of flight training?
• Can I observe flights for free?
What questions should you ask?
• Are you Part 141 approved?
• Do you offer a degree program (associate or bachelor)?
• Do you have partnership programs with airlines?
Things to know
• Flight training is expensive and time consuming.
• The more often you fly, the cheaper training will be.
• If you don’t have all the funds secured before starting training, it will cost
you more money.
• You can request to change flight instructors. Find an instructor that works
for you.
• Ask your instructor what will be covered during the following flight. Study
BEFORE your flight.
Things to know
• Expect to spend additional money on accessories such as a headset, fuel
sump, flash light, flight bag, logbook, medical exam, flight computer, books,
knee pad, iPad, etc…
• Schools will charge for pre-brief and post-brief (0:30-1:00 per lesson
total).
• Instructors are paid hourly. If you show up late, your instructor is not
getting paid.
• Don’t wear cologne.
A little math
• $140/hour flight time
• $60/hour instruction time
• If you fly for 1.5 hours and spend 0.3 on pre-brief and 0.2 on post brief,
that’s $300 for the airplane plus $30 for briefings.
• That’s $13 every single time the Hobbs meter clicks (every 6 minutes).
Part 61 versus Part 141
• Flight training requirements are dictated by the Federal Aviation
Regulations under Title 14 Part 61.
• Some flight schools are approved under Part 141.
• Part 141 flight schools can offer lower minimums than Part 61 schools.
• The advantage is noticeable for the Commercial Pilot License (190 hrs vs
250 hrs).
Part 61 versus Part 141
• Advantages of Part 141 schools
✓ Organized training program that was approved by the FAA and designed
to complete your flight training in less time.
✓ More FAA oversight, so better overall quality (usually).
✓ Instructors HAVE to complete each lesson in the training program.
✓ You know exactly what you are going to do next (look in the syllabus).
✓ Your license can be issued by one of the school’s check pilot (self-
examining authority).
Part 61 versus Part 141
• Disadvantages of Part 141
✓ If you already have prior flight training experience (unfinished license),
you will be given very little (if any) credit for it.
✓ Can be more expensive because of the overhead required to maintain
certification.
Becoming a student pilot
• Prior to starting training, you should receive a student pilot certificate
(technically not required until first solo flight).
• The application can be processed by any of the following:
✓ FAA Inspector or Technician (ASI),
✓ FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE),
✓ Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), or
✓ Airman Certification Representative (ACR)
Becoming a student pilot
• The application is submitted through the FAA portal called IACRA or on
paper.
• Once the application is processed, students will receive their Student Pilot
Certificate in the mail, on a plastic card.
• To be eligible, applicants must:
✓ be at least 16 years old (14 years old to pilot a glider or balloon)
✓ be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
Becoming a student pilot
• Only requires when exercising solo flight privileges.
• Does not have an expiration date.
• If you still have one of the old paper student pilot certificate, once it
expires, you will need to complete a new application in IACRA.
• Your flight instructor will endorse your student pilot certificate (once you
meet the requirements) via a logbook endorsement prior to your first
solo.
• Limitations: you may not carry passengers as a student pilot.
Getting a medical certificate
• Medical Certificates are required for training in an airplane, helicopter,
gyroplane, or an airship and for every certificate except sport pilot.
• They are issued by Aviation Medical Examiners (AME).
• Medical Certificates are designed as:
✓ First class (for ATP privileges)
✓ Second class (for Commercial Pilot privileges)
✓ Third class (for Recreational and Private Pilot privileges)
Part 68 BasicMed
• Part 68 BasicMed: Establish in July 2016.
• Allows pilots to exercise the privileges of student, recreational, and
private pilots without a current medical certificate.
• Detailed information is available with:
✓ AC-68-1 Part 68 BasicMed
✓ https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/
basic_med/
BasicMed Privileges
• Fly no more than five passengers (aircraft can’t carry more than 6
occupants),
• Fly an aircraft under 6,000 lbs maximum certificated takeoff weight,
• Fly within the United States, max indicated speed of 250 kts and below
18,000 feet MSL.
• May not fly for compensation or hire.
BasicMed: Maintain Privileges
• Be sure your CMEC shows your most recent physical examination was
within the past 48 months.
• Be sure you are treated by a physician for medical conditions that can
affect the safety of flight.
• Have a course completion certificate that was issued by an approved
training course provider within the past 24 calendar months.
BasicMed Applicability
• Persons exercising privileges of a student pilot, recreational pilot, or
private pilot certificate.
• Does not apply to persons exercising privileges of a Commercial Pilot
Certificate or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate.
• You may receive instruction while under BasicMed and your instructor
may also be operating under BasicMed.
• You can fly under visual flight rules (VFR) or instrument flight rules (IFR).
