How Hard is it to get a private pilot certificate?

Question

ok, 2 things.

I am 14...my dad and i agreed that i can start pilot lessons.
1. What is the ideal age to start training?
2. How difficult is it
-like how hard is it to learn all of the stuff.
and how much time per week would it take me

Answer 1

Like most things worth while, it is difficult, not impossible IF you REALLY want to learn to fly, you CAN! You get out of it what you put into it!
If you are going to fly single engine airplanes, wait until you are close to 16 before you start flying. You cannot solo until you are 16, and cannot receive your pilots certificate until you ;are 17.
You CAN start the "ground" training now. Read every thing you can get your hands on. Study hard in school, you will need strong math skills especially.

A couple books that are a "must have"
"Stick and rudder" ( I cannot recall author)
"Say again", by Bob Gardner
"Weather flying "by Buck


As a Advanced Ground Instructor I get ask this often.
While allot is available on line in PDF, there are some things that I recommend you buy a printed copy of.

In no particular order:
Aviation Weather For Pilots and Flight Operations Personnel
http://www.airweb.faa.gov/regulatory_and...

Aviation Weather Services
http://www.airweb.faa.gov/regulatory_and...

Aeronautical Decision Making
http://www.airweb.faa.gov/regulatory_and...

Private Pilot Practical Test Standards (Airplane)
http://www.airweb.faa.gov/regulatory_and...

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (e-CFR)
Part 1, 61, and 91 are the ones you will mostly be using.
I recommend you get a hard copy of these regs . I t will be in a publication called the FAR/AIM The AIM (Aeronautical Information Manulal has a wealth of non regulatory info . (A "MUST HAVE!)

Regs found here:
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/tex...

The AIM (formally called the AIRMANS Information Manual) here:
http://www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/a...



Airplane Flying Handbook
http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aircr...

If you do not read any of the others , read this! (recommend a printed copy available from many vendors on line. (they are actually a reprint from the govt's hand book, copyright does not apply)
Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aviat...


http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aviat...

Answer 2

You've already received a couple of responses that are pretty descent. I will add to those opinions.

First, the response of the basic license being $2500 is pretty optimistic in my opinion. Although it does vary with where you live and what you fly, I bet it costs more that that.

It's true that you can't solo until you're 16 and receive your license until you're 17. That said, nothing says you can't get involved now. Many folks start their training when 15 so they can solo on their 16th birthday, then get their license on their 17th.

All the books are great books but not something I'd personally recommend for you now .....prior to really starting training.

What I'd recommend is to get involved. This could be several things. Go to www.AOPA.org. for starters. Become a member and you receive a couple magazines (the one you want is called Flight Training). Additionally, you can check into something they call Project Pilot. You can also get involved by joining the Civil Air Patrol, or possibly an EAA group (I'm not as familiar with them). Finally, have your dad take you to your local airport. If you know someone that owns an airplane, maybe they'll give you a rides if you wash it regularly. Perhaps you can work out a deal with the local flight school by washing their aircraft. Definately get something called a Discovery Flight as you get to go for an airplane ride with YOU at the controls for something like $50. It's a short ride, but afterwards you'll know if you want to pursue it or not.

Good luck!

Answer 3

1. When you can see over the cowling, (you can use a cushion) and feet reach the rudder pedals.

2. Can you ride a bicycle ? How hard is it to do something that you love to do ?


Learning to fly is actually easy, learning all the rules, regulations, weather, ect. takes study time. (start early)

My advice is to find an instructor that will give you a demonstration flight to see if you really like and want to pursue a pilots license.

I took my first flight training at age 16 and fell in love with flying, studying at my leisure and learning from many different sources. The biggest joy in flying is the first time your instructor tells you to land and he gets out telling you to make your first solo flight . From then on all the books and regulations are something you will want to learn and have some experience to relate them to. Don't worry about all the books you need to study, your instructor will guide you as to what you need. The most important part is if you will pass an FAA physical (ie. can you walk and chew gum at the same time) just kidding, without the physical you may not exercise the priviledge of flying a licensed aircraft.

PS. Math, algebra, geometry, ect. ect. is easier when you know why you need it. Most students don't have a clue what they want to do. You already know and seeking advice, pilot training will help you in most other careers.

Good luck and Happy Flying

Answer 4

I did this 28 years ago. If you have an aptitude for it you will find it a lot easier than you probably think. I did it over a 3 week intensive course - that was hard I would say 1 hour per week would be ideal so after about 3 months you would fly solo. The hardest part is landing the aircraft, everything else is quite easy by comparison. Get yourself a good book on the rudiments of flying before you take your first flight - you will get a lot more out of it. Finally start as soon as you are legally able to do so. Remember this is an EXPENSIVE hobby!

Answer 5

I started as a student pilot at a nearby small airport when I was 16.

There are two types of work - ground and flight. Ground work is reading the books, doing the exercises from the chapters, understanding maps and language, plotting your trips.

Flight work is when you go flying with the instructor, learning more and gaining a little more independence each time.

You will have to devote several hours per week to each. Since you're in school, study books during the week and do flying on the weekends.

I'm so excited for you :) Enjoy!

Answer 6

There's 3 kinds: ultralight, sport pilot, and regular. Go to the Experimental Aircraft Association site (EAA) and look around. They're a VERY knowledgeable and helpful and friendly group of people. Go there before you spend any money. Good Luck.

Answer 7

The younger you start the easier it will become. you can start your ppl course when you are 16 and some of the lessons you will take will count to wards it. it costs about 2500 pounds to learn to fly and get your ppl. You can not apply for your ppl until the age of 17. Hope this helps good luck

Answer 8

1-2 years
$2500
lots of time and ground school study

Answer 9

real hard if you don't have access to a plane.

Answer 10

VERY HARD.I THINK.......