A private pilot certificate with an airplane single engine land rating is the most common initial pilot certificate and rating. The journey towards it can be broken down into the following three phases. But before committing to the training, you can schedule a discovery flight to taste what it is like to fly a small general aviation airplane.
This is the initial stage of the flight training. We'll familiarize you with the airplane in both knowledge and maneuvers. Knowledge includes regulations, airspace and flight characteristics and limitations of the airplane. Maneuvers include both normal airplane operations and emergency procedures. A student pilot certificate and an FAA medical certificate will be applied. At the completion of this stage, you'll be able to fly the airplane by yourself in the local area. This stage typically takes 30 to 50 flight hours.
After the initial solo flights, we'll move on to cross-country flights and navigation. Short / soft field takeoffs / landings and night operations will also be introduced during this stage. At the completion of this stage, 2 solo cross-country flights will be conducted to not only satisfy the solo cross-country hours requirement but also gain confidence. It is also advisable to complete the knowledge test during this stage. This stage typically takes 25 flight hours.
This is the last stage of the private pilot training where we'll polish the maneuvers in accordance with the Private Pilot for Airplane Category Airman Certification Standards (ACS). We'll also go over all of the knowledge areas in the ACS. When ready, we'll complete all necessary paperwork and arrange the practical test (aka checkride). After passing the practical test, congratulations! You're now officially a private pilot. This stage typically takes 25 flight hours.
How long it takes to obtain the private pilot certificate depends heavily on the effort you put in and the training cadence. Flying is a perishable skill so it is best to train at least 2 times a week. A typical training session balances intensity and fatigue to promote learning and is typically 3 hours long with about 2 hours in the airplane. Dedicated ground sessions will also be scheduled as needed. The minimum hours for a private pilot certificate is 40 hours. However given the congested airspace in the San Francisco Bay Area, it typically takes 80 to 100 total flight hours to complete the training with a budget of $30k to $40k for airplane rental, flight instruction, gears, study materials and test fees. With at least 2 sessions a week, the training can be completed in 6 months considering weather and maintenance delays. Pursuing a private pilot certificate is a big time and financial commitment but it will prove to be a rewarding experience.
FAA-S-ACS-6C Private Pilot for Airplane Category Airman Certification Standards
Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA)
An instrument rating is a natural progression after the private pilot certificate. It refines your flying skills, develops deeper understanding of the ATC system and allows you to fly into weather conditions that are not permissible under VFR. An instrument rating is also a cornerstone for professional flying. In the San Francisco Bay Area, it's best utility is to penetrate the typical morning marine layers during the summer months. The instrument training can also be conducted in an accelerated manner with proficiency developed in as few as 7 days.
Instrument flying can be broken down into straight and level flight, turns, climbs and descents just like VFR flying. However, these maneuvers now must be accomplished solely by reference to instruments. We'll visit the control / performance method and primary / supporting method and incorporate them into the basic attitude instrument flying. At the completion of the stage, you'll be able to comfortably execute these maneuvers without any visual cues. Departure procedures, arrival procedures and instrument approaches will also be introduced.
IFR flights will almost always be under positive control by ATC. ATC will issue different kinds of clearances and instructions throughout the flight from the initial routing to the final approach. This stage of the instrument rating training will immerse you in the actual IFR system and enable you to talk confidently with clearance delivery, ground, tower, terminal radar approach control (TRACON or departure / approach) and air route traffic control center (ARTCC). You will also learn the intricacies in the different instrument procedures and how to choose the most suitable one under given circumstances. A long cross-country flight under IFR with 3 different approaches will be conducted to build your confidence in operating in the IFR system.
At this stage of the instrument rating training, we'll focus on polishing the maneuvers to the Instrument Rating - Airplane Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and bridge any gaps in the knowledge areas. Training flights at this stage will be representative of the actual checkride. After passing the checkride, you're officially instrument rated.
Non-U.S. citizens receiving flight instruction towards their initial FAA pilot certificate, an instrument rating or a multi engine rating will need to go through the Flight Training Security Program (FTSP) by the Department of Homeland Security. Application can be submitted after the discovery flight. It typically takes 2 - 4 weeks to complete the security screening. Once you receive the final approval for the determination of eligibility, you can select me ("Huafei Wang CFI") as the training provider to start the flight training.
Buying an airplane sounds intimidating. But the actual process can be as straightforward as buying a car. I have helped my clients purchase airplanes for their flight training and personal travel needs. It's a great way to save the airplane rental cost and develop proficiency with your aircraft systems and pertinent regulations on maintenance. You have complete control on your airplane scheduling and don't need to worry about last-minute unavailability due to maintenance or last student's delay in returning the airplane.
Cessna 172 series and Piper PA-28 series airplanes are ideal for first time ownership and flight training due to their simple construction and systems. More capable airplanes like Cessna 182 series and Piper PA-28-235/236 are also good choice if your budget allows. Seasoned airplane buyers can step up to Cirrus SR22 series, Bonanzas or light twins. An airplane can be purchased directly from the seller or through a broker. A optional escrow service and a pre-buy inspection can also be utilized and are strongly recommended for airplanes of higher value. Here're a couple of things to look out for before any airplane purchase.
Clean title.
Current annual inspection.
Current ELT inspection.
Current 91.411 (if IFR) and 91.413 inspection.
Airworthiness certificate.
Pilot operating handbook / airplane flight manual and their supplement.
Current and signed weight and balance.
Complete airframe, engine and propeller logbooks.
Complete Form FAA 337 - Major Repair and Alteration for applicable repairs and alterations.
Airworthiness directives compliance.
ADSB-out compliance and performance report through FAA Public ADS-B Performance Report Request.
It is also a good idea to have a couple of insurance quotes before committing to the purchase. Pilot qualifications, experience in make / model, airplane hull value will have a significant impact on the insurability and the insurance premium. This can be done through an insurance broker who will shop around the insurance underwriters or directly with the underwriter (e.g. Avemco).
Once you're satisfied with the airplane and agree on the final purchase price, you can complete and mail the FAA Form AC 8050-2 - Aircraft Bill of Sale and Form AC 8050-1 - Aircraft Registration Application. Congratulations! The airplane is now yours. Don't forget to arrange a hangar or a tiedown at your local airport too.