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FAQHow long does it take to learn to fly? How long does it take to learn to fly?Learning to fly is not difficult, but it does require study and practice. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires a minimum of 40 hours of training before granting a pilot license. This training is divided into 20-30 hours with an instructor and 10-20 hours of solo practice with observation by an instructor. Students who fly more frequently typically have better recall of previous lessons and spend less time in review. What are the FARs?FAR stands for Federal Aviation Regulations. Pilots must be familiar with these rules, just as drivers of cars must know the rules of the road. The regulations are divided into two sections, Part 61 and Part 141, which govern flight training requirements. What is the difference between Part 61 and Part 141 of the FAA regulations?Students may train under Part 61 or Part 141 and will learn the same things and take the same FAA tests regardless of which curriculum they choose. The Part 141 curriculum is very structured and must be completed in a specific order. The Part 61 curriculum is not bound by the same stringent structure and allows flight instructors to tailor a program to each student's needs. How long does a lesson last?Most lessons are based on a one-hour flight, but count on a minimum of two hours per session because of pre-flight and post-flight briefings. Students and instructors talk about what will be introduced or reviewed before each lesson, then cover how things went afterwards and what will be introduced in upcoming lessons. What if I feel airsick?Nausea is rare among pilots. Occasionally it may take a few lessons to get used to the sensation of flight. After a few hours in the air, normal flight often begins to feel as natural as driving a car. If airsickness persists, students often consult a physician for recommended motion sickness medications. These drugs are used to help individuals become accustomed to motion and should only be used when flying with an instructor. How safe is it?General aviation and "those little airplanes" (as some may call them) are as safe as any other mode of travel, if not safer. Pilots and passengers do not use parachutes because airplanes and helicopters do not fall from the sky when their engines stop. An aircraft without an engine - even if it's supposed to have one - is a glider, capable of descending safely to a landing. Every student's training covers how to fly safely and how to deal with the extremely rare actual emergencies. Are there different types of licenses?Yes. In aviation, pilots receive certificates and ratings rather than "licenses". Ratings (seaplane, glider, multi-engine, and instrument) may be added to various certificates as pilots choose their aviation paths. The certificates are as follows:
What certificate is right for me?It all depends on why you would like to fly. If you're interested in flying only at one small, rural field for the pure enjoyment of flight, then a recreational certificate may be a good fit. If you plan to go on to more advanced ratings, aircraft, and capabilities, then the private certificate is the best choice. Can I carry passengers?Students are not allowed to carry passengers on solo flights. A passenger may observe a flight lesson with an instructor, however, as long as the instructor consents. Once a certificate has been earned, private pilots may carry as many passengers as their aircraft are legally equipped to carry. Where can I fly?Student pilots may only go to places allowed by their instructors. For instance, when student pilots begin practicing flights to other airports, their flight instructors will endorse or vouch for their students. In effect, students are flying on the credentials of their flight instructors. Recreational pilots must stay within a 50-mile radius of their home airports, but have the option to pursue additional training to fly outside of this boundary. Private pilots may fly essentially anywhere in the world. What medical requirements do I need to meet?The medical examination form also doubles as a student pilot certificate. This dual-purpose slip of paper is good for 36 months for pilots under age 40 and for 24 months for pilots over age 40. Applicants must see an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) - an FAA-approved doctor - for their medical exams. There are more than 6,000 AMEs in the United States, and we can direct you to many of them in eastern Wisconsin. Because some people have medical conditions that may delay or prohibit the issuance of an aviation medical certificate, students are encouraged to get an examination before training begins. The medical exam is not rigorous. It begins with filling out an FAA application and medical history form. Eyesight must be correctable to 20/40. Applicants should not have nose or throat conditions that would be aggravated by flying, must have good balance, and be able to hear a voice at a normal, conversational tone at six feet away. Applicants cannot have mental and neurological problems such as psychosis, alcoholism, or epilepsy; any unexplained loss of consciousness; any serious medical condition such as heart attack, chronic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, or other debilitating illnesses. If an applicant has had one of these conditions, it may only cause a delay because of the required investigation rather than signifying the end of the applicant's flying career. What is ground school?Flight training consists of two parts: ground school and flight training. Ground school teaches students the principles, procedures, and regulations that are put into practice during flying lessons. One portion of the certification process consists of a computerized exam. Ground school is designed to prepare students for this test. Ground school classes are available in a variety of formats, from classroom sessions, to a weekend "cram" course, to a home study course. When will I actually begin flying?Students begin with a lot of help from their assigned flight instructors. From the very first lesson, students will be flying the aircraft. Students fly with decreasing levels of assistance as lessons progress, leading up to that important milestone: the first solo flight. When students reach this point, their flight instructor endorses them to practice takeoffs and landings at the local airport. There is no set time limit on the first solo flight. Instructors won't allow students to operate aircraft alone until they demonstrate proficiency in the required maneuvers. Upon completion of the required curriculum, students are recommended to the FAA for evaluation of their skills. Upon successful completion of this test, a certificate is issued. What kinds of airplanes will I fly?While regulations do not specify what type of aircraft must be used for flight training, Burrows Aviation uses only new, Cessna single-engine aircraft. Flight schools typically use both two- and four-seat aircraft with one engine and fixed landing gear. Most training aircraft fly at around 120 mph and can stay aloft for over four hours at a time. Speed is not important during the learning stage, because students must concentrate on how to fly rather than where to go. Once students become private pilots, they may go on to fly advanced aircraft with sophisticated navigation systems, six-passenger capability, and 150-200 mph speeds. How do I get from one airport to another?Flying from one airport to another is called "cross-country flight." Several methods of navigation are used for cross-country flying, including radio navigation waves, following maps of terrain features, and computing wind effects. These skills are taught as part of pilot training and students practice them both with and without their flight instructors on board. Do I need special insurance?Burrows Aviation carries an insurance policy that covers students, instructors, and renters. If you require additional coverage, there are several aviation insurance companies that can grant a more comprehensive plan. Once I get my pilot certificate, what can I do with it?Ideally, this question is answered before training begins. Flying offers a wealth of opportunities. Sightseeing flights with friends and family, visiting nearby airports, and making new friends are all possibilities. More distant airports make great destinations for vacations, business, and pleasure trips. Many pilots have learned aerobatics for fun and competition, built and flown their own aircraft, and restored antique/classic aircraft. Many have reached out-of-the-way locations by learning to fly float planes and aircraft on skis. Tailwheel airplanes can also get in and out of very small or rough landing strips. Benevolent organizations are another option. The Civil Air Patrol and US Coast Guard Auxiliary conduct search and rescue operations when called upon, and a growing number of humanitarian flight organizations provide transportation to people in need of non-critical medical treatment. What is the check ride like?The FAA check ride is a two-part process. During the oral portion, the examiner will quiz the applicant on what was learned in ground school. Following that portion, the applicant conducts a flight to demonstrate his or her safety and competence. Check ride examiners ensure that only safe applicants become pilots. For more answers to your questions on learning to fly, please visit www.beapilot.com.
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