English is the international language of aviation, a measure put in place by ICAO, or the International Civic Aviation Organization.
There are a few things you can do to cut the cost. If you have multiple options of places to take lessons, find lessons at the best value you can. Buy cheaper or used equipment. Study hard for your exams so that you don’t fail and have to take them multiple times. Taking the exams costs money so you will save if you pass them the first time. Another thing is to consider getting a sport license, which requires only 20 training hours. This can save you a few thousand dollars. If you have a sports license, you can still carry a passenger with you, but there are a few restrictions. These include that you cannot fly at night, and that you have limited aircraft options.
At the exam, you will be asked your medical history along with any medication you take regularly. You will get an regular physical exam and be asked to provide a urine sample. If you are over 40, you will be required to take an EKG, which tests for problems with electrical activity in your heart. You also will need to pass an eye exam.
The easiest way to find an instructor is through a flight school in your area, though some flight instructors do work freelance. Also be sure to pick an instructor that you feel at ease with. Flying for the first time is nerve-wracking as it is, so you want to find someone who will make you feel relaxed and calm.
20 hours of training with an instructor (including 3 hours of cross-country, 3 night hours, and 3 hours of instrument flight training). 10 hours of solo time (including travel to various airports with set amounts of takeoffs and landings. ) Although this only adds up to 30 hours, you need 40 hours in the US to complete training. Most people do more than 40 hours; a good estimate of the average amount of hours people generally do is 60 hours. This is the amount of time that it generally takes to master all the skills you need. [6] X Research source
Some of the skills and knowledge you will learn are: airport operations, preflight procedures, takeoffs and landings, navigation, flight at various air speeds, stalls, night operations and emergency operations. [8] X Research source
Your instructor has experience getting people through their training and testing, and may know the best and latest resources out there to help.
Reading about what you have been learning in your lessons will reinforce the knowledge so that you will have a better chance of remembering the skills and information.
The written exam is offered in seven different aircraft categories: airplane, helicopter, gyroplane, glider, hot air balloon, gas balloon and ligher-than-air gas ship, depending on what aircraft you have taking lessons on. The exam usually runs for $90 in the United States. [13] X Research source
No matter what, keep your focus and don’t get distracted. Some examiners may purposefully try to distract you to see if you have the level-headed temperament needed to fly. The cost of the practical exam in the United States usually run between $300 and $400. [16] X Research source
