Many folks want to take to the skies in a private jet. Some want to make a business out of it, others just want to fly on their own. Whatever the reason, the following tips will help you become a private jet pilot.
A Heart for it
Firstly, you need to have a genuine desire for this. It takes a while to become a pilot. You have to not only go through hours of training; you’ll also need to pass exams.
This isn’t only draining, but it requires a lot of hard work, the kind of work that’ll discourage you if you aren’t truly passionate about flying. If you think you’ve got the fire in you, you can and should continue.
Eligibility
The next thing to worry about is eligibility. No matter how much you want something, if you aren’t eligible, you can’t do it. For one, if you aren’t old enough, you’ll have to wait until you can continue your dream of flying.
You have to be at least 17 to apply. You have to know how to read and comprehend English. You also need to be able to speak the language. You need to pay for the private jet rental cost to train since you’ll need 10 hours of solo flight and 20 hours of flight with a trainer.
Student Certificate
To do the hands-on training to become a private jet pilot, you will need your student pilot certificate. This usually has to be accompanied by an aviation medical certificate.
You can’t be in danger of fainting when you’re flying. Once you have these certificates, you can begin your hands-on training. Both of these could be obtained at the aviation medical examiner’s office, and all you have to do is make your appointment.
Finding an Instructor
The next thing you have to worry about is finding a good flight instructor. You can go to a flight school if there’s one in your community or find a private instructor.
Go to your local airport, and see if they can help you find someone. You can also go online to see if anyone near you can help, but you can usually find help at an airport. The flight community is quite small, so it shouldn’t take you long to find someone.
Take the Written Exam
You’ll want to pass your FAA Private Pilot Written Exam. This is something you usually pass before you start your hands-on training. Most flight schools and private instructors require this before they start lessons.
This isn’t to say that some instructors won’t let you train while you study for this exam because you might find a few. Still, there’s no need to limit your instructor possibilities, so take this written exam as soon as you can.
Take Off
Okay, it’s time to take off to the skies. You are required to fly before you take your final exam. You need to learn how to take off, fly, and land safely. Twenty hours of hands-on flight has to be with your instructor, while 10 should be completely on your own.
These times aren’t set in stone. You can fly longer and train more if you feel it will make you a better pilot. You are going to be in the skies, which could be dangerous if you aren’t ready, so don’t feel the need to rush this step. You want to feel confident in your flying skills.
Take the Final Exam
You are finally ready to take the Checkride or the FAA Practical Exam. The exam can last between two to six hours. It all depends on you and the way you take the exam.
Of course, if you happen to have a thorough examiner, this person could make the test longer. The ground portion of the test usually takes about 30 minutes or longer. The verbal test follows, and that could take about the same amount of time. The flight portion can take up to two hours.
Now, you know what you need to do to become a private jet pilot, so go ahead and get started on your journey if you want this.
