Private Pilot Training Resources
Written in 1990 by David Barth. This information is old. It was current as of 2002. It is advised that persons interested in such information seek up-to-date information.
The Private Pilot Test Standards (PTS) - tells specific requirements for all flight test maneuvers. It is recommended that
the student have one to prepare for his/her solo flights.
Airman's Information Manual (AIM) - covers detailed information for regulations and other helpful information. It is also an excellent reference. The examiner will
expect student to know how to find information in the AIM.
Headset - Many flying clubs will rent one for solo flights. A headset is necessary for hearing the instructor, listening to aircraft radio communications, as well as
to protect your hearing.
Study materials - this can include a book containing all of the questions that can be asked on the written test as well as any other books that the student wishes
to obtain.
Charts - The student should purchase an Area Chart if applicable for the training vicinity, and Sectional Charts for the cross country portion of the training,
and any other charts needed for the training. Please note that charts are reissued about every six months, and the FAA does not allow out-dated charts to be
carried in the aircraft.
A logbook - The student will need to carry a logbook with his/her hours and instructor's endorsements, that can be viewed by FAA
personnel (eg: during a ramp check - these are very rare).
E6B flight computer - this is not necessary until dual cross country flights are scheduled. The student may use an electronic flight computer, but must know how
to use the E6B circular slide rule type for the written and practical flight tests. An electronic flight computer and a hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS)
receiver is not necessary. However, the student should know how to use every navigation instrument aboard the aircraft for the practical flight test. (During dual
cross-country flights, if the student has brought along electronic devices, the instructor may ask the student to pretend that the batteries in an electronic flight computer
and/or hand-held GPS have failed, to ensure that the student can find the way by the three navigation methods: Pilotage (using the charts); dead reconing
(estimating the time, speed, and heading required to fly from one location to another; and instrument navigation (using the VOR navigation receiver in the
aircraft).
Other considerations
To obtain the necessary factual knowledge, the student can choose the method that is best for him/her. Some methods that students have successfully used
to pass the written test and answer questions that the examiner asks during the practical flight test are:
- Read a lot of books and magazines that contain information pertaining to becoming a pilot.
- Read the book of FAA test questions and answers.
- Study one or two information sources, then take a weekend ground school.
- Take a multi-week ground school class. The class will require reference materials and a book.
Philosophy on Training
Good instructors attempt to tailor the private pilot training program to the needs of the student. These needs include issues of time, money, past experience
with aviation, preferred learning method, comfort with the instructor's style and personality, interest in learning to fly, proclivity for flying alone in a solo situation,
confidence level, and attitudes such as command decision-making and safety.
As much as possible, the instructor should attempt to make the training experience fun and educational and to ask the student to help guide the process.
For example, when the student is fatigued and wants to terminate the lesson, he or she should tell the instructor. Another example is when the student wants
the training to be on a subject not scheduled for the flight, most instructors will work it into the schedule.
Competent instructors try to move the student along at a rate that is as fast as the student can comfortably accept.
Many students have taken from 47 to over 300 hours to get their private license. (One 300-hour student had a crippled leg and had to suspend flight training
several times for foot operations, but he never gave up.) The 47 hour pilot was a teenager who had a lot of flying experience with his father, his father allowed him to
fly at least once a week, and the student studied the material.
In another case, a student required 87 hours to complete his private license because he was the first student his instructor had ever taught, and the instructor
didn't know all that was needed to teach a new student. Also, the student enjoyed navigating from one airport to another so much that he asked his instructor
to sign him off for more solo cross-country flights than he needed to meet the private pilot requirments.