BasicMed Steps
What you need to fly under BasicMed (all must be checked)
1. Hold a U.S. driver’s license (passport or international license won’t work),
2. Hold or have held a medical certificate issued by the FAA at any point after
July 15, 2006.
3. Answer the health questions on the Comprehensive Medical Examination
Checklist (CMEC)
4. Get your physical examination by any state-licensed physician and have him/
her complete the CMEC.
5. Take the online medical education course.
BasicMed: Prior Medical Certificate
• You must have held (or hold) a valid medical certificate issued under Part
67 at any point after July 14, 2006 (10 years before BasicMed was
created).
• If your medical certificate was issued prior to 2006, you are still eligible if:
✓ if you were under age 40 when your medical certificate was issued AND
your medical certificate was issue after June 30, 2003, OR
✓ if you were age 40 or older on the date of issuance and your medical
certificate was issued after June 30, 2004.
BasicMed: Prior Medical Certificate
WARNING: If, in the last 10 years, your last medical certificate application
was denied, you cannot use a prior medical certificate (even if that one was
within 10 years).
Valid Medical Valid Medical Denied Medical
2 years 2 years 2 years
10 years
BasicMed Steps
What you need to fly under BasicMed (all must be checked)
1. Hold a U.S. driver’s license (passport or international license won’t work),
2. Hold or have held a medical certificate issued by the FAA at any point after
July 15, 2006.
3. Answer the health questions on the Comprehensive Medical Examination
Checklist (CMEC)
4. Get your physical examination by any state-licensed physician and have him/
her complete the CMEC.
5. Take the online medical education course.
Basic Med Checklist (CMEC)
• Available online under FAA Form 8700-2
https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Form/FAA_Form_8700-2_.pdf
• Section 2 must be filled out by the Airman (you),
• Section 3 must be filled out by a state-licensed physician (does not need
to be an AME),
• Retain the completed checklist in your logbook and make it available upon
request.
BasicMed Steps
What you need to fly under BasicMed (all must be checked)
1. Hold a U.S. driver’s license (passport or international license won’t work),
2. Hold or have held a medical certificate issued by the FAA at any point after
July 15, 2006.
3. Answer the health questions on the Comprehensive Medical Examination
Checklist (CMEC)
4. Get your physical examination by any state-licensed physician and have him/
her complete the CMEC.
5. Take the online medical education course.
BasicMed: Online Course
• Visit the FAA website to find the latest approved provider (free)
https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/basic_med/
• The online course serves several purposes:
✓ Educate (self assessment, risks, drugs, regulation updates),
✓ Provide you a completion certificate (keep in your records),
✓ A release to the National Driver Register (NDR) allowing the FAA to
access your driving record.
Becoming a Private Pilot
• Your training will prepare you for two tests:
✓ Aeronautical Knowledge Test (this course),
✓ Practical Test (also called checkride).
• Most training programs are divided into three sections
✓ Pre-solo training,
✓ Pre-cross country training,
✓ Pre-exam training.
About your written exam
• The exam will test your aeronautical knowledge as highlighted in 14 CFR
Part 61.105.
• This course was designed to meet this requirement (does not meet Part
141 requirements).
• You will need an endorsement from an instructor stating that you meet
those requirements (available separately).
• Training for the written exam can be done via an online course (like this),
an in-person class, or one-on-one with an instructor.
About your written exam
• The written exam is:
✓ 60 questions (similar to the ones in this course),
✓ 2 hours to complete,
✓ Must get at least 70% to pass.
• Recurrent training is required if you do not get 70%.
• Should be scheduled with a testing center (CATS or LaserGrade).
• Additional cost (approximately $150).
About your written exam
• This training should be taken concurrently to the first few flight lessons.
• You should pass your written test after your first solo and before your
practical test.
• Your written exam is valid for 24 calendar months (must take your
practical test within that time).
About your Practical Test
• Conducted by an FAA Inspector (ASI), Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)
or a Check Pilot (Part 141 school with self-examining authority only).
• Additional fee charged by the DPE ($400-800 depending on location).
• The Practice Test is composed of two portions:
✓ Oral examination
✓ Flight proficiency test
• The examiner will use the Airman Certification Standard (ACS) to test
you.
About your Practical Test
• Documentation necessary for your practical test:
✓ FAA Form 8710 (can be done online via IACRA),
✓ Written Test Report,
✓ Medical Certificate, Student Pilot Certificate, a few endorsements in
your logbook,
✓ Your pilot log with the appropriate number of hours,
✓ A graduation certificate (for Part 141 schools).
Congratulations, you’re a pilot!
• If you pass the written exam, the oral portion, and the flight proficiency
test, you will be issued a temporary pilot certificate!
• The temporary certificate is valid for 120 days.
Up Next
Aircraft Structure
