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Tests Pilot Must Take Before Solo Flight
There are many different flight maneuvers, 15 in all, that you must be able to perform competently before you can solo. Some of these basic maneuvers are stalls, steep turns, and slow flight. Your instructor must maintain a record that documents that these training maneuvers have been accomplished. Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 61.87 includes a list of these maneuvers. You must be at least 16 years of age (you’ll have to be 17 before you can earn a private pilot certificate). You must pass a medical exam and receive a student pilot/third class medical certificate from an aviation medical examiner.
It is a requirement under the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR 61.87) to take a pre-solo written exam. Before soloing, a student must demonstrate that they understand the regulatory and operational information that is pertinent to the solo phase of their flight training. This test helps assure this by addressing information appropriate to the solo flight, including regulations, local airspace, procedures, and aircraft operations and limitations. The instructor is responsible for administering the test and reviewing incorrect answers with the student.
Pre-Solo Written Test
- Required before your first solo flight
- May be written by your flight school, instructor, a commercial vendor, or anyone else as long as it meets FAA requirements
- Questions may be any format (multiple-choice, fill-in-the blank, essay, etc.)
- May be any number of questions
- May be open- or closed-book
- Must be corrected to 100%
- Must include at least the following topics:
- Applicable regulations from parts 61 and 91
- Airspace rules and procedures for the airport where the solo flight will be performed
- Flight characteristics and operational limitations for the make and model of aircraft to be flown
FAA Knowledge Test
- Often called “the written”
- Questions are pulled from an FAA database
- Test is taken on a computer with supplementary information available on paper
- Questions are multiple-choice
- Minimum passing score: 70%
- Instructor’s endorsement is required to take the test
Two vendors offer FAA approved testing:
CATS
LaserGrade
Cost = $150
Number of questions and time limit depend on pilot certificate sought:
- Sport: 40 questions, 2 hours
- Recreational: 50 questions, 2 hours
- Private: 60 questions, 2 hours 30 minutes
When To Take The Knowledge Test
Experience has shown that the knowledge test is more meaningful, and is more likely to result in a satisfactory grade, if it is taken after beginning the flight portion of the training. For optimum benefit, it is recommended that the knowledge test be taken after the student has completed a solo cross-country flight. The operational knowledge gained by this experience can be used to advantage in the knowledge test.
FAA Practical Test
- Often called a “checkride”
- Administered by an FAA inspector, designated pilot examiner (DPE), or sport pilot examiner
- Content and conduct of the test is strictly governed by the applicable FAA Practical Test Standards
- Test is pass/fail (fail one item, fail the test)
- Instructor’s endorsement is required to take the test
Cost: free if administered by an FAA inspector, otherwise normally a fee applies (set by the examiner)
Divided into two parts:
- The oral portion tests the applicant’s knowledge
- The flight portion continues to test the applicant’s knowledge and also evaluates flying skills
Individual Flight Training Courses
The Aviator Flight Training Academy offers a full line of flight training courses to meet the individual needs of each student.
FAA News and Rising Demand for Airline Pilots
WASHINGTON – An industry forecast that nearly half a million new airline pilots will be needed worldwide over the next 20 years as airlines expand their fleets has raised safety concerns that airlines will hire lower caliber pilots as they struggle to fill slots.
Boeing, one of the world’s largest makers of commercial jetliners, forecasts about 460,000 new pilots will be needed worldwide between now and 2031 as global economies expand and airlines take deliveries of tens of thousands of new commercial jetliners. The forecast includes 69,000 new pilots in the North America, mostly in the U.S. The greatest growth will be in the Asia-Pacific region, where an estimated 185,600 new pilots will be needed.
Likewise, Boeing predicts 601,000 new aircraft maintenance technicians will be needed over the same period, with greatest demand — 243,500 technicians — in the Asia-Pacific region. An estimated 92,500 new technicians will North America.
FAA Industry News
Industry and government officials anticipate a wave of pilot retirements at U.S. airlines beginning this year. Five years ago, the FAA raised the mandatory retirement age for pilots from 60 to 65. The fifth anniversary of that decision is Dec. 13. Pilots who were age 60 on that date five years ago are reaching the age where they have to retire.
