Commercial Pilot Certificate

[LINKS COMING SOON] • Light Gun Signals • Private Pilot ACS • VFR Legend Chart • Private Pilot Notes [Sporty's Ground Course Guide] • Private Pilot Study Guide [Flight Apprentice] • My Private Pilot ACS Oral Study Guide Notes

[LINKS COMING SOON] • Instrument ACS Study Guide • Instrument Oral Study Guide • Instrument ACS • Light Gun Signals • Cold Temperature Restricted Airports • Pilots Cafe IFR • Gold Seal IFR Know It All • INFO 15012 Logging IAPs • Digital Terminal Procedures Supplement • IFR Low Legend • Instrument Notes [Sporty's Ground Course Guide] • My Instrument ACS Oral Study Guide Notes

[LINKS COMING SOON] • Light Gun Signals • Commercial Pilot ACS • VFR Legend Chart • Commercial Pilot Notes [Sporty's Ground Course Guide] • AC 120-12A Private vs Common Carriage • My Commercial Pilot ACS Oral Study Guide Notes

To be eligible for a private pilot certificate, a person must: • Be at least 17 years of age • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language • Pass the required knowledge test (Written) • Meet the aeronautical experience requirements • Pass the practical test ('Checkride' - Oral & Flight) • Hold a U.S. student pilot certificate (We'll take care of this before you get started) • Hold a valid FAA Medical Certificate (Per FAR § 61.103 Eligibility requirements: General.)

Here are the hours you need in order to get your Private Pilot's Certificate. A person who applies for a private pilot certificate with an airplane category and single-engine class rating must log at least 40 hours of total flight time. The 40 hours are made up of two types of flying: Flight Training and Solo Flight. Flight Training The flight training portion must be at least 20 hours and must include: • 3 hours of cross-country flight training • 3 hours of night flight training that includes: - One cross-country flight of over 100 nautical miles total distance; and - 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop at an airport. • 3 hours of flight training on the control and maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments • 3 hours of flight training in preparation for the practical test (within the preceding 2 calendar months) Solo Flight The solo flight time portion must be at least 10 hours and must include: • 5 hours of solo cross-country time; • One solo cross country flight of 150 nautical miles total distance, with full-stop landings at three points, and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of more than 50 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations; and • Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower. (Per FAR § 61.109 Aeronautical Experience.)

Don't get overwhelmed with this list, but this gives you an idea of all the things you'll be studying. Much of this will be done on your own with an online ground school (See Student Resources) and we'll go over it in person to make sure you're comfortable with the information. A person who is applying for a private pilot certificate must receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a home-study course on these aeronautical knowledge areas: • Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) related to private pilot privileges, limitations, and flight operations; • Accident reporting requirements of the National Transportation Safety Board; • Use of the “Aeronautical Information Manual” (AIM) and FAA advisory circulars; • Use of aeronautical charts for VFR navigation using pilotage, dead reckoning, and navigation systems; • Radio communication procedures; • Recognition of critical weather situations from the ground and in flight, windshear avoidance, and the procurement and use of aeronautical weather reports and forecasts; • Safe and efficient operation of aircraft, including collision avoidance, and recognition and avoidance of wake turbulence; • Effects of density altitude on takeoff and climb performance; • Weight and balance computations; • Principles of aerodynamics, powerplants, and aircraft systems; • Stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery techniques for the airplane and glider category ratings; • Aeronautical decision making and judgment; and • Obtaining information on runway lengths at airports of intended use, data on takeoff and landing distances, weather reports and forecasts, and fuel requirements; and • Planning for alternatives if the planned flight cannot be completed or delays are encountered. (Per FAR § 61.105 Aeronautical Knowledge.)

When we're in the air flying, aside from having a ton of fun, we'll work at mastering the following areas that you will eventually be tested on in order to get your license. You'll also get some insight on these areas in your ground school. A person who applies for a private pilot certificate must receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on these areas of operation (single-engine): • Preflight preparation • Preflight procedures • Airport operations • Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds • Performance maneuvers • Ground reference maneuvers • Navigation • Slow flight and stalls • Basic instrument maneuvers • Emergency operations • Night operations • Postflight procedures (Per FAR § 61.107 Flight Proficiency.)

Now that we have learned about making cross country trips, it's time for you to show your skills by making the trip solo! I learned so much about pilot resource management during my solo cross countries and it made me a much better pilot. Lesson 1: Cross Country Solo 1 Lesson 2: Cross Country Solo 2 Lesson 3: Cross Country 150 NM Solo *Each of these lessons will be from 2.0 - 3.0 hrs long.

