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AC 61-12M
STUDENT PILOT GUIDE
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is charged by
Congress with the promotion, encouragement, and development of civil aeronautics.
This guide seeks to encourage the development of civil aviation by providing
guidance to novice pilots.
The FAA invites you to join the ranks of general aviation
pilots. General aviation includes all civil aviation activities except
those associated with airlines. It is the largest and fastest growing
segment of civil aviation. This publication is intended to serve as a
guide for prospective student pilots and for those already engaged in
flight training. It should answer most of the questions that you have
prior to or during pilot training. This guide presents, in a "how to go
about it" fashion, general procedures for obtaining Student, Recreational,
and Private Pilot Certificates.
For further information on aviation careers as a Pilot
or Flight Engineer, see:
"Aviation Careers Series: Pilot
& Flight Engineer," GA-300-122-84.
FAA
Frequently Asked Questions to find the right office, expert,
or source material on:
- how to obtain FAA licenses or certificates.
- how to become qualified in other aviation related fields.
- how to find out about FAA regulations, policies and procedures.
- how to find out about FAA publications.
In this guide there are many references to FAA Flight Standards
District Offices (FSDO's). Through the FSDO's, contact is maintained between
the FAA and the general aviation public. The FSDO is there to serve you,
and FSDO locations are convenient to most people. The FAA inspector in
the FSDO is a professionally trained, competent pilot and flight instructor.
The FAA inspector is prepared to advise and assist you toward reaching
your goal as a pilot.
We urge you to visit a FSDO and feel free to ask for advice
on any matters relating to general aviation.
Welcome aloft.
William J. White
Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service
CONTENTS
QUESTIONS MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED*
- General Questions
- Student Pilot Requirements
- Medical and Student Pilot Certificates
- Student Pilot Training
PILOT TRAINING
- Where Pilot Training May Be Obtained
- Choosing a Flight School..
- The Role of the Instructor.
- What Flight Training Covers
THE RECREATIONAL PILOT AND PRIVATE PILOT
KNOWLEDGE TESTS
- Questions and Answers....
PREPARING TO STUDY FOR THE KNOWLEDGE
TEST
- How to Study
- When to Take the Test
- Where to Take the Test
- What the Test Items Are Like
RECREATIONAL PILOT AND PRIVATE PILOT
PRACTICAL TESTS
- Questions and Answers....
APPENDIX 1. HOW TO OBTAIN STUDY MATERIALS
*Based on Federal Aviation Regulation Part 61.
Surveys conducted at FSDO's, flight schools, and among
flight instructors have shown that the following questions are typical
of those most frequently asked by the person interested in becoming a
student pilot. If your question is not answered, we suggest that you contact
the nearest FSDO. The FSDO will be able to furnish current information
regarding changes in procedures or revisions to regulations.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
- Q. Is it difficult to fly an aircraft?
-
A. No. It is not particularly difficult. From
the beginning you will do most of the actual flying (handling the
controls of the aircraft).
-
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.
-
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.
-
Q. Is flying safe?
A. Well-built and well-maintained aircraft flown
by a competent and prudent pilot make flying as safe or safer than
many other forms of transportation.
-
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, however, 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 REQUIREMENTS MEDICAL AND STUDENT PILOT CERTIFICATES
- Q. When do I need a medical certificate?
-
A. You will need a medical certificate prior
to solo flight if you are operating an airplane, helicopter, gyroplane,
or airship. Balloon or glider pilots may write a statement certifying
that they have no known medical defect that would make them unable
to pilot a balloon or glider. It is suggested you obtain your medical
certificate prior to beginning flight training. This will assure you
are aware of any condition which could prevent you from obtaining
a medical prior to making a financial investment in flight training.
-
Q. When do I need a Student Pilot Certificate?
A. Prior to solo flight.
-
Q. If required, how do I get a medical certificate?
A. By passing a physical examination administered
by a doctor who is an FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner.
