There are few experiences available to humans that offer the exhilaration of total freedom and limitless vistas while saving significant travel time. Getting your pilot license and flying a private aircraft accomplishes these feats and then some.
Training for your pilot license is more accessible than you might imagine. View the world from above with us as we detail several ways “regular” people can and should learn to fly.
Stockton Propeller is a full-service propeller overhaul and maintenance facility with the function and performance of your aircraft as the height of our service. Stockton Propeller can perform needed propeller inspections to help ensure your airplane is in good working order.
We perform static balancing in-house to keep your aircraft in top-flight shape. Visit our website today to learn more and enjoy your flight.
A Pilot License for Every Flyer’s Dream
Pilot licensure varies tremendously. Selecting the type of pilot license you want depends largely on your flight goals. You can choose to apply for a private pilot license all the way up to a commercial license. You may even want to become a flight instructor if you’ve dreamt of flying as a career.
There are several pilot designations between private and commercial. You can specialize in recreational and sport pilot certificates depending upon your purpose in flying and budget. In the classroom setting, you will learn about aircraft propeller maintenance procedures
Dipping your toe in the flying world begins with a student license, for which you must apply. In addition to filling out the required paperwork and training eligibility with the FAA, you’ll also have to pass a medical exam.
People in general good health typically can fly planes and other aircraft legally. However, if you have a chronic condition, you may want to check it against this FAA list to see if it may affect your pilot training eligibility.
If the FAA approves your pilot license application, it’s time to obtain a student pilot license.
Learn at Your Pace
Thankfully, the eligibility requirements for a student pilot license are pretty straightforward:
- Be at least 16 years of age (14 if you’ll pilot a balloon or glider)
- Have fluency speaking, writing, and reading in the English language (the Universal language of pilots and the flight industry)
Once you’ve applied for and obtained your student pilot license and your medical certificate, you can begin fight training.
Finding a local flight school in your area is pretty simple: Google “flight schools near me,” and you’ll get an array of options.
Join the Piloting Community
If you know another pilot, you might try to get a referral for a reputable school near you. Check on their comprehensive offerings, and be sure to compare costs between providers. This type of activity may not be the place to seek out the biggest discount, just saying.
Instead, look for experience, reliability, an excellent safety rating, and stellar reviews online or on social media. When learning to fly, you may want to gain more background on the pilot community. Try searching out and joining a few social media groups dedicated to flying and learning to fly in your area.
When you join the piloting community, you’ll share unique skills and experiences in common with a dynamic and daring group of people all over the world.
Learn new skills at every age
Your training will include ground-based classes to learn the science and physics of flight, safety procedures, emergency protocols. And you can expect to learn the rules and regulations of the airspace during this time.
You’ll also log flight time with an instructor to learn how to operate a single-engine aircraft. To gain licensure, you must log 35 hours of flight time in varied conditions and aircraft. You’ll also take written exams, pass the FAA check ride, and be a licensed driver.
The beauty is you learn at your pace, depending on your flight school’s training schedule. A typical student can earn her PPL in about three months!
Gain Confidence, Learn More, Fly Bigger Planes
Learning to fly means plenty of advancement opportunities for the hobbyist and professional alike. Once you’ve achieved your PPL, you can choose to maintain that foundational licensure. Or, advance your skills, experience, or career in flying with the following certificates:
- Commercial Pilot License: Obtain this certificate if you wish to earn money as a pilot. PPL holders cannot receive compensation for flying.
- Airline Transport Pilot License: To fly for commercial airlines, this certificate is required of all pilots.
- Commercial Multi-Engine Land: Think of this certificate as an add-on to your PPL or CPL. You’ll cover different equipment and emergencies and how to navigate them safely.
- Certified Flight Instructor: This level of training allows you to teach new students pilots how to fly.
There are several more advanced certificates available that you can add to your credentials as you gain experience and knowledge. With changing technology and climate, flight education and safety procedures evolve over time. Pilots must stay on top of new industry developments as they arise.
Flying is Fun, Relaxing, and Can Save Time on Travel
Of course, flying is an endeavor to take up with safety, education, and experience in mind. However, there are over 600,000 licensed pilots in the United States alone!
Further, when you fly, traffic is much less of an issue. True, you’ll have to be watchful and communicative on take-offs, landings, and near airports. But, for longer flights, private air travel may be as safe as driving on the road.
No Ownership Required
Though many pilots own an aircraft, it’s possible to rent an airplane to log your hours or fly for fun. Typical rental rates run about $125.00 per hour, depending on the type of aircraft. You’ll want to check rental policies to find out if fuel and other fees may cost extra.
Co-ownership is also an option for pilots who want to fly, but not own and maintain an aircraft by themselves.
Call Stockton Propeller to Keep Your Airplane Flying Happy and Safe
Stockton Propeller keeps your propeller blades balanced and in top shape for safe and reliable flying time, every time you take off (and land, for that matter.) To get a repair quote or view our current inventory, visit Stockton Propeller today.
We lead the industry in safety, functionality, and customer service for every aircraft and pilot we serve.