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Copied from Student Pilot Guide - FAA-H-8083-27
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Note: Based on Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61.
General
1. Q. Is it difficult to fly an aircraft?
A. No. It is not particularly difficult. As a beginning student pilot, you will
do most of the actual flying (handling the controls of the aircraft).
2. Q. When may I begin to fly?
A. Immediately. However, you will need to apply for certain certificates, as
described in this guide, in preparation for solo flight.
3. Q. Is flying safe?
A. A well-built and maintained aircraft, flown by a competent and prudent pilot,
makes flying as safe or safer than many other forms of transportation.
4. Q. If engine failure occurs,
what will happen?
A. Modern aircraft engines are very reliable, and complete engine failure is
a rare occurrence. If the improbable does happen, you will not "fall out
of the sky." Just do what the instructor had you practice during lessons
- select a good landing area and land.
Student Pilot Flight Training
1. Q. Where can I obtain my ground and flight school training?
A. Most airport operators can furnish this information, or you may contact the
nearest FSDO.
2. Q. Is there a set number of flight
instructional hours I will receive before I solo?
A. No. The instructor will not allow you to solo until you have learned to perform
certain maneuvers. These maneuvers include safe takeoffs and landings. You must
be able to maintain positive control of the aircraft at all times and to use
good judgment.
3. Q. What should I know about Title
14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) prior to my first solo?
A. Your flight instructor will determine that you are familiar with appropriate
portions of 14 CFR part 61, the general and visual flight rules of 14 CFR part
91, and will administer and grade a presolo written test prior to solo endorsement.
The presolo written test will also include questions on the flight characteristics
and operational limitations of the make and model aircraft to be flown.
4. Q. What does an appropriate logbook
endorsement for solo mean?
A. It means a verification by an authorized flight instructor showing that on
the date specified, the student was given dual instruction and found competent
to make solo flights.
5. Q. When is the first solo endorsement
required?
A. A student pilot must have a first solo endorsement dated within 90 days prior
to any solo flight.
6. Q. What is the difference between
a Recreational Pilot Certificate and a Private Pilot Certificate?
A. The recreational pilot has fewer privileges than the private pilot. The holder
of a Recreational Pilot Certificate is allowed to fly an aircraft within 50
nautical miles from the airport where instruction was received and cannot operate
in airspace where communications with air traffic control are required. Since
qualification training in these areas is not required, a person should be able
to obtain a Recreational Pilot Certificate in fewer flight hours than required
for a Private Pilot Certificate. All privileges and limitations of the Recreational
Pilot Certificate are listed in 14 CFR part 61, section 101.
7. Q. Does a student pilot automatically
have the privilege of cross-country flying after soloing?
A. No. An instructor must have reviewed the pilot's preflight planning and preparation
for solo cross-country flight and determine that the flight can be made safely
under the known circumstances and conditions. The instructor must endorse the
student pilot's logbook prior to each cross-country flight, stating the pilot
is considered competent to make the flight. Under certain conditions, an instructor
may authorize repeated solo flights over a given route.
8. Q. As a student pilot, am I permitted
to carry passengers prior to receipt of my Recreational Pilot Certificate or
Private Pilot Certificate?
A. No.
9. Q. Must I have a Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) radiotelephone operator's permit to operate an aircraft radio
transmitter?
A. No.
10. Q. For the purpose of obtaining
an additional certificate or rating, may the holder of a Recreational Pilot
Certificate act as pilot in command on flights:
(1) between sunset and sunrise, and
(2) in airspace which requires communication with air traffic control?
A. Yes, provided an authorized flight instructor has given the recreational
pilot the required ground and flight training in these areas, and endorsed the
pilot's logbook. The recreational pilot will be required to carry the logbook
with the required endorsements on such flights.
11. Q. How can the holder of a Recreational
Pilot Certificate ensure that no inadvertent entry is made into airspace requiring
communication with air traffic control?
A. The pilot must select readily identifiable landmarks that are well beyond
the boundaries of the airspace requiring communication with air traffic control.
During training, instruction in identification of airspace requiring communication
with air traffic control will be provided.