• TSA Approval • Register for Student Pilot's Certificate • Introduction and Training Overview • FAA Medical Certificate • FAA Written Exam • Equipment You'll Need

Now that you've flow an airplane by yourself, it's time to expand our range to planning trips and landing at other airports. Not only will we cover the topics in the lessons below, but we will work in Scenario Based Training to our cross countries as you start to get an idea of what these flights might entail in the real world. Lesson 1: Pilotage and Dead Reckoning Lesson 2: Navigational Aids Lesson 3: Flying by Instruments Lesson 4: Night Flying Lesson 5: Night Takeoffs & Landings *These lessons will be anywhere from 1.5 - 3.0 hrs.

During this phase of training, I'll be using a checklist to evaluate the student and determine the next lessons. All tasks should meet the standards noted in the ACS to be considered “checkride ready.” You've learned everything you need to be a private pilot, now we're polishing it up for your practical test so you can go in proficient and confident. Lesson 1: Maneuvers Check Lesson 2: Mock Checkride 1 Lesson 3: Deficiencies Practice Lesson 4: Mock Checkride 2 *Each of these lessons will be about 1.5 - 2.0 hrs.

Lesson 1: Straight & Level Lesson 2: Climbs and Descents Lesson 3: Shallow and Steep Turns Lesson 4: Slow Flight and Power Off Stalls Lesson 5: Ground Reference Maneuvers Lesson 6: Traffic Pattern & Landings Part 1 Lesson 7: Emergency Procedures Lesson 8: Slow Flight and Power On Stalls Lesson 9: Landings Part 2 Lesson 10: Maneuver Review All lessons will include the topics listed above and: • Pre-flight Operations • Radio Calls • Approaching a Non-Towered Airport • Taxiing & Surface Operations • Aeronautical Decision Making & Situational Awareness • Post-flight Operations *Each lesson will be around 1.5 hrs.

Pre-Solo Knowledge Test Before we can do the solo flight, you'll have to complete a short written test on the things we've talked about during the pre-solo stage. You can't fail this test and we will go over any missed questions after. This is to make sure you feel confident in your knowledge to fly the airplane and with everything else going on in the air. The Solo Flight Congrats! You've made it to a huge milestone in your aviation journey. It's time for you to fly an airplane all by yourself! You'll fly several laps around the pattern as a solo pilot while I'm on the ground with a portable radio in hand in case you need any help. Just make sure you wear a shirt you don't mind getting cut up!

Don't get overwhelmed with this list, but this gives you an idea of all the things you'll be studying. Much of this will be done on your own with an online ground school (See Student Resources) and we'll go over it in person to make sure you're comfortable with the information. A person who is applying for a instrument rating must receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a home-study course on these aeronautical knowledge areas: • Federal Aviation Regulations that apply to flight operations under IFR; • Appropriate information that applies to IFR in the “Aeronautical Information Manual;” • Air traffic control system and procedures for instrument flight operations; • IFR navigation and approaches by use of navigation systems; • Use of IFR en route and instrument approach procedure charts; • Aviation weather reports and forecasts; • Safe and efficient operation of aircraft under instrument flight rules and conditions; • Recognition of critical weather situations and windshear avoidance; • Aeronautical decision making and judgment; and • Crew resource management, including crew communication and coordination. (Per FAR § 61.65(b) Aeronautical Knowledge.)

To be eligible for a instrument rating, a person must: • Hold at least a current Private Pilot Certificate • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language • Pass the required knowledge test (Written) • Meet the aeronautical experience requirements • Pass the practical test ('Checkride' - Oral & Flight) • Hold a valid FAA Medical Certificate (Per FAR § 61.65(a) Instrument Rating Requirements: General.)

Here are the hours you need in order to get your Instrument Rating. A person who applies for a Instrument airplane rating must have logged: • 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command • 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time • 15 hours from an authorized instructor (CFII), to include: - 3 hours of instrument flight training within 2 calendar months before the practical test - One instructed cross country flight, performed under a IFR flight plan, and that involves: (A) A flight of 250 nautical miles along airways; (B) An instrument approach at each airport; and (C) Three different kinds of approaches with the use of navigation systems. (Per FAR § 61.65(d) Aeronautical Experience)

When we're in the air flying, we'll work at mastering the following areas that you will eventually be tested on in order to get your instrument rating. The fun part about instrument is that it will be filled with cross country trips. You'll also get some insight on these areas during ground school. A person who applies for a instrument rating must receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on these areas of operation: • Preflight preparation • Preflight procedures • Air traffic control clearances and procedures • Flight by reference to instruments • Navigation systems • Instrument approach procedures • Emergency operations • Postflight procedures (Per FAR § 61.65(c) Flight Proficiency)

This stage is all about getting you comfortable flying the airplane with your eyes inside. Each of these lessons will push you to become more precise in the maneuvering and handling of the airplane. During these lessons, you'll be under a view-limiting device ("foggles" or a "hood") to simulate instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Lesson 1: The Oscar Pattern Lesson 2: Unusual Attitudes Lesson 3: Intercepting and Tracking Lesson 4: VOR Lesson 5: Holding Patterns Lesson 6: On Course Descents *Each of these lessons will last from 1.5 - 2.0 hrs.