Also, FAA regulations created in response to an aviation safety law passed by Congress two years ago will raise the experience threshold required to be an airline first officer from the current 250 hours of flying time to 1,500 hours, the same level as required of captains. That’s expected to make it harder for airlines to find qualified new applicants.
FAA Announces Plans for Industry Working Group to Study Portable Electronics Usage
WASHINGTON – Given the widespread consumer use of portable electronic devices (PEDs), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is forming a government-industry group to study the current PED policies and procedures aircraft operators use to determine when these devices can be used safely during flight. Current FAA regulations require an aircraft operator to determine that radio frequency interference from PEDs are not a flight safety risk before the operator authorizes them for use during certain phases of flight.
“With so many different types of devices available, we recognize that this is an issue of consumer interest,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Safety is our highest priority, and we must set appropriate standards as we help the industry consider when passengers can use the latest technologies safely during a flight.”
Opportunities For Flight Training Students
The current recession has created fierce competition for jobs in all industries. Now is the perfect opportunity for you to start your flight training in an industry that has tremendous potential!
- The demand is beginning to increase. For many current airline pilots, the mandatory retirement age is approaching!
- The FAA is now taking a more serious look at airline pilot flight training. This is forcing the airline industry to take a harder look at candidates for pilot replacements!
- Professional Pilots must now have first-rate knowledge and continually upgraded skills to have the cutting edge
- Professionalism and knowledge are now prerequisites for entrance into the worldwide airline industry.
- Fast paced, “fast track” programs, or self-study courses will not meet the new airline industry standards.
Flight School and Flight Training Programs
For more than 27 years Aviator has been the leader in multi-engine flight training. We have provided over 5000 professional pilots to the airline industry, both nationally and worldwide, through our Professional Pilot Flight Training Programs. Our FAA-certified Part 141 approved flight programs provide students with the skills and experience demanded by today’s commercial aviation industry. Aviator is accredited by the ACCSC (Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges).
English Is The Mandated International Language of Aviation
If you are an international flight training student thinking about doing your flight training in the US you have some unique challenges. Location is very important when you are looking for a flight training school. Florida is a great place to earn your wings. The moderate and mild climate makes flight training a pleasure. The good weather allows you to log more flying hours faster, get your degree quicker and be on the way sooner to your new aviation career.
One of the problems that international (non US) residents have is actually getting the attention of the flight school here. The reason is that so many people are interested and so many of those people never start training. So this means that US flight schools have thousands of inquires per month and are not able to easily determine who is really interested and who is not.
Other issues that international students might face are dealing with the fact that in order to be a pilot all pilot candidates much read write and speak the English language. The better the English and reading skills the more money the student saves because learning is faster and not as much work.
Besides being able to speak English as with all international arrivals in the US, the student must get a VISA to enter the country and study. Plus, international pilot candidates must visit the Transportation Security Administrations (TSA) website and be approved to enter the US for the purpose of pilot study.
Aviation English and Testing At Aviator College
International students that are enrolling in one of our pilot programs and wish to increase their English to a level 4 (four) or higher, may enroll at our Aviation English Course at the same time. Research shows that students can quickly earn their ICAO level 4 (four) certificate in as little as one month, which could also reduce your cost in flight training. The course will consist of one month of training by highly experienced English Instructors and easy-to-follow curriculum. The curriculum consists of small classroom group studies, one-on-one instruction, data base and E-Mailing criteria.
As mandated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in accordance with ICAO English Language Proficiency Requirements, all pilots and air traffic personnel are now required to demonstrate English Proficiency according to a minimum of Operational Level 4 (four) standards.
Achievements of the Course
- Improved student speech in an aviation setting through phonetic practice. (Study & Practice of human speech)
- Improved student aviation radio communication through increased listening skills
- Preparation to achieve a rating of Level 4 English according to ICAO standards
- Strengthened grammar to make aviation communication easier
- Increased student’s aviation vocabulary
- ICAO Approved Compliant Testing on campus
Why Choose Aviator English
- In house Testing
- Pickup to and from Orlando or Palm Beach International Airports.
