what is a private pilot's license?

Answer 1

It is a license granted by the Federal Aviation Administration to a qualified person, to fly an airplane for private (non-commercial) purposes. There are several "levels" of licenses, starting with Sport Pilot, then Recreational Pilot, then Private Pilot, then Commercial Pilot, etc. Each level requires different training and skills, and each has different limitations on what can be done it.

Answer 2

For the Private Pilot License once you have cleared Class XII and are 17 years old. This involves taking an exam conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation* consisting of theory papers on air navigation, aviation meteorology, air regulation and technical aspects.

Answer 3

Same as a driver's license, but for pilots. Proves they have passed the necessary test(s).

Answer 4

The most basic of flying licences that allows you (and generally non-paying friends and family) to fly light single engine aircraft of less than 5700kgs (depending on national regulations) under visual flight conditions (although you can upgrade to instrument and night endorsements).

Its also allows you to get lost and crash due to flight in unsuitable conditions and be a general pain on the radio. (Thats the cynical old ATC in me)

Answer 5

A Private Pilot License (or, in the United States, a certificate) permits the holder to operate an aircraft, initially only under visual flight rules. In most countries, a private pilot possessing an instrument rating may also conduct flights under instrument flight rules. Passengers may be carried and flight in furtherance of a business is permitted as long as it is incidential to the business; however, a private pilot may not be compensated in any way for services as a pilot and must pay at least the pro rata share of a flight's expenses. Neither passengers nor cargo may be carried for hire. A Private Pilot is also required to be at least 17 years of age, read, speak, write and understand the English language, and maintain at least a class 2 medical certificate, which is issued by an Aviation Medical Examiner. Standards for each of the three classes of medical certificates may be found in Part 67 of the Federal Aviation Regulations.

A Private Pilot Certificate may be obtained in a variety of aircraft categories and classes. An Airplane category rating may be earned in Single-Engine and/or Multi-Engine aircraft, either land-based or seaplane. A Rotorcraft category rating may be earned in Helicopter and/or Gyroplane classes. Additional categories include Powered-Lift, Glider, Lighter-Than-Air (in Airship and/or Balloon classes), Powered Parachute, or Weight-Shift-Control Aircraft. The most common license sought is Airplane category, in the Single-Engine Land class, also known as ASEL (Airplane, single-engine, land). The list of requirements to become licensed as a Private Pilot are prescribed in Part 61 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. Some flight schools may also be certified to conduct training under Part 141 or 142 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. However, these authorizations are granted on a case-by-case basis, and the specific requirements for each pilot certificate may vary by school.

In the U.S., training is based on a mixture of flight and ground instruction. In addition to completing the instruction and reaching a necessary skill level, two tests must be passed.

The first is the Knowledge Test, more commonly known as the written test. Study for this can be accomplished independently or through a formal ground school. For independent study, a wide variety of books and DVD products are available. Online are found testing sites where students can practice with sample tests, and knowledge sites that actually teach the conceptual material.

The second test is the Practical Test. It is better known as the "checkride" and is performed with an FAA or FAA-designated examiner. The Practical Test consists of two parts: the "oral" examination, and a flight conducted with the examiner as an observer.

The oral exam is typically conducted one-on-one with the examiner, and consists of oral questions related to certificates and documents, airworthiness requirements, aviation weather, flight planning, the national airspace system, performance and limitations, aircraft systems, aeromedical factors, and any other knowledge areas in which the applicant is expected to be proficient. Knowledge areas tested during the oral examination vary depending on the type of Private Pilot License applied for.

Following the oral examination, the applicant conducts a flight with the examiner where other operational areas are tested. The applicant must perform a predetermined set of flight maneuvers, and demonstrate satisfactory operational proficiency in various normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures.

Throughout the checkride process, the applicant is expected to perform to the FAA standards set forth in the "Practical Test Standards", which vary by pilot certificate sought. There are three possible outcomes of a practical test. The applicant may be issued a notice of disapproval, meaning they have failed a portion of the test, and it must be repeated after further training. The applicant may be given a letter of discontinuance, meaning the test must be completed at a later time due to unforseen circumstances such as unfavorable weather, illness, or aircraft problems. A letter of discontinuance is not considered failing or passing. Or, after successful completion of the Practical Test, the candidate is immediately issued a temporary pilot certificate. A permanent certificate is later mailed from the FAA.

After a Private Pilot License is issued, the pilot is also responsible for maintaining their currency by performing biannual flight reviews, and recency requirements regarding the carriage of passengers.

One needs 40 flight-hours minimum, 20 of which must be with an instructor and 10 of which must be solo.

f you're over 16 and in good health, you can get a private pilot's license in the US. This basic license allows you to fly single-engine aircraft and carry passengers; it can be upgraded to more advanced commercial and professional licenses.
Instructions

* STEP 1: Be at least 16 years old. Read, speak and understand English. English is the language used by control towers and airports all over the world.
* STEP 2: Check with local, general aviation airports for information about flight schools in your area.
* STEP 3: Enroll in a licensed flight school. Typically, it costs $3,000 to $4,000 for ground school and flight training.
* STEP 4: Obtain a medical certificate from a qualified doctor of aviation medicine before beginning the course. The flight school can usually recommend a doctor in your area.
* STEP 5: Complete a three to five-week ground school course.
* STEP 6: Take the written FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) test at the end of the course work. The test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and can be taken at FAA testing centers or with other licensed test providers.
* STEP 7: Complete 30 to 40 hours of actual flight time with an instructor. The school will provide the plane.
* STEP 8: Complete your "solo" - a flight without an instructor on board.
* STEP 9: Complete your final exam, called a "check ride." An FAA-certified examiner will ask questions and accompany you on a flight in order to assess your abilities.
* STEP 10: Receive your private pilot's license with a visual flight rating. This allows you to pilot a single-engine aircraft day or night in weather with good visibility.

Tips & Warnings

* Most flight courses offer written manuals, videos and even computer-study aids to help you master the principles of aerodynamics, airplane operation and airport procedures.
* There are many study manuals available that can help you learn theory before you actually pay for lessons.
* The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has a database of licensed flight instructors on its Web site.