Student Pilot Requirements: Medical and Student Pilot Certificates
1. Q. When do I need a Student Pilot Certificate?
A. Prior to solo flight.
2. Q. How do I obtain a Student
Pilot Certificate?
A. Upon your request, a combination medical certificate and Student Pilot Certificate
will be issued by an FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner upon the satisfactory
completion of your physical examination. Student Pilot Certificates may be issued
by an FAA inspector or an FAA-designated pilot examiner. Applicants who fail
to meet certain requirements or who have physical disabilities which might limit,
but not prevent, their acting as pilots should contact their local FSDO.
3. Q. What are the requirements
for a Student Pilot Certificate?
A. To be eligible for a Student Pilot Certificate, a person must:
(1) be at least 16 years of age, except for the operation of a glider or balloon,
in which case the applicant must be at least 14 years of age,
(2) be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language, and
(3) hold at least a current third-class medical certificate, except for a glider
or balloon flight.
4. Q. How long are my Student Pilot
and medical certificates valid?
A. The Student Pilot Certificate will expire at the end of the 24th month after
the month in which it was issued. The third-class medical certificate will expire
at the end of the 36th month after the month in which it was issued. A medical
certificate issued after the age of 40, expires at the end of the 24th month
in which it was issued.
5. Q. Can my Student Pilot Certificate
be renewed?
A. No, but a new Student Pilot Certificate may be issued by an:
(1) FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner, upon completion of the required
examination, or
(2) FAA inspector or FAA-designated pilot examiner if you already hold a valid
medical certificate or if you are not required to hold a medical certificate.
6. Q. If my original Student Pilot
Certificate has been endorsed for solo, do I lose this endorsement on my new
certificate?
A. The endorsements are still valid, but are not transferred to the new certificate.
Retain the old certificate as a record of these endorsements.
7. Q. Should my flight instructor
endorse my Student Pilot Certificate before or after my first solo flight?
A. The endorsement on the Student Pilot Certificate certifying that the holder
is competent to solo must be made by the flight instructor prior to the first
solo flight.
8. Q. If I solo in more than one
make and model aircraft, must I have an endorsement for each on my Student Pilot
Certificate?
A. Yes. Your flight instructor must make this endorsement prior to the first
solo flight in each make and model aircraft.
9. Q. Does the endorsement to solo
permit me to make solo cross-country flights?
A. No. Your flight instructor must specifically endorse your Student Pilot Certificate
to permit cross-country flights.
10. Q. Must I carry my Student Pilot
Certificate when I am piloting an aircraft in solo flight?
A. Yes. The certificate should be in your physical possession or readily accessible.
11. Q. Is there a charge for the
Student Pilot Certificate?
A. When the Student Pilot Certificate is issued by a FSDO, there is no charge.
An FAA-designated pilot examiner is allowed to charge a reasonable fee for issuing
Student Pilot Certificates, and processing the necessary reports. The FAA-authorized
aviation medical examiner will charge a fee for the physical examination in
connection with issuing the combination medical and Student Pilot Certificate.
12. Q. When do I need a medical
certificate?
A. You will need a medical certificate prior to solo flight if you are operating
an airplane, helicopter, gyroplane, or airship. It is suggested you obtain your
medical certificate prior to beginning flight training. This will assure you
are aware of any condition which could prevent you from obtaining a medical
certificate prior to making a financial investment in flight training.
13. Q. If required, how do I get
a medical certificate?
A. By passing a physical examination administered by a doctor who is an FAA-authorized
aviation medical examiner.
14. Q. Where do I get my medical
certificate?
A. From any FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner. There are numerous doctors
who are FAA-authorized aviation medical examiners.
15. Q. Where can I get a list of
FAA-authorized aviation medical examiners?
A. The FAA publishes a directory which lists all FAA-authorized aviation medical
examiners by name and address. Copies of this directory are available at all
FSDOs, air traffic control facilities, and flight service stations. Airport
managers and some aviation operators may also be able to supply this information.
It is also available onine at the Locate an Aviation Medical Examiner (http://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/)
link on the FAA's website.
16. Q. When required, what class
of medical certificate must a student pilot have?