-
Q. How do I obtain a Student Pilot Certificate?
A.Upon your request, a combination medical certificate
and Student Pilot Certificate will be issued by an FAA- authorized
aviation medical examiner upon the satisfactory completion of your
physical examination. Student Pilot Certificates may be issued by
an FAA inspector or an FAA-designated pilot examiner. Applicants who
fail to meet certain requirements or who have physical disabilities
which might limit, but not prevent, their acting as pilots, should
contact the nearest FSDO.
-
Q. What are the requirements for a Student
Pilot Certificate?
A. To be eligible for a Student Pilot Certificate,
a person must:
- be at least 16 years of age. If the certificate is limited to
the operation of a glider or balloon, the applicant must be at
least 14 years of age;
- be able to read, speak, and understand the English language;
- hold at least a current Third-Class Medical Certificate or in
the case of a glider or balloon, certify that he or she has no
known medical defect that would make him or her unable to pilot
a glider or balloon.
-
Q. Where do I get my medical certificate?
A. From any FAA-authorized aviation medical
examiner. There are approximately 6,000 doctors who are FAA-authorized
aviation medical examiners.
-
Q. Where can I get a list of FAA-authorized
aviation medical examiners?
A. The FAA publishes a directory which lists
all FAA-authorized aviation medical examiners by name and address.
Copies of this directory are available at all FSDO's, air traffic
control facilities, and flight service stations. Airport managers
and some aviation operators may also be able to supply this information.
-
Q. When required, what class of medical certificate
must a student pilot have?
A. Third-class, although any class will suffice.
Medical certificates are designated as first-class, second-class,
or third-class. Generally, the first-class is designed for the airline
transport pilot; the second-class for the commercial pilot; and the
third-class for the student, recreational, and private pilot.
-
Q. If I have a physical disability, is there
any provision for obtaining a medical certificate?
A. Yes. Medical certificates can be issued in
many cases where physical disabilities are involved. Depending upon
the certificate held and the nature of the disability, operating limitations
may be imposed. If you have any questions, contact an FAA-authorized
aviation medical examiner prior to beginning flight training.
-
Q. How long are my Student Pilot Certificate
and my medical certificate valid?
A. The Student Pilot Certificate and Third-Class
Medical Certificate will expire at the end of the 24th month after
the month in which they were issued.
-
Q. May my Student Pilot Certificate be renewed?
A. No, but a new Student Pilot Certificate may
be issued by an:
- FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner, upon completion of
the required examination;
- FAA inspector or FAA-designated pilot examiner if you already
hold a valid medical certificate or if you are not required to
hold a medical certificate.
-
Q. If my original Student Pilot Certificate
has been endorsed for solo, do I lose this endorsement on my new certificate?
A. The endorsements are still valid, but are
not transferred to the new certificate. Retain the old certificate
as a record of these endorsements.
-
Q. Should my flight instructor endorse my Student
Pilot Certificate before or after my first solo flight?
A. The endorsement on the Student Pilot Certificate
certifying that the holder is competent to solo must be made by the
flight instructor prior to the first solo flight.
-
Q. If I solo in more than one make and model
aircraft, must I have an endorsement for each on my Student Pilot
Certificate? If so, who should endorse the certificate?
A. Yes. A flight instructor must make this endorsement
prior to the first solo flight in each make and model aircraft.
-
Q. Does the endorsement to solo permit me to
make solo cross-country flights?
A. No. The flight instructor must specifically
endorse the Student Pilot Certificate to permit cross-country flights.
-
Q. Must I carry my Student Pilot Certificate
on my person when I am piloting an aircraft in solo flight?
A. Yes.
-
Q. Must I have my medical certificate or certified
statement in my personal possession when I am piloting an aircraft
in solo flight?
A. Yes.
-
Q. Is there a charge for the Student Pilot
Certificate?
A. Not when the Student Pilot Certificate is
issued by a FSDO. However, an FAA-designated pilot examiner is allowed
to charge a reasonable fee for issuing Student Pilot Certificates,
and executing the necessary reports. The FAA-authorized aviation medical
examiner will charge a fee for the physical examination in connection
with issuing the combination medical and Student Pilot Certificate.
STUDENT PILOT TRAINING
- 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.