- Sunny Florida USA
- 2 Miles from the ocean
- Learning in an Aviation Atmosphere
- Flight Training if needed FAA & JAA
- Save money and time
- Personalized Instruction for Each Student
Benefits Of Aviation English Program
- Increase your ability to get a great job in Aviation
- Train with Higly skilled Native American English speaking instructors
- Learn easily in a small class size
- Prepare yourself to take the ICAO approved exam
- Ensure safety through good English communication skills
- Test on site to receive your ICAO certificate
- Feel confident in your ability to communicate in Aviation English
- Earn your ICAO Level 4 Certificate.
- The students that achieve level 4 proficiency or higher will recieve and English Proficiency certificate. The certificate showing ICAO level 4 ( four) standards will be valid for 3 (three) years. Students that achieve ICAO level 5 (five) or higher the certificate will be valid for 6 (six) years.
Aviation English Program Cost
* Program Cost $1,950.00 includes testing.
** Students that might need additional classes will be billed at a reduced price.
*** Students that believe their English level meets ICAO level 4(four) standards may test upon arrival. $ 550.00 for testing.
For further information contact Michelle in the Aviation English Department.
(772) 466-4822 x 134 or E-Mail mhaworth@aviator.edu
* You must be fluent in the English language to join this program
Renewing Your FAA Pilot License
FAA requirements for Private Pilot License (PPL):
Age – 17+ years old
Education requirements – Able to read, write, and speak English fluently.
Flying time requirement – Minimum of 40 hours of flight training. This must include: Conversely, if you fly twice a week, it will probably take fewer total hours to get your license. This training must include a minimum of:
- 20 hours of dual instruction including:
- 3 hours of cross-country to airports more than 50 miles away
- 3 hours of instruments
- 3 hours of night including a 100 nautical mile round trip and 10 night takeoffs and landings
- 3 hours of instruction within 60 days prior to your practical test
- 10 hours of solo flight including:
- 5 hours of cross-country including a 150 nautical mile round trip
- 3 takeoffs and landing at an airfield with a control tower
United States pilot certificates do not expire. Once granted, they are given for life unless otherwise revoked. This does not mean however that the pilot is legally able to exercise the privileges of their certificate. To exercise the privileges of a pilot certificate, the pilot must be “current”. This requires a flight review to “renew” the privileges. These reviews can be conducted by FAA Certificated Flight Instructors, FAA Designated Pilot Examiners, or FAA staff Aviation Safety Inspectors. A flight review is required every 24 calendar months.
Steps to Renew PPL
- Find an instructor or an examiner who will be able to conduct a flight review. All United States certificated flight instructors and FAA Designated Pilot Examiners can conduct a flight review. These individuals can be found by contacting aviation training companies at a local airport or by reviewing a national database listing of instructor members with organizations such a the National Association of Flight Instructors to find a local instructor.
- Conduct a flight review. A flight review will consist of at a minimum one hour of ground instruction and questioning and one hour of flight proficiency operations in an aircraft on which the pilot is certificated to act as pilot in command. The flight portion of this review will typically include multiple takeoffs and landings, review of aircraft stalling procedures and aircraft maneuvering. Ground portions of the review will typically cover regulatory requirements, aircraft systems reviews and airspace requirements along with a variety of other pilot knowledge areas.
- Receive an endorsement. After completing the flight review, an endorsement is required in the pilot’s logbook from the instructor or examiner who conducted the review. Without this endorsement the pilot’s certificate is not considered current.
Tips & Warnings
An alternate means of FAA pilot certificate renewal is the addition of a new qualification. Single engine pilots may choose to add on multi-engine privileges, pilots may choose to add on sea-plane or instrument qualifications, or a variety of other possible add on certifications. Adding on certificates or ratings can increase a pilot’s training, operational condition abilities, and at the same time renew their certificate in place of a flight review.
Currency for flight does not necessarily include currency for all flight conditions. For carriage of passengers, flight in different aircraft types, or flight in instrument or night conditions additional currency of flight requirements may be necessary.
Flight Training for PPL
If you are interested in flight training and want to acquire a coveted private pilot license Aviator Flight Training Academy offers professional pilot training programs with a minimum of 200 hours of multi-engine time. The flight school has a state of the art 37,000 square foot facility, featuring a CRJ Level 5 Flight Training Device (Simulator), large classrooms and individual briefing rooms.
