How Do I Get Started?

So, you want to know what it will take for YOU to become an FAA certified Private Pilot?

To begin with, it requires a willingness to have fun as well as the desire to learn something new and exciting. Beyond that, the FAA sets forth eligibility and aeronautical experience requirements. Below is a brief overview of those requirements. If the wording gets to be too tricky, don’t worry about it. Give me a call or stop by for a visit. I will be happy to explain the requirements or answer any other questions you may have.

​FAA Certification Requirements

Eligibility Requirements
1. Be at least 17 years of age
2. Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
3. Have passed appropriate private knowledge test since the beginning of the 24th month in which you take the practical test
4. Have satisfactorily accomplished the required training and obtained the aeronautical experience prescribed
5. Possess at least a 3rd class medical
6. Have an endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that the applicant has received and logged training time
    within 60 days preceding the date of the application in preparation for the practical test, and is prepared for the practical test
7. Have an endorsement certifying that the applicant has demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas in which          the applicant was deficient on the airman knowledge test

Aeronautical Experience Requirements (Single Engine Airplane)
1. 3 hours of cross-country flight training
2. 3 hours of night flight training, to include at least
    a. 1 cross-country flight over 100 nautical miles total distance, and
    b. 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop
3. 3 hours of flight training on the control and maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to the instruments
4. 3 hours of flight training in preparation for the practical test within 60 days preceding the date of the test; and
5. 10 hours of solo flight time, to include at least
    a. 5 hours solo cross-country time;
    b. 1 solo cross-country flight of at least 150 nautical miles total distance with full-stop landings at a minimum of 3 points,
    and 1 segment of the flight consisting of a straightline distance of at least 50 nautical miles between the takeoff and
    landing locations; and
    c. 3 takeoffs and landing to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower.

Starting Your Private Pilot Training
Welcome to aviation and thank you for your interest in working with me as your flight instructor.

The information below will help you get started on your journey. I offer introductory flights for $85 that will give you a chance to see the flight school, meet with me (your flight instructor), and experience a 30-40 minute flight where you will get the opportunity to take the controls. Note – the FAA textbooks listed below can be downloaded free of charge (See Pilot Resources) These books will give you a very good idea of what is involved before you commit to buying the Sporty’s ground school program or another similar ground school package.

Home ground school:
- Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course – Private Pilot Test Prep (available as DVDs, iPad, or download) or another similar ground
    school package
- FAA Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge book FAA-H-8083-25B (See Pilot Resources)
- FAA Airplane Flying Handbook book FAA-H-8083-3B (See Pilot Resources)

How to schedule your flight lessons (with instructor):
- Schedule your own time in Flight Schedule Pro.
Select plane or simulator as appropriate, and instructor at same time. You can schedule for one time only, or make a recurring schedule. A standard single flight lesson is generally a scheduled 2-3 hour block of time, which allows for 1 – 1.5 hours of flight, plus pre and post flight discussion.
or
- Call ATD dispatch desk 816-221-8455 and have them schedule for you.

Complete during or before your first flight lesson:
- Flight school rental application. The school dispatcher will create an account for you in Flight Schedule Pro.
- Logbook citizenship endorsement in your logbook from your CFI (requires you to bring along proof of citizenship document such as passport or birth certificate)
- Purchase a pilot’s logbook

Complete within your first few flight lessons:
- Apply for a student pilot certificate in IACRA. How to video: https://youtu.be/u2IXnkhBsbQ
- Schedule an appointment for a 3rd class medical with an AME. Google search for AMEs in your area.

Additional study materials to obtain as early as possible in your training:
- Current FAR/AIM (See Pilot Resources)
- Pilot’s Operating Handbook copy for training airplane (Typically available as a download from the internet)

Obtain later in training:
- E6B type flight computer (mechanical or electronic)
- Current Kansas City VFR Sectional Chart
- Current North Central Airport Facility Directory
- Flashlight for night flight (aviation type with white and red lights)

Other recommended items to obtain at some point:
- Headset (loaners available until you get your own)
- Kneeboard (basic VFR recommended)
- VFR chart plotter o Private Pilot Test Prep book – ASA or Gleim
- Private Pilot Oral Exam Guide book – ASA

Optional items:
- Flight bag (to keep all of your materials organized)
​- FAA Aviation Weather book AC-06A (See Pilot Resources)