Private Pilot Frequently Asked Questions

What will I learn?
-Principles of Flight MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM -Aeromedical
-Dead Reckoning NavigationMMMMMMMMMM MI-Aircraft Performance
-RegulationsMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMIMM -Radio Communications
-Decision MakingMMMMMMMMMMMMIMMMMMII-Publications
-Aircraft SystemsMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMI -Airspace and Charts
-Radio NavigationMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMIMM -Meteorology
-Airport operationsMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMIM -Test Preparation

How long does it take?
The Private Pilot License can be attained in as little as three months, or it can take more than a year, depending on how much time you want to spend training. The average is between four and six months. The more frequently you fly the quicker you'll learn and the more you'll retain from lesson to lesson. A minimum of 40 flight hours is required to get your license, but the license is granted on the basis of your proficiency as a pilot. The average person would need to fly approximately 50 hours to gain the required proficiency to pass the "behind-the-wheel" test.

What will I need to learn?
To gain your Private Pilot license you will need to learn basic aerodynamics, the aircraft and its systems, federal aviation regulations, general operating procedures and aviation weather. Our training is organized to fit your schedule to help you master the information necessary for you to obtain your pilot certificate. No special math or science skills are required. One-on-one tutoring with your flight instructor will help you understand how this knowledge is applied to each of your flight lessons. There are two aspects to a pilot education program. You will need to learn to fly the airplane by handling the controls of the airplane yourself under the supervision of your flight instructor. With your personal instructor your will learn to take-off, land and fly cross-country. Your instructor will assist you in mastering all of the areas of knowledge needed to be a competent, safe pilot.

How safe is it?
Safety is our primary concern throughout the flight training program. You may have heard statistically, flying is the safest means of travel. The saying is true; the most dangerous part of any flight is the drive to the airport! More often than not, when a problem occurs, pilot error is one of the factors at fault. Industry leaders agree, regardless of the size of the aircraft, from Piper Cub to Jumbo Jet, proper training and proper procedures are the key to safe, worry-free flight. It is accepted the most important safety feature of any aircraft is a well trained pilot.
Our goal is to provide you with an enjoyable learning experience that emphasizes a long term safety conscious attitude toward the flight environment. Our flight training program is FAA certified and our aircraft are maintained to FAA standards and in accordance to manufacturer’s recommended maintenance procedures. Our instructors are all FAA certificated and receive continual recurrent training in the latest instructional and operational techniques.
Aircraft are constructed under very rigid standards and they are continually checked to insure they are safe to fly. Aviation activities are closely regulated to ensure they maintain a very high degree of safety. Students are not permitted to fly solo until their instructor is convinced they have obtained the skills necessary to safely operate the aircraft. A large portion of a student’s training is spent practicing what to do in the unlikely event of an emergency. You will practice until the procedures become automatic so that in a real emergency you simply do what you were trained to do. Please feel free to discuss your safety concerns with any of our staff.

Is the test tough?
To obtain a student pilot certificate, no test is required. However, before obtaining a private pilot license, a student pilot is required to pass two different tests. One is called the practical examination. Here is where a student pilot must demonstrate they can handle a plane safely by taking the examiner on a “check ride.” The other test is a written exam in which you will be asked questions about flying rules and regulations, the aircraft you will be flying and the details of a hypothetical flight. You will have successfully accomplished all of these tasks with your instructor before you take the actual exam. Once you have successfully completed your pilot training you will be able to participate in activities you have only dreamed about before.

Is it difficult to learn how to fly?
Learning may not be as hard as you think. In fact, each year thousands of people from all walks of life learn to fly by obtaining their private pilot’s license. Some continue their training to get an instrument rating or additional certificates such as flight instructor, commercial pilot or even ATP (Airline Transport Pilot). However most people are content with a private pilot certificate which permits them to fly themselves and non-paying passengers virtually anywhere they want in good weather.

What do the different ratings/certifications allow me to do?
-The Private Pilot License rating allows you to carry passengers anywhere you want in good weather.
-The Commercial License allows you to carry passengers for hire.
-The Instrument Rating enables you to fly in weather conditions that require special instruments to navigate in less than ideal weather.
-The Multi-Engine Rating enables you to fly airplanes with more than one engine.
-The Certified Flight Instructor Rating enables you to teach people to fly.

Do I need to pass a physical test?
You must hold a Third Class Medical Certificate. This is much like an annual physical from your family doctor.
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                                          6515 Barrie Road
     MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMI Edina MN 55435
      MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMI(952) 920-5663

 What books/material do I need?
-Jeppesen Sanderson Textbook
-Training Syllabus
-Workbook & Flight Maneuvers Manual
-Federal Aviation Regulations
-Airman's Information Manual
-Slide Graphic Computer
-Airplane Information Manual
-FAA Written Test Book
-Pilot Logbook
-Practical Test Standards Manual
-Private Pilot Airmen Knowledge Test Questionnaire
-Computerized Testing Supplement
-Carrying Case

West Metro stocks and sells all necessary materials for your purchasing convenience.