Pilot Licenses and FAA JAA Conversions
The basic requirements to obtain the license and the privileges it confers are agreed internationally by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), however the actual implementation varies quite widely from country to country.
According to ICAO, to be eligible for a commercial pilot license the applicant must be
- Already hold a Private Pilot License
- Have received training in the areas of a Commercial Pilot,
- Successfully complete the relevant written exams.
To proceed in obtaining a commercial pilot license, you must first obtain second-class medical certification. The JAA has several approved courses leading to the issue of a JAA commercial pilot’s license with an instrument rating without first obtaining a private pilot’s license.
It is very popular for foreign pilots to come to the U.S. to covert their Foreign Pilot License to a FAA Pilot License. If you possess a foreign pilot certificate and wish to obtain an FAA ATP license on the basis of that certificate, you will need to obtain a Letter of Certificate Verification from the FAA. If you are applying for a certificate issued on the basis of a foreign license under the provisions of:
- 14 CFR Part 61, Section 61.75
- special purpose pilot authorizations under Section 61.77
- using a pilot certificate issued under Section 61.75 to apply for a commercial pilot certificate under Section 61.123 (h)
- applying for an airline transport pilot certificate issued under Section 61.153 (d) (3)
- applying for a certificate issued on the basis of a foreign license under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 63, Sections 63.23 and 63.42
The Airmen Certification Branch, AFS-760 must have the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) verify the validity and currency of the foreign license and medical certificate or endorsement before you apply for an FAA certificate or authorization. The processing of the Verification of Authenticity of Foreign License, Rating, and Medical Certification form takes approximately 45 to 90 days to complete.
Foreign applicants who require a visit to a FAA Flight Standards District Office or are applying for the issuance or replacement of an airman certificate in accordance with 14 CFR 61.75 must contact their selected Flight Standards District Office upon receipt of this verification letter to schedule an appointment with a FAA Inspector or authorized certifying official. Do not anticipate an appointment earlier than two weeks after this initial contact, due to enhanced security procedures.
European Flight Training (EFT) is the established leader in JAA pilot training under the European JAA licensing system with base locations in the United States (Florida). EFT is owned and operated by a former British Airline Pilot, with more than two decades in the JAA flight training industry. EFT has trained over 2000 pilots, and understand the complexities involved in gaining your coveted licences.
JAA ATPL License Conversion Now Offered in Fort Pierce
Gulf Coast Training Solutions are proud to announce their new partnership for the JAA License with European Flight Training and Aviator College of Aeronautical Science in Fort Pierce, Florida. The move of the business to the state of the art training facility allows Gulf Coast Training Solutions to produce even better customer support, enhanced learning experiences for the pre-exam course, and to also be affiliated with the leading JAA Flight Training provider in the USA.
In a statement, the Head of Training, Steve Gibbins said
“We are now strategically placed to offer people the full route to the JAA License with our relationship with European Flight Training. Both parties decided that it was prudent to stick with their specialized field of JAA Training. We brought the JAA ATPL Ground School to the table, and with their un-tarnished reputation for quality of service it just seamed a logical fit. This year we have graduated more students with a 100% first time pass rate for the previous 4 months, and we expect this average to continue.”
Gulf Coast Training Solutions was approved by the UK CAA for the move and to be able to conduct JAA License Training in their New Location.
Student Pilot Training FAQ
Attending a FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) –accredited pilot training school is important for students who are interested in aviation career of becoming a private pilot or a professional airline pilot. In order to become a licensed pilot, you must learn necessary skills, take courses on flight and pass a FAA medical exam. After this, you must take the Recreational Pilot and Private Pilot Knowledge Test and Recreational Pilot and Private Pilot Practical Test. There are numerous FAA-accredited pilot training schools across the country to help you achieve your goal of becoming a professional pilot. Outlined below are general questions and asnwers from FAA to start you on the right track in your pilot training in USA.
Where can I get flying lessons?
Contact any airport that handles private aircraft or the nearest FAA Flight Standards District Office.
Does my pilot training include a written test?
Yes. Before flying solo, you must be familiar with some of the FAA’s rules and with the flight characteristics and operational limitations of the make and model of the aircraft you will fly. Your flight instructor will give you some materials to study, and then test your knowledge. If you pass, your instructor will endorse your student pilot’s certificate for solo flight. The endorsement means that your instructor thinks you are competent to make solo flights.
