There are many exciting activities you can participate in, but few offer the challenge or sense of accomplishment comparable to flying. If you are one of those people who have always wanted to fly, but just couldn't find the time or didn't know where to start first, we are here to help. Read on to learn more about the steps to take and the resources available.

Why do you want to fly?
I guess the answer to that question might be different for every person. Some want to get where they are going quicker, some want an unusual hobby, some want a challenging and lucrative career. You may not even be able to clearly describe the reason why you want to fly, but you know you must try it. So what is involved? How do you get started?

Where do I start?
Start by finding a Fixed Base Operator (FBO) who offers flight instruction. Take a trip to your nearest airport. The FBO is a company that sells aviation fuel, provides maintenance for aircraft, and, in many cases, has a flight school. Ask to take an "introductory flight." Most flight schools offer such an introduction, which actually turns out to be a first lesson at a reduced cost. The introductory flight will let you know if you really are "hooked" on flying and will give you a good idea of how the flight school is operated. One of the key things to remember is that you should interview potential flight instructors so you can feel confident that you've found the best program for you. Once you've found a school you feel confident with, and the flight instructor has been chosen, regular flight lessons are scheduled. There are also flying clubs around the country that are simply a group of pilots who cannot afford airplane ownership alone, so they share the cost of ownership. Most clubs will have one or more flight instructors as members. The flight instructor "checks-out" new members in the airplanes and can also provide flight training. Many military bases have "Aero clubs" which is the same thing, but you must have permission to use these military facilities.

Recreational or Private Pilot certificate?
As the lessons progress, at some point a decision is made to go for the Recreational Pilot or Private Pilot Certificate. This decision should be based on what you plan to do with your pilot license when you get it. The Recreational Pilot Certificate is just for what it sounds like - fun only. The Recreational Certificate comes with a list of restrictions, among them: no flying at night, no flying beyond 50 miles, no flying anywhere where controllers must be communicated with. The Recreational Pilot Certificate has a minimum flight time of 30 hours for completion. The Private Pilot Certificate has many fewer restrictions and has a minimum flight time of 40 hours. Because of its many restrictions and the fact that the Private Pilot Certificate is only 10 hours more, the Recreational Certificate has not been very popular.

Basic Requirements for the Private Pilot License

• meet the minimum age
• have a current 3rd class medical certificate
• 40 hours of flight logged
• 20 hours of flight logged with an instructor
• 10 hours of flight logged solo
• pass the FAA Knowledge Test and Flight Exam

What is the minimum age?
The FAA states that you must be at least 16 years of age to solo an airplane. You must be at least 17 to get a Recreational or Private Pilot Certificate. Too young? Why not learn to fly a glider/sailplane or even a hot air balloon? You can learn to fly these when you are as young a 14! Check out the Soaring Society of America.

The medical exam
To become a Student Pilot, you must go to the doctor. That's right, a physician who has been designated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), issues the Student Pilot Certificate after a medical exam. There are three types of medical exams: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Class. Students need only the 3rd class to get started. If you feel that you have any medical problems that might stop you from flying (poor eyesight, medications, etc) the best way to find out is to go for the medical and consult with the physician. You will be surprised how many medical problems do not prohibit you from flying! The Student Pilot Certificate is required for solo flight.

How much will it cost?
Whenever you take a flight lesson, you must rent an airplane to take the lesson in and pay the flight instructor for the lesson itself. Later when you fly solo, you pay for only the airplane. The cost will vary somewhat based on the type of airplane and location. Keep in mind that the national average for attaining a Private Pilot Certificate is around 70 hours total-flight-time and, although you may spend less, be prepared to invest around $5,000 to earn yours.

Preparing for the written exam
Before the end of the required minimum training, the Student Pilot must take a Knowledge Test. This was once called the "written" test, but today this test is given on a computer so nobody "writes" anymore. The knowledge test is given of the Recreational Pilot or Private Pilot separately. You would not take both, so a decision on which way to go should be made prior to the knowledge test. The test itself is actually a bank of about 1,000 questions. You will answer 50 questions randomly drawn from the bank. Several companies have ground school programs that go over each question and answer, so that you can prepare for the test. 70% or higher is a passing score. Today, you can buy the bank!,.

Preparing for the Checkride
Eventually, to become a pilot you must pass a Practical Test (sometimes called the "checkride"). The Practical consists of both an oral exam and a flight test. You and your flight instructor will spend plenty of time in preparation for this. Remember that the 30 hours or 40 hours respectively for the Recreational or Private Certificates are minimum times. Most students need a little more than the minimums to be ready. The checkride itself is usually less intimidating after it gets started than most think. The person giving the test is of course a pilot, who is very interested in you also becoming a pilot. The checkride is usually a good experience.

Additional Certificates
Once you've earned your Private Pilot Certificate, there are subsequent licenses that you can study and train for. These include the Instrument Rating, the Multi-Engine Rating, and the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate. Speak with your flight instructor to learn more about the cost and training requirements of each.

What if you want a career in flying?
If you desire to pursue aviation as a career there are a surprisingly wide number of possibilities. Many colleges and universities across the country offer flight programs. Some offer flight lessons on the way to full college degrees in Aviation or Aerospace. A college degree, combined with pilot certificates and some flight experience has proven to be a successful avenue to a career as an airline pilot, corporate pilot, or charter pilot. Most universities that offer flight training for college credit would prefer that students start early at the university and train at the university within their system. Some accept students who have completed their Private Pilot Certificate elsewhere or have no flight training at all.

Continuing education
Just because you've completed your training and have your certificate in hand, doesn't mean the learning process is complete. Pilot proficiency involves continuous training. Your safety and the safety of others depend on continuous fine tuning of your piloting skill set. There are many organizations that pertain to flying that you can get involved with, and the FAA offers the Aviation Safety Program for pilots to stay proficient and learn even more. Remember, flying is for "life-long learners!"

No matter which path you take: career or personal, Recreational or Private, you cannot get started without taking the first step. So take that first step today and get started!