-
Q. What should I know about the Federal Aviation
Regulations (FAR's) prior to my first solo?
A. The flight instructor will determine that
you are familiar with appropriate portions of FAR Part 61 and the
general and visual flight rules of FAR 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.
-
Q. What does an appropriate logbook endorsement
for solo mean?
A. It means an endorsement by an authorized
flight instructor showing that on the date specified the student was
given dual instruction and found competent to make solo flights.
-
Q. When is such an endorsement required?
A. A student pilot must have such an endorsement
dated within 90 days prior to any solo flight.
-
Q. What is the difference between a Recreational
Pilot and a Private Pilot Certificate?
A. The Recreational Pilot Certificate is more
restrictive. The holder of a Recreational Pilot Certificate is only
allowed to fly an aircraft within 50 nautical miles from the airport
where instruction was received and is not allowed to operate in airspace
where communications with air traffic control are required. Since
training in these areas would not be 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 FAR
Section 61.101.
-
Q. Does a student pilot automatically have
the privilege of cross-country flying alone after soloing?
A. No. An instructor must have reviewed the
pilot's preflight planning and preparation for solo cross-country
flight to determine that the flight can be made safely under the known
circumstances and conditions. The instructor must also endorse the
student pilot's logbook prior to each cross-country 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.
-
Q. As a student pilot, am I permitted to carry
passengers with me prior to receipt of my Recreational Pilot or Private
Pilot Certificate?
A. No.
-
Q. Must I have an FCC radiotelephone operator's
permit to operate an aircraft radio transmitter?
A. No.
-
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 in excess of:
- the 50 nautical-mile limitation;
- between sunset and sunrise; and
- in airspace which requires communication with air traffic control?
A. Yes, provided an authorized flight instructor
has given the recreational pilot the required instruction in these
areas and endorsed the pilot's logbook for each flight. The recreational
pilot will be required to carry the logbook with the required endorsements
on such flights.
-
Q. How can the holder of a Recreational Pilot
Certificate ensure that no inadvertent entry is made into airspace
requiring communication with air traffic control?
A. The recreational 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 should be provided.
WHERE PILOT TRAINING MAY BE OBTAINED
Most airports have facilities for pilot training conducted
by flying schools or individual flight instructors. A school will usually
provide a wide variety of training aids, special facilities, and greater
flexibility in scheduling. A number of colleges and universities also
provide pilot training as a part of their curricula.
There are two types of schools. One is normally referred
to as an "FAA-approved school" and the other as a "non-approved school."
An FAA-approved school has been granted an Air Agency Certificate by the
FAA. The Certificated FAA-approved schools may qualify for a ground school
rating, a flying school rating, or both. In addition, they may be authorized
to give their graduates practical tests, knowledge tests, or both.
Enrollment in an FAA-approved school usually ensures a
high quality of training. There is assurance in FAA-approved schools that
prescribed standards have been met with respect to equipment, facilities,
personnel, and curricula. Many excellent pilot schools find it impractical
to qualify for the FAA certificate and are referred to as non-approved
schools. One of the differences between FAA-approved schools and non-approved
schools is that fewer flight hours are required to qualify for a pilot
certificate in an FAA-approved school. The requirement for a Private Pilot
Certificate is 40 hours in a non-approved school and 35 hours in an approved
school. The national average indicates most people require 60 to 75 hours
of training; therefore, this difference may be insignificant for a private
pilot rating.
AC 140-2, List of Certificated Pilot Schools, lists FAA-approved
ground and flight schools and the pilot training courses each school offers.
The FSDO will provide information on the location of pilot
training facilities in your area. A current file is maintained on all
schools within each FSDO's district.
CHOOSING A FLIGHT SCHOOL
Individuals must make their own decision on where to obtain
flight training. Once you have decided on a location, you might want to
make a checklist of things to look for in a school. Talking to pilots
and reading articles in flight magazines can help you in making your checklist
and in the evaluation of a training facility.
Your choice of a flight school might depend on whether
you are planning on obtaining a recreational or private certificate or
whether you intend to pursue a career as a professional pilot. Another
consideration is whether you will train part or full time.