When do I have to get the endorsement?
Within 90 days of your first solo flight.
After I’ve soloed, can I fly cross-country alone?
Not right away. Your instructor must review your pre-flight planning and preparation for solo cross-country flight and determine that the flight can be made safely under known circumstances and conditions. The instructor must also endorse your logbook before cross- country flight stating you are considered competent to make the flight. [Note: The relevance of the following sentence is not clear.]Under certain conditions, an instructor may authorize repeated solo flights over a given route.
As a student pilot, can I carry passengers with me before getting my recreational or private pilot’s certificate?
No.
Must I have an FCC radiotelephone operator’s permit to operate an aircraft radio transmitter?
No.
What is the difference between a recreational pilot’s certificate and a private pilot’s certificate?
As a recreational pilot, you have to fly within 50 nautical miles of the airport where you learned to fly, you have to fly during the day, and you can’t fly in airspace where communications with air traffic control are required. A private pilot doesn’t have these limitations. It usually takes fewer lessons to get a recreational pilot’s certificate than a private pilot’s certificate.
What is the Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP)?
The mission of the Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP) is to ensure that foreign students seeking training at flight schools regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) do not pose a threat to aviation or national security. Section 612 of the Vision 100 – Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act (Public Law 108-176, December 12, 2003) prohibits flight schools regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from providing flight training to a foreign student unless the Secretary of Homeland Security first determines that the student does not pose a threat to aviation or national security. Vision 100 transferred responsibility for conducting security threat assessments for foreign students seeking flight training from the Department of Justice to the Department of Homeland Security. On September 20, 2004, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued an interim final rule establishing the Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP).
Pilot Training Program With Aviator Flight Training Academy
For more than 27 years Aviator has been the leader in multi-engine flight training. We have provided over 5000 professional pilots to the airline industry, both nationally and worldwide, through our Professional Pilot Flight Training Programs. Our FAA-certified Part 141 approved flight programs provide students with the skills and experience demanded by today’s commercial aviation industry. Aviator is accredited by the ACCSC (Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges).
Our Professional Pilot Program is set in a flight training, structured environment to ensure the student receives the knowledge that is required to be a professional pilot. This program is from 0 hours to over 250 hours, of which 200 hours will be multi-engine time. The program includes Private Pilot Single Engine through the Multi-Engine Flight Instructor Certificate. Cross Country flying is coast-to-coast, if desired.
Is Your Flight Training Up To High Standards To Get a Pilot Job
Quality of Flight Training
Flight school location is a key factor and can make the difference in the amount of flight training months or even a year needed to complete a professional airline pilot training program. Some of the best flight training facilities are located in sunny Florida where the weather provides optimal flying time. Throughout a year Florida flights schools are able to run their flight training program because the weather is good. The top Florida flight schools have excellent instructors. Qualifications of flight instructors are important and you need to do your research to find out if you are getting the best instruction with top standards. Top flight schools in Florida offer a wide range of professional flight training programs to cater to the needs of all students including international students who wish to study abroad. When choosing a Flight School, carefully review the the types of flight training programs offered and look for the school that offers part 141 that is approved by FAA.
Know Your Pilot Licenses
There are two primary certificates, commonly called licenses, that you can earn in order to enjoy the privileges, challenges, and beauty of flying. They are the recreational pilot certificate and the private pilot certificate. To be eligible to receive either certificate in a single-engine airplane, there are a few minimum requirements.
You must:
- Be 16 years old to solo.
- Be 17 years old to receive your pilot certificate.
- Read, speak, and understand English.
- Hold at least a third-class medical certificate.
The Recreational Pilot Certificate
The recreational pilot certificate requires fewer training hours than the private certificate and can be earned in as few as 30 hours as compared to the 40 hours needed for the private. The reasoning behind this is that as a recreational pilot you receive fewer hours of cross-country navigation flight training because you must remain within 50 nautical miles of your home base. You also won’t have to learn to fly in airspace requiring communications with air traffic control. And night operations and flight by reference to instruments, which are part of the private pilot training, are eliminated from the recreational pilot’s curriculum.
