General
1. Q. Is it difficult to fly an aircraft?
A. No. It is not particularly difficult. As a beginning student pilot, you will
do most of the actual flying (handling the controls of the aircraft).
2. Q. When may I begin to fly?
A. Immediately. However, you will need to apply for certain certificates,
as described in this guide, in preparation for solo flight.
3. Q. Is flying safe?
A. A well-built and maintained aircraft, flown by a competent and prudent
pilot, makes flying as safe or safer than many other forms of transportation.
4. Q. If engine failure occurs, what will happen?
A. Modern aircraft engines are very reliable, and complete engine failure
is a rare occurrence. If the improbable does happen, you will not “fall out
of the sky.” Just do what the instructor had you practice during lessons—
select a good landing area and land.
Student Pilot Flight Training
1. Q. What are the eligibility requirements for a student pilot?
A. The specific aeronautical experience requirements are outlined in 14
CFR part 61. For the student pilot certificate requirements, refer to subpart
C section 83.
2. Q. Where can I obtain my ground and flight school training?
A. Most airport operators can furnish this information, or you may contact
the nearest FSDO.
3. Q. Is there a set number of flight instructional hours I will receive before
I solo?
A. No. The instructor will not allow you to solo until you have learned to
perform certain maneuvers. These maneuvers include safe takeoffs and
landings. You must be able to maintain positive control of the aircraft at
all times and to use good judgment.
4. Q. What should I know about Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations
(14 CFR) prior to my first solo?
A. Your flight instructor will determine that you are familiar with
appropriate portions of 14 CFR part 61, the general and visual flight rules
of 14 CFR part 91, and will administer and grade a presolo written test
prior to solo endorsement. The presolo written test will also include
questions on the flight characteristics and operational limitations of the
make and model aircraft to be flown.
5. Q. What does an appropriate logbook endorsement for solo mean?
A. It means a verification by an authorized flight instructor showing that
on the date specified, the student was given dual instruction and found
competent to make solo flights.
6. Q. When is the first solo endorsement required?
A. A student pilot must have a first solo endorsement dated within 90 days
prior to any solo flight.
7. Q. What is the difference between a recreational pilot certificate and a
private pilot certificate?
A. The recreational pilot has fewer privileges than the private pilot. The
holder of a recreational pilot certificate is allowed to fly an aircraft within
50 nautical miles from the airport where instruction was received and
cannot operate in airspace where communications with air traffic control
are required. Since qualification training in these areas is not required, a
person should be able to obtain a recreational pilot certificate in fewer
flight hours than required for a private pilot certificate. All privileges and
limitations of the recreational pilot certificate are listed in 14 CFR part
61, section 101.
8. Q. Where can I get information about the Sport Pilot Program?
A. Sport pilot enthusiasts may find information on the Regulatory Support
Division’s web site at http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/
avs/offices/afs/afs600 in the Light Sport Aviation Branch’s (AFS-610) area.
9. Q. Does a student pilot automatically have the privilege of cross-country
flying after soloing?
A. No. An instructor must have reviewed the pilot’s preflight planning and
preparation for solo cross-country flight and determine that the flight can
be made safely under the known circumstances and conditions. The
instructor must endorse the student pilot’s logbook prior to each crosscountry
flight, stating the pilot is considered competent to make the flight.
Under certain conditions, an instructor may authorize repeated solo flights
over a given route.
10. Q. As a student pilot, am I permitted to carry passengers prior to receipt
of my recreational pilot certificate or private pilot certificate?
A. No.
11. Q. Must I have a Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
radiotelephone operator’s permit to operate an aircraft radio transmitter?
A. No.
12. Q. For the purpose of obtaining an additional certificate or rating, may
the holder of a recreational pilot certificate act as pilot in command on
flights: (1) between sunset and sunrise; and (2) in airspace which requires
communication with air traffic control?
A. Yes, provided an authorized flight instructor has given the recreational
pilot the required ground and flight training in these areas, and endorsed
the pilot’s logbook. The recreational pilot will be required to carry the
logbook with the required endorsements on such flights.
13.Q. How can the holder of a sport or recreational pilot certificate ensure
that no inadvertent entry is made into airspace requiring communication
with air traffic control?
A. The pilot must select readily identifiable landmarks that are well beyond
the boundaries of the airspace requiring communication with air traffic
control. During training, instruction in identification of airspace requiring
communication with air traffic control will be provided.
