Anyone has a "checklist" for getting your PPL?

midcap

midcap

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midcap
I am curious, 2nd lesson today.

  1. I know you need the actual seat time >40hrs
  2. Written test
  3. check ride
  4. medical

What else is there?
 
Check to see that the CFI has signed off students that successfuclly passed or at least that the FBO has done the same. Talk to the CFI's other students (ask CFI for their phone number). Find a good CFI, one you get along with.
 
:confused: FAA Part 61 has the requirements under Student & Private pilot. Ask your CFI. If he doesn't know, come back here and we'll help. :D
 
Total Time: 40 hours minimum which consists of at least:

Dual: 20 hours minimum of flight training with an instructor on the Private Pilot areas of operation including:
  1. 3 hours of cross country flight training in a single engine airplane;
  2. 3 hours of night flight training in a single engine airplane, that includes at least:
    a) 1 cross country flight of over 100 nm total distance; and
    b) 10 T/O’s and 10 landings to a full stop with each involving a flight in the traffic pattern at an airport.
  3. 3 hours of flight training by reference to instruments in a single engine airplane; and
  4. 3 hours of flight training in a single engine airplane within the 60 days prior to the practical test.
Solo: 10 hours minimum of solo flying in a single engine airplane on the Private Pilot areas of operation including:
  1. 5 hours of solo cross country flying;
  2. 1 solo cross country flight of at least 150nm total distance with full stop landings at 3 points and one segment of at least 50nm between T/O and landings; and
  3. 3 T/O’s and landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower.


-FirstFlight.com
 
midcap said:
I am curious, 2nd lesson today.

  1. I know you need the actual seat time >40hrs
  2. Written test
  3. check ride
  4. medical

What else is there?
Click to expand...

Think you got the order wrong (if you were going for a 1..2..3 thing):
  1. Passport / Proof of Citizenship (if applicable)
  2. Medical
  3. Student License (IACRA)
  4. Written: do this before you go fly or finish it up shortly after you start, some places do ground to prep you for it..
  5. Flight time (for me it was 80 hours, long story)
  6. Check-Ride

Something like that..and expect it to cost between 10-20K total cost including instruction, materials, and the aircraft.

And yeah..definitely buy a copy of the FAR/AIM and look up 61.83 and 61.103.
 
I'll offer that when your CFI starts asking how you're doing on the written they really mean "Get that sucka out of the way"

I heard it and didn't realize it. I know two students after me and I've decided that the CFI is telling you you've got the machine down cold and that test is the thing blocking you from the goal.

That's my opinion. And there are plenty of CFI's here who can agree or disagree. That's why we eat popcorn!
 
rolivi said:
I'll offer that when your CFI starts asking how you're doing on the written they really mean "Get that sucka out of the way"

I heard it and didn't realize it. I know two students after me and I've decided that the CFI is telling you you've got the machine down cold and that test is the thing blocking you from the goal.

That's my opinion. And there are plenty of CFI's here who can agree or disagree. That's why we eat popcorn!
Click to expand...

Agree. The written is a stumbling block for too many that ultimately leads to extra flight time and expense.
 
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mscard88 said:
:confused: FAA Part 61 has the requirements under Student & Private pilot. Ask your CFI. If he doesn't know, come back here and we'll help. :D
Click to expand...
If the CFI doesn't know the Part 61 items, I think there is all sorts of problems happening here....
 
Zeldman said:
Step one: Have enough money set aside to do 80 hours....
Click to expand...
+1 to having at least 2/3's of your training budget saved in advance (whether it's 50, 60, or more hours). Once the 66% mark is achieved, you can begin training while you continue to fill the money bucket with the remainder. This makes sure that inability to pay for lessons doesn't become the reason you quit.
 
I learned very quickly after my private license that the completion of the written tests relieve a TON of stress. Plus, they are good for 2 years after you take em..so even if you have to stop and restart training, getting it done while the knowledge is fresh goes a LONG way.

I took my instrument and commercial written tests at least a month in advance of the checkride (or more).
 
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