Do not make the mistake of making your determination based
on financial concerns alone. The quality of training you receive is very
important. Prior to making a final decision, visit the school you are
considering and talk with management, instructors, and students. Evaluate
the items on the checklist you developed and then take some time to think
things over before making your decision.
After you have decided where you will learn to fly and
have made the necessary arrangements, you are ready to start your training.
Ground and flight training should be obtained as regularly
and frequently as possible. This assures maximum retention of instruction
and the achievement of requisite proficiency with the least expenditure
of time and money.
THE ROLE OF THE INSTRUCTOR
A pilot training program is dependent upon the quality
of the ground and flight instruction received by the student pilot. An
FAA-Certificated instructor has an understanding of the learning process,
a knowledge of the fundamentals of teaching, and the ability to communicate
effectively with the student pilot. During the certification process,
a flight instructor applicant is tested on a practical application of
these skills in specific teaching situations. The knowledge and skills
acquired from a specialist in pilot instruction will affect your entire
flying career whether you plan to pursue it as a vocation or an avocation.
WHAT FLIGHT TRAINING COVERS
A flight training course includes the ground and flight
training necessary to teach the knowledge and skills required to safely
and efficiently function as a certificated pilot.
The specific knowledge and skill areas for each category
of aircraft are outlined in the FAR's. Refer to FAR Sections 61.96 and
61.97 for the requirements of a Recreational Pilot Certificate. Refer
to FAR Sections 61.105 and 61.107 for the requirements of a Private Pilot
Certificate.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
- Q. What is the minimum age requirement to take the Recreational
Pilot or Private Pilot knowledge test?
-
A. An applicant must be at least 15 years of
age (with the exception of the private pilot balloon or glider knowledge
test). Applicants for the balloon or glider test must be at least
14 years of age. Prior to taking the knowledge test, an applicant
may be asked to present a birth certificate or other official document
as evidence of meeting the age requirement.
-
Q. How should I prepare for the knowledge test?
A. To adequately prepare for the knowledge test,
an applicant should refer to:
- FAR Section 61.97 (if preparing for the recreational pilot knowledge
test); or
- FAR Section 61.105 (if preparing for the private pilot knowledge
test).
The regulations require an applicant to have logged
ground instruction from an authorized instructor, or to present evidence
of having satisfactorily completed a course of instruction or home-study
course* in the knowledge areas appropriate to the category and class
aircraft for which a rating is sought.
*A home-study course is a course of study in certain
aeronautical subject areas organized by a pilot school, publisher,
ground or flight instructor, or by the student. The applicant may
develop a home-study course from material described in appropriate
government or commercial publications.
-
Q. What document or documents must I present
prior to taking a knowledge test?
A. An applicant for a knowledge test must present
appropriate personal identification. The identification must include
a photograph of the applicant, the applicant's signature, and the
applicant's actual residential address (if different from the mailing
address). This information may be presented in more than one form.
The applicant must also present one of the following:
- A certificate of graduation from a pilot training course appropriate
to the certificate or rating sought conducted by an FAA-approved
pilot school, or a statement of accomplishment from the school
certifying to the satisfactory completion of the ground-school
portion of such a course.
- A written statement from an FAA-certificated ground or flight
instructor, certifying that the applicant has satisfactorily completed
the ground instruction required for the certificate or rating
sought.
- Logbook entries certified by an FAA-certificated ground or flight
instructor, certifying satisfactory completion of the ground instruction
required for the certificate or rating sought.
- A certificate of graduation or statement of accomplishment from
a ground school course appropriate to the certificate or rating
sought conducted by an agency such as a high school, college,
adult education program, the Civil Air Patrol, or an ROTC Flight
Training Program.
- A certificate of graduation from a home-study course must be
developed by the aeronautical enterprise providing the study material.
The certificate of graduation must correspond to the FAA knowledge
test for the certificate or rating sought. The aeronautical enterprise
providing the course of study must also supply a comprehensive
knowledge test which can be scored as evidence that the student
has completed the course of study. When the student satisfactorily
completes the knowledge test, it is sent to the course provider
for scoring by an FAA-certificated ground or flight instructor.