The biggest part of flying when you can't see out your window is being able to land. This is where instrument approach procedures come in. They are our map and guide to get us down to the airport safely. Lesson 1: Precision Approach 1 (LPV) Lesson 2: Precision Approach 2 (ILS) Lesson 3: Non-Precision GPS (RNAV) Lesson 4: Non-Precision (VOR) Lesson 5: Non-Precision (DME Arc) *Each of these lessons will last from 1.5 - 2.0 hrs.

• TSA Approval • Introduction and Training Overview • FAA Medical Certificate • FAA Written Exam • Equipment You'll Need

By the time we get to this point, I will use a checklist to evaluate you in order to determine the next lessons. All tasks should meet the standards established in the ACS in order to be considered “checkride ready.” You've learned everything you need to be an instrument rated pilot, now we're polishing it up for your practical test so you can go in proficient and confident. Lesson 1: Mock Checkride 1 Lesson 2: Deficiencies Lesson 3: Mock Checkride 2 *Each lesson will be 1.5 - 2.5 hrs long.

During this stage, we will focus on the IFR cross-country flight planning and executing instrument approaches. This is the cross-country flight of at least 250 nautical miles, along airways or on ATC-directed routing, with one segment of the flight consisting of at least a straight-line distance of 100 nautical miles between airports; involving an instrument approach at each airport; and involving three different kinds of approaches with the use of navigational systems. Lesson 1: Instructed Cross Country *This lesson will last 3.0 - 3.5 hrs.

When we're in the air flying, aside from having a ton of fun, we'll work at mastering the following areas that you will eventually be tested on in order to get your license. You'll also get some insight on these areas in your ground school. A person who applies for a commercial pilot certificate must receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on these areas of operation (single-engine): • Preflight preparation • Preflight procedures • Airport operations • Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds • Performance maneuvers • Ground reference maneuvers • Navigation • Slow flight and stalls • Emergency operations • High-altitude operations • Postflight procedures (Per FAR § 61.127 Flight Proficiency.)

These topics are going to be a lot of the same things you've learned in Private and Instrument, just a little more in depth. Much of this will be done on your own with an online ground school (See Student Resources) and we'll go over it in person to make sure you're comfortable with the information. A person who is applying for a commercial pilot certificate must receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a home-study course on these aeronautical knowledge areas: • Federal Aviation Regulations related to commercial pilot privileges, limitations, and flight operations; • Accident reporting requirements of the National Transportation Safety Board; • Basic aerodynamics and the principles of flight; • Meteorology - critical weather situations, and the use of aeronautical weather reports and forecasts; • Safe and efficient operation of aircraft; • Weight and balance computations; • Use of performance charts; • Significance and effects of exceeding aircraft performance limitations; • Use of aeronautical charts and a magnetic compass for pilotage and dead reckoning; • Use of air navigation facilities; • Aeronautical decision making and judgment; • Principles and functions of aircraft systems; • Maneuvers, procedures, and emergency operations appropriate to the aircraft; • Night and high-altitude operations; and • Procedures for operating within the National Airspace System. (Per FAR § 61.125 Aeronautical Knowledge.)

To be eligible for a commercial pilot certificate, a person must: • Be at least 18 years of age • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language • Complete a ground school course • Pass the required knowledge test (Written) • Meet the aeronautical experience requirements • Pass the practical test ('Checkride' - Oral & Flight) • Hold a U.S. Private Pilot Certificate • Hold a valid FAA Medical Certificate (Per FAR § 61.123 Eligibility Requirements: General.)

Here are the hours and experience you need in order to get your Commercial Pilot's Certificate. A person who applies for a commercial pilot certificate (Part 61) with an airplane category and single-engine class rating must log at least 250 hours total flight time, consisting of: • 100 hours in powered aircraft (50 in airplanes) • 100 hours pilot in command (PIC) including: - 50 hours in airplanes - 50 hours cross country • 20 hours of Flight Training in the following areas: - 10 hours of instrument training - 10 hours in complex, turbine or technically advanced airplane (TAA) - One, 2-hour cross country flight, daytime, 100+ NM straight-line distance - One, 2-hour cross country flight, nighttime, 100+ NM straight-line distance - 3 hours of flight training in preparation for the practical test (preceding 2 calendar months) • 10 hours of Solo flight time (Can be done with Instructor on board as well) - One cross country, 300+ NM total distance, 250+ NM straight-line distance - 5 hours night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and landings at a towered airport (Per FAR § 61.129 Aeronautical Experience.)