The Private Pilot Certificate
A private pilot certificate is like a driver’s license. It allows you to fly anywhere in the United States and even outside the United States when you comply with regulations of the foreign country where the aircraft is operated. You can carry any number of passengers, and you can share certain operating expenses with your passengers. There are fewer limitations for a private pilot then there are for a recreational pilot. Although, there are currency and medical requirements to make sure you stay proficient and healthy, only a few other factors affect when and where you can fly. Once you earn your license, you are free to wander around in the skies below 18,000 feet above sea level to your heart’s content. You might take the family on a trip to see relatives in a distant state or use an airplane to shorten the time it takes to make business trips to another city.
Getting a Job as Pilot
Once your flight training, pilot license and medical requirements are fulfilled, it is time to polish up your resume. There are plenty of jobs available for brilliant and knowledgeable pilots. How do you get hired?
What qualities and skills airiline personnel managers are looking for to make a hiring decision? Outlined below are some suggestions from Paula W that can help you review your resume and land a job (land a plane wink*) as a pilot.
There are many things that airlines look for when they’re hiring captains and first officers for Airbus 320s, Boeing 737s, and other pilot jobs. Get out a copy of your resume and review how well your resume reflects the items they value most.
While there may be many candidates that have similar or equal skills and all should meet the posted minimums for the job, here are some ways you can really stand out from the crowd.
Having a type rating sets candidates apart.
Be sure your hours and ratings are current on ANY resume you send out, whether or not it’s specifically required by the position!
Communications Skills (listening, verbal, written).
By far, the one skill mentioned most often by employers is the ability to listen, write, and speak effectively. Successful communication is critical in business.
Sample bullet point describing this skill:
Exceptional listener and communicator who effectively conveys information verbally and in writing.
Flexibility/Adaptability/Managing Multiple Priorities
Deals with your ability to manage multiple assignments and tasks, set priorities, and adapt to changing conditions and work assignments.
Sample bullet point describing this skill:
Flexible team player who thrives in environments requiring ability to effectively prioritize and juggle multiple concurrent projects.
Interpersonal Abilities
The ability to relate to your co-workers, inspire others to participate, and mitigate conflict with co-workers is essential given the amount of time spent at work each day.
Sample bullet point describing this skill:
Proven relationship-builder with unsurpassed interpersonal skills.
Leadership/Management Skills
While there is some debate about whether leadership is something people are born with, these skills deal with your ability to take charge and manage your co-workers.
Sample bullet point describing this skill:
Goal-driven leader who maintains a productive climate and confidently motivates, mobilizes, and coaches employees to meet high performance standards.
Multicultural Sensitivity/Awareness
There is possibly no bigger issue in the workplace than diversity, and job-seekers must demonstrate a sensitivity and awareness to other people and cultures.
Sample bullet point describing this skill:
Personable professional whose strengths include cultural sensitivity and an ability to build rapport with a diverse workforce in multicultural settings.
Planning/Organizing
Deals with your ability to design, plan, organize, and implement projects and tasks within an allotted timeframe. Also involves goal-setting.
Sample bullet point describing this skill:
Results-driven achiever with exemplary planning and organizational skills, along with a high degree of detail orientation.
Problem-Solving/Reasoning/Creativity
Involves the ability to find solutions to problems using your creativity, reasoning, and past experiences along with the available information and resources.
Sample bullet point describing this skill:
Innovative problem-solver who can generate workable solutions and resolve issues.
Teamwork.
Because so many jobs involve working in one or more work-groups, you must have the ability to work with others in a professional manner while attempting to achieve a common goal.
Sample bullet point describing this skill:
Resourceful team player who excels at building trusting relationships with customers and colleagues.
Continue Your Flight Training With WINGS
The FAA sets minimum standards for currency—which has a lot to do with staying legal, but not much to do with being a competent pilot. What does it mean for flight training students and graduates, pilots with certificates in their hands? Flying is not “just like riding a bicycle.” FAA has high standards for pilots and meeting FAA requirements is simply not enough. Practice makes perfect. How you become proficient? More flying and perfecting your skills with flight training programs.