The instructor personally evaluates the test and attests to the
student's knowledge of the subjects presented in the course. Upon
satisfactory completion, a graduation certificate is sent to the
student.
- Applicants who are unable to provide any of the previously listed
documents may have the home-study course they completed reviewed
by an FAA inspector to assure they are competent to take the desired
knowledge test. To assure an FAA inspector will be available,
it is desirable to contact the local FSDO to secure an appointment.
The inspector will review your study material and may question
you on some of the material. If you are found qualified to take
the test, the inspector will issue FAA Form 8060-7, Airman's Authorization
for Written Test. This form must be presented when you take your
knowledge examination.
- In the event of re-testing, the applicant must present either
the unsatisfactory AC Form 8080-2, Airman Written Test Report,
or an airman computer test report (if the test was taken at an
FAA-designated computer testing center).
-
Q. If I fail the knowledge test, is there any
way to determine the areas in which I need additional work so I can
study for a re-test?
A. Yes. You will receive either AC Form 8080-2,
Airman Written Test Report, or an airman computer test report (if
the test was taken at an FAA-designated computer testing center).
The test report will contain your test score and will also list the
subject matter codes for the knowledge areas in which you were found
deficient. An outline of the subject matter codes is located in the
appendix of each written test book. You may refer 'to the appropriate
written test book to determine the areas in which further study is
needed. If you do not already have the appropriate written test book,
appendix 1 contains information on how to purchase the book as well
as other study material.
-
Q. If I pass the knowledge test, will I receive
the same information concerning weak areas as I would if I failed
the test?
A. Yes. (Refer to the previous answer.)
-
Q. How long is a satisfactorily completed knowledge
test valid?
A. A satisfactorily completed knowledge test
expires at the end of the day of the 24th month after the month in
which it was taken. If a practical test is not satisfactorily completed
during that period, another knowledge test must be taken.
-
Q. Will my instructor review the areas in which
the test report showed I was deficient?
A. Yes. Your instructor is required to review
the areas in which you were deficient and must endorse the written
test report or provide a written endorsement indicating this review
has been completed.
There are textbooks and other sources of information which
are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Office, and the FAA. Appendix 1 lists suggested study materials and explains
how to obtain the materials. Commercial publishers also provide a source
of study materials, and these materials may be desirable, especially for
aircraft categories where government materials are limited.
HOW TO STUDY
The applicant should recognize the advantages of planning
a definite study program and following it as closely as possible. Haphazard
or disorganized study habits usually result in an unsatisfactory score
on the knowledge test.
The ideal study program would be to enroll in a formal
ground school course. This offers the advantages of a professional instructor
as well as facilities and training aids designed for pilot instruction.
Many of these schools use audiovisual aids or programmed instruction materials
to supplement classroom instruction.
For the applicant who is unable to attend a ground school,
the self-study method can be satisfactory, provided the proper study materials
are obtained and a reasonable amount of time is devoted to study. The
applicant should establish realistic periodic goals and, equally important,
a target date for completion. Self-discipline is important because it
is too easy to "put off' the study period for some other activity.
WHEN TO TAKE THE TEST
Experience has shown that the knowledge test is more meaningful
to the applicant, and is more likely to result in a satisfactory grade,
if it is taken after beginning the flight portion of the training. For
optimum benefit, it is recommended that the knowledge test be taken after
the student has completed a solo cross-country flight. The operational
knowledge gained by this experience can be used to advantage in the knowledge
test.
WHERE TO TAKE THE TEST
FAA-designated written test examiners and FAA-designated
computer testing centers have been certificated to administer FAA knowledge
tests. Applicants will be charged reasonable fees for the administration
of FAA knowledge tests.
Contact the local FSDO to obtain information concerning
an FAA designated written test examiner or FAA-designated computer testing
center in your area.