A. Third-class, although any class will suffice. Medical certificates are designated
as first-class, second-class, or third-class. Generally, the first-class is
designed for the airline transport pilot, the second-class for the commercial
pilot, and the third-class for the student, recreational, and private pilot.
17. Q. If I have a physical disability,
is there any provision for obtaining a medical certificate?
A. Yes. Medical certificates can be issued in many cases where physical disabilities
are involved. Depending upon the certificate held and the nature of the disability,
operating limitations may be imposed. If you have any questions, contact an
FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner prior to beginning flight training.
18. Q. Must I have my medical certificate,
when I am piloting an aircraft in solo flight?
A. Yes. The certificate should be in your physical possession or readily accessible.
The Recreational Pilot and Private Pilot Knowledge Tests
1. Q. What is the age requirement to take the recreational pilot or private
pilot knowledge test?
A. An applicant must be at least 15 years of age to take the test, although
applicants for the balloon or glider tests must be 14 years of age. Prior to
taking the knowledge test, an applicant shall be asked to present a birth certificate
or other official documentation as evidence of meeting the age requirement.
2. Q. How should I prepare for the
knowledge test?
A. To adequately prepare for the knowledge test, your instructor should review
with you:
(1) 14 CFR part 61, section 97 (if preparing for the recreational pilot knowledge
test), or
(2) 14 CFR part 61, section 105 (if preparing for the private pilot knowledge
test).
The regulations require an applicant to have logged ground training from an
authorized instructor, or to pheresent evidence of having satisfactorily completed
a course of instruction or home-study course in the knowledge areas appropriate
to the category and class aircraft for the rating sought.
3. Q. What document or documents
must I present prior to taking a knowledge test?
A. An applicant for a knowledge test must present appropriate personal identification.
The identification must include a photograph of the applicant, the applicant's
signature, and the applicant's actual residential address (if different from
the mailing address). This information may be presented in more than one form.
The applicant must also present one of the following:
(1) A certificate of graduation from an FAA-approved pilot school or pilot training
course appropriate to the certificate or rating sought, or a statement of accomplishment
from the school certifying the satisfactory completion of the ground-school
portion of such a course.
(2) A written statement or logbook endorsement from an FAA-certificated ground
or flight instructor, certifying that the applicant has satisfactorily completed
an applicable ground training or home-study course and is prepared for the knowledge
test.
(3) A certificate of graduation or statement of accomplishment from a ground-school
course appropriate to the certificate or rating sought conducted by an agency,
such as a high school, college, adult education program, the Civil Air Patrol,
or an ROTC Flight Training Program.
(4) A certificate of graduation from a home-study course developed by the aeronautical
enterprise providing the study material. The certificate of graduation must
correspond to the FAA knowledge test for the certificate or rating sought. The
aeronautical enterprise providing the course of study must also supply a comprehensive
knowledge test which can be scored as evidence that the student has completed
the course of study. When the student satisfactorily completes the knowledge
test, it is sent to the course provider for scoring by an FAA-certificated ground
or flight instructor. The instructor personally evaluates the test and attests
to the student's knowledge of the subjects presented in the course. Upon satisfactory
completion, a graduation certificate is sent to the student.
(5) In the event of retesting after a failure, the applicant must present the
unsatisfactory Airman Test Report. If the applicant elects to retest for a higher
score, the satisfactory Airman Test Report must be surrendered to the test administrator.
4. Q. If I fail the knowledge test,
is there any way to determine the areas in which I need additional work so I
can study for a retest?
A. Yes. You will receive an Airman Test Report from the testing center. The
test report will contain your test score and will also list the subject matter
knowledge codes for the areas in which you were deficient. An outline of the
subject matter knowledge codes is located in the appendix of the appropriate
knowledge test guide. A knowledge test guide, provides information for obtaining
authorization to take a knowledge tests, and there is a guide for each category/rating.
The knowledge test guide provides lists of reference materials and subject matter
knowledge codes, and a list of computer testing designees (CTDs). For more information,
go to the Pilot Testing (http://www.faa.gov/pilots/testing/) page of the FAA
website.