The WINGS – Pilot Proficiency Program
The program is based on the premise that when you maintain currency and proficiency in the basics of flight you will enjoy a safe and stress-free flying experience. Requirements, which include specific subjects and flight maneuvers from the appropriate Practical Test Standards, are established for airplanes, seaplanes and amphibians, rotorcraft, gliders, lighter-than-air, powered parachutes, weight-shift control, and light sport aircraft. You may select the category and class of aircraft in which you wish to receive training and in which you wish to demonstrate your flight proficiency. All training must place special emphasis on safety of flight operations. Proficiency must be demonstrated to the applicable standard, i.e., Practical Test Standards or Industry Course Completion Standards, etc.
The WINGS Program is designed to encourage you to participate in an on-going training program that will provide an opportunity to fly on a regular basis with an authorized flight instructor. With this in mind, three levels have been designed to allow for flexibility in obtaining the level of currency and proficiency you desire. The program is most effective when your training is accomplished regularly throughout the year, thus affording you the opportunity to fly in different seasons and in the different flight conditions you may encounter. You may earn as many phases in a level as you wish.
So here is all the technical information, but remember, this is all tracked here on “My WINGS” for you, so don’t get too worried about which phase or what requirements you must meet just yet.
Basic Level
This level is designed for those pilots who want to establish a recurrent training program that will provide them a higher level of proficiency than merely preparing for a normal Flight Review as required by 14 CFR 61.56. In addition, because the Basic Level addresses primary accident causal factors, every pilot is required to complete a phase at the Basic Level at least once every 12 calendar months. This ensures pilots are aware of accident causal factors and possible mitigation strategies.
Note that when you earn a phase of WINGS at any Level, you meet the requirements for a Flight Review (reference 61.56(e)).
To earn a phase at the Basic level, you must complete three knowledge credits of instruction and demonstrate proficiency when required as shown in the respective PTS. These knowledge areas are designed to cover current subject matter that the FAASTeam has determined to be critical areas of operation, which in the preceding months have been found to be major causal factors in aircraft accidents.
A pilot must also complete three credits of flight activities. Completion of a credit of flight for this level of flight requires demonstration of proficiency in the Area of Operation(s) required for the credit sought, as stated in the appropriate Practical Test Standards.
This level requires the use of the Practical Test Standard (PTS) for the pilot certificate held or the Private Pilot PTS, whichever is lower, for the category and class of aircraft used.
Advanced Level
This level is designed for those pilots who want a training program that will take them a step above Basic. It affords you the opportunity, in concert with your instructor, to tailor the training to fit more specific needs.
To complete a phase of WINGS at the Advanced level, you must simultaneously complete or already hold the Basic level as outlined previously.
The Advanced level requires an additional three flight credits and three knowledge credits using the Commercial PTS for the category and class of aircraft used, or the Private PTS when there is not a Commercial PTS, or if completion of the Basic level used the Sport or Recreational PTS, the Private PTS will be used for this level.
Master Level
This level is designed to give even more flexibility to your needs for specialized training. While most often this level will require the use of higher PTS standards, it will also allow for the addition of specialized equipment and flight environment training scenarios.
To obtain the Master level, you must simultaneously complete or already hold a phase at the Advanced level as outlined previously.
The Master level requires an additional three flight credits and three knowledge credits using the Commercial or ATP PTS for the category and class of aircraft used and the Instrument Rating PTS, if one is available for the category and class of aircraft used. A Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) may not be used at this level. For more information contact FAA WINGS program website.
Airline Pilot Qualification Standards
If you enjoy taking to the skies, becoming an airline pilot is one of the best ways to do it. They are frequently in the air, have control of the aircraft, and are traveling all the time. While many pilots fly more local routes, others travel to international destinations. There are rather strict airline pilot qualifications for becoming an airline pilot and it will take some time, but it will be well worth the effort once you sit in the pilot’s seat.
Employment Outlook for Pilots
As far as job growth is concerned, the Bureau of Labor Statistics is expecting there to be an increase in the number of pilots of about 12 percent between 2012 and 2018. This is equal to most other jobs. They also expect a large increase in the number of commercial and cargo air traffic – which will mean job security and opportunities for advancement.