WHAT THE TEST ITEMS ARE LIKE
The test contains only questions of the objective, multiple-choice
type. This test method conserves the applicant's time, eliminates any
element of individual judgment in determining grades, and saves time in
scoring.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
- Q. Prior to taking the practical test, what aeronautical
experience must I have?
-
A. The specific aeronautical experience requirements
are outlined in FAR Part 61. For the Recreational Pilot Certificate
requirements, refer to FAR Sections 61.99 and 61.100. For the Private
Pilot Certificate requirements, refer to FAR Sections 61.109, 61.113,
61.115, and 61.117.
-
Q. Must I provide the aircraft for my practical
test?
A. Yes. An applicant must provide an airworthy
aircraft with equipment relevant to the pilot operations required
for the practical test.
-
Q. What papers and documents must I present
to the FAA inspector or FAA-designated pilot examiner prior to my
practical test?
A. The applicant may be asked to produce and
explain the:
- aircraft's Registration Certificate;
- aircraft's Airworthiness Certificate;
- aircraft's operating limitations or FAA-approved aircraft flight
manual (if required);
- aircraft equipment list;
- required weight and balance data;
- FCC radio station license;
- aircraft and engine logbooks or other maintenance records; and
- applicable airworthiness directives.
The applicant will be asked to present:
- FAA Form 8710-1, Application for an Airman Certificate and/or
Rating, (with the flight instructor's recommendation);
- a satisfactory grade on an AC Form 8080-2, Airman Written Test
Report, or an airman computer test report (if the test was taken
at an FAA-designated computer testing center);
- a medical certificate (when required), and a Student Pilot Certificate
endorsed by a flight instructor for solo, solo cross-country (when
appropriate), and for the make and model airplane to be used for
the practical test;
- the pilot logbook;
- and a graduation certificate from an FAA-approved school (if
applicable).
-
Q. What pilot operations are required on the
practical test, and how will my performance of these operations be
evaluated?
A. If a detailed explanation of the required
pilot operations and performance standards is desired, refer to either
the Recreational Pilot or Private Pilot Practical Test Standards.
The practical test standards may be purchased from the Superintendent
of Documents or U.S. Government Printing Office bookstores. Appendix
1 explains how to obtain the publications. A good instructor should
have a copy of the practical test standards and should review them
with you prior to your practical test.
-
Q. What is the minimum age requirement for
a Recreational Pilot or Private Pilot Certificate?
A. An applicant must be at least 17 years of
age (with the exception of an applicant for a private pilot glider
or free balloon rating). Applicants for the private pilot glider or
free balloon rating must be at least 16 years of age.
-
Q. When can I take the recreational pilot or
private pilot practical test?
A. The FAR's establish the minimum ground school
and flight experience requirements for the Recreational Pilot and
Private Pilot Certificates. However, the flight instructor can best
determine when the student is qualified for the practical test. By
endorsing the student pilot's application, the flight instructor actually
makes a written recommendation to this effect. The flight instructor's
written recommendation shows that the applicant has met all the prerequisites
for the practical test.
-
Q. Where can I take the practical test?
A. The FSDO's conduct practical tests for pilot
certification either at the FSDO or at periodic intervals in outlying
cities within the district. FSDO's are usually located on or adjacent
to an airport. The FAA has also designated many flight instructors
as pilot examiners. Practical tests should be scheduled by appointment
to avoid conflicts and wasted time for the applicant.
-
Q. Is there any charge for taking the practical
test?
A. Since an FAA-designated pilot examiner serves
without pay from the FAA for conducting practical tests and executing
the necessary reports, the FAA-designated pilot examiner is allowed
to charge a reasonable fee. However, there is no charge for the practical
test when conducted by an FAA inspector.
-
Q. May I exercise the privileges of my pilot
certificate immediately after passing my practical test or must I
wait until I receive the actual pilot certificate?
A. Yes. The FAA inspector or FAA-designated
pilot examiner will issue a temporary pilot certificate which is effective
for a specific time period. This temporary pilot certificate is issued
to a qualified applicant pending a review of qualifications and the
issuance of a permanent certificate by the Administrator. The permanent
certificate is issued