Ready to become a pilot?
It’s not as hard as you think! The FAA does a good job outlining the process of becoming a pilot in the Student Pilot Guide. Essentially, below are the steps in becoming a pilot:
The FAA requires that pilot candidates pass 3 exams:
- Medical Exam (a flight physical for your medical certificate/student pilot certificate)
- Knowledge Test (computer-based exam)
- Practical Test (the “checkride” – oral exam & flight proficiency exam with an FAA DPE)
A few useful links, especially for student pilots:
- FAA Student Pilot Guide
- Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)
- FAA Practical Test Standards (PTS) for Pilots – this is what you’re checkride is graded on!
For those who join the Hokie Flying Club as student pilots, a Club-approved flight instructor (CFI) will outline and detail your curriculum for learning and obtaining the grade of pilot certificate that you’re seeking.