One of the 5 facts of flight training says:
FACT: Professional Pilots must now have first-rate knowledge and continually upgraded skills if they want to hear the word “Hired!” Pilots who train at quality aviation schools and who possess the technical knowledge, first-rate flying skills and a professional attitude will have the hiring edge!
If you are considering taking flight training or already student at flight school or aviation college: Listen up! A few days ago FAA issued a press release in which they propose to raise airline pilot qualification standards. Here is the FAA statement from February 27, 2012:
FAA Proposes to Raise Airline Pilot Qualification Standards
WASHINGTON– The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today proposed to substantially raise the qualification requirements for first officers who fly for U.S. passenger and cargo airlines.
Consistent with a mandate in the Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010, the proposed rule would require first officers – also known as co-pilots – to hold an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, requiring 1,500 hours of pilot flight time. Currently, first officers are required to have only a commercial pilot certificate, which requires 250 hours of flight time. The proposal also would require first officers to have an aircraft type rating, which involves additional training and testing specific to the airplanes they fly.
“Safety in all modes of transportation is our number-one priority,” said Secretary LaHood. “This proposed rule reflects our commitment to the safety of the traveling public by making sure our pilots are the most qualified and best trained in the world.”
“Our pilots need to have the right training and the right qualifications so they can be prepared to handle any situation they encounter in the cockpit,” said FAA Acting Administrator Michael Huerta. “I believe this proposed rule will ensure our nation’s pilots have the necessary skills and experience.”
Other highlights of the proposed rule include:
- A requirement for a pilot to have a minimum of 1,000 flight hours as a pilot in air carrier operations that require an ATP prior to serving as a captain for a U.S. airline.
- Enhanced training requirements for an ATP certificate, including 50 hours of multi-engine flight experience and completion of a new FAA-approved training program.
- An allowance for pilots with fewer than 1,500 hours of flight time, but who have an aviation degree or military pilot experience, to obtain a “restricted privileges” ATP certificate. These pilots could serve only as a first officer, not as a captain. Former military pilots with 750 hours of flight time would be able to apply for an ATP certificate with restricted privileges. Graduates of a four-year baccalaureate aviation degree program would be able to obtain an ATP with 1,000 hours of flight time, only if they also obtained a commercial pilot certificate and instrument rating from a pilot school affiliated with the university or college.
- The proposal addresses recommendations from an Aviation Rulemaking Committee, the National Transportation Safety Board, and the FAA’s Call to Action to improve airline safety.
The proposed rule can be viewed here. The public may comment on the proposal for 60 days after publication on February 29.
Why FAA Safetfy Regulations are Important to Know During Flight Training
If you are aspiring to be a pilot, it is important during your flight training to pay attention to safety regulations and directives passed by the Federal Aviation Administration. Being a pilot can be a dangerous job and if operating aircraft is your dream, be sure to consider all of the factors involved.
Window Inspections
As recently as July 9, Bloomberg Businessweek reported that the Federal Aviation Administration said US operators of Boeing Co. 757, 767, and 777 aircraft must inspect or replace the forward-facing cockpit windows. There is a risk of fire caused by loose electrical connections used to heat the window to prevent ice from forming.
In the past two decades, there were only 11 reports of fire or flames. The most recent incident was on May 16 when a United Airlines 757 was forced to make an emergency landing at Washington Dulles International Airport.
The airworthiness directive is assigning operators to being with inspections within 500 flight hours, or simply install a new, redesigned window. The FAA announced the intentions for the Boeing 747’s later this year. Although there have not been any reported fires, the windows are very similar.
The directive covers 1,212 US aircraft and will cost carriers about $103,020. The directive is in effect today, July 13.
Recent Aircraft Accident
According to the Aviation Safety Network the most recent fatal accident involving a Boeing aircraft, occurred in India. A Boeing 737-800 passenger plane operated by Air India Express, was destroyed when it crashed while landing at Mangalore-Bajpe Airport.
Preliminary reports suggest that the airplane overran the runway and slid down a wooded valley, bursting into flames. There were 160 passengers and six crew members on board. Only eight occupants survived the accident.
Flight Training Safety
Safety is likely the most important aspect of flight training you will take away from flight training school. Websites like the Aviation Safety Network and the FAA can help you stay up to date with passing regulations and accident occurrences during your flight training.
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