Sweet Aviation - Getting Started

How To Get Started With Flight Training

Flight training can be started at any age but you must be 16 to solo and 17 to receive your pilot certificate. So what are the steps to receiving a pilot certificate?

1. Schedule an Introductory Flight An introductory flight is an awesome opportunity for you to experience the thrill of flight. It is also a great way to get acquainted with our staff and aircrafts. You will receive a briefing from one of our certified flight instructors, covering some basic aviation knowledge. After the preflight safety briefing, you'll hop in the plane and take off into the friendly skies! You'll be in the pilot's seat with complete access to the flight controls. Your instructor, who also has complete access to the controls, will show you some of the basics of flying. You'll also have time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

2. Enroll in a Ground School Course Our ground school course covers the knowledge portion of your flight training experience. The pilot certification process is somewhat like learning to drive. There is a knowledge, or written, test that you must successfully complete before you are eligible take the final flight test. There are multiple ways to study for this written test. Although a home study course is common, most people like to supplement their home studies with a ground school. During the course, you will study aircraft systems, weather, regulations, and flight planning.

3. Obtain your Aviation Medical Certificate Approximately 15 to 25 hours into your flight training, you will begin flying by yourself, or "soloing." Before flying solo, you'll need to obtain your aviation medical certificate. Not only is the completion of this certificate required by the FAA before you fly solo, but the certificate also serves as your student pilot certificate. We recommend that you complete this step early on in your training. This ensures you will not run into an issue with your medical situation after you've already spent a good deal of time and money preparing for your first solo flight. Please see the recommended medical examiner's information below.

4. Start Flying! The previous two steps are recommended but certainly not required in order to begin your flight lessons. There is one thing the TSA does require though. You must provide proof of U.S. citizenship via a passport or a birth certificate and driver's license before taking your first flight lesson beyond an introductory flight. During your flight-training process, your instructor will guide you through learning all the maneuvers required for passing the FAA practical test, commonly referred to as the "checkride."

5. Complete the Written Test The written test must be taken and passed as a prerequisite for taking the checkride. It will cover the topics learned in ground school as well as your home study course. This test can be taken anytime between completing the ground school and scheduling the checkride.

6. Pass the Checkride You're almost there! This is the final step to complete your private pilot certificate. The checkride consists of two parts: a ground portion and a flight portion. The FAA examiner will have you prepare a cross-country flight plan prior to the checkride. The ground portion of the checkride will be a discussion of your flight plan and various other topics that are easiest to cover before the flight. The flight portion will be a practical demonstration of your ability to fly the aircraft in accordance with the published Practical Test Standards. Upon successful completion of this step, you will be a certificated private pilot!

7. Go Flying! You now have your certificate. Go out and celebrate the freedom of flight!

Recommended Medical Examiner Dr. Alfred Allina
4656 W. Jefferson Blvd
Fort Wayne, IN 46804
(260) 434-1619