5. Q. If I pass the knowledge test,
will I receive the same information concerning areas in which I need additional
work as I would if I failed the test?
A. Yes. (Refer to the previous answer.)
6. Q. How long is a satisfactorily
completed knowledge test valid?
A. 2 years. A satisfactorily completed knowledge test expires at the end of
the day of the 24th month after the month in which it was taken. If a practical
test is not satisfactorily completed during that period, another knowledge test
must be taken.
Recreational Pilot And Private Pilot Practical Tests
1. Q. Prior to taking the practical test, what aeronautical experience must
I have?
A. The specific aeronautical experience requirements are outlined in 14 CFR
part 61. For the Recreational Pilot Certificate requirements, refer to section
99. For the Private Pilot Certificate requirements, refer to section 109.
2. Q. Must I provide the aircraft for my practical test?
A. Yes. An applicant must provide an airworthy aircraft with equipment relevant
to the AREAS OF OPERATION required for the practical test.
3. Q. What papers and documents must I present prior to my practical test?
A. The applicant will be asked to present:
(1) FAA Form 8710-1, Application for an Airman Certificate and/or Rating, with
the flight instructor's recommendation,
(2) an Airman Test Report with a satisfactory grade,
(3) a medical certificate (not required for glider or balloon), and a Student
Pilot Certificate endorsed by a flight instructor for solo, solo cross-country
(airplane and rotorcraft), and for the make and model aircraft to be used for
the practical test,
(4) the pilot log book records, and
(5) a graduation certificate from an FAA-approved school (if applicable).
The applicant will be asked to produce and explain the:
(1) aircraft's Registration Certificate,
(2) aircraft's Airworthiness Certificate,
(3) aircraft's operating limitations or FAA-approved aircraft flight manual
(if required),
(4) aircraft equipment list,
(5) required weight and balance data,
(6) maintenance records, and
(7) applicable Airworthiness Directives.
4. Q. What pilot maneuvers are required on the practical test, and how will
my performance of these operations be evaluated?
A. If a detailed explanation of the required pilot maneuvers and performance
standards is desired, refer to either the recreational pilot or private pilot
practical test standards. The practical test standards may be purchased from
the Superintendent of Documents or U.S. Government Printing Office bookstores,
or see links above to download them.
5. Q. What is the minimum age requirement for a Recreational Pilot Certificate
or Private Pilot Certificate?
A. An applicant must be 17 years of age. Although, applicants for the private
pilot glider or free balloon rating may be 16 years of age.
6. Q. When can I take the recreational pilot or private pilot practical test?
A. 14 CFR part 61 establishes the ground school and flight experience requirements
for the Recreational Pilot Certificate and Private Pilot Certificate. However,
your flight instructor can best determine when you are qualified for the practical
test. You instructor should take you through a practice practical test.
7. Q. Where can I take the practical
test?
A. Due to the varied responsibilities of the FSDOs, practical tests are given
by pilot examiners designated by FSDOs. You should schedule your practical test
by an appointment to avoid conflicts and wasted time. A list of examiner names
can be obtained from your local FSDO.
8. Q. Is there any charge for taking
the practical test?
A. Since an FAA-designated pilot examiner serves without pay from the government
for conducting practical tests and processing the necessary reports, the FAA-designated
pilot examiner is allowed to charge a reasonable fee. However, there is no charge
for the practical test when conducted by an FAA inspector.
9. Q. May I exercise the privileges
of my pilot certificate immediately after passing my practical test or must
I wait until I receive the actual pilot certificate?
A. The examiner will issue a temporary pilot certificate which is effective
for a specific time period. This temporary pilot certificate is issued to a
qualified applicant after successful completion of the practical test pending
a review of qualifications and the issuance of a permanent certificate by the
Administrator. The permanent certificate is issued to an applicant found qualified,
and a denial is issued to an applicant found not qualified.
10. Q. Is there a charge for the
pilot certificate?
A. No. There is no charge for any original certificate issued by the FAA. However,
fees will be charged by the FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner for the
medical examination and by the FAA-designated pilot examiner for conducting
the practical test. The FAA does charge to replace any pilot or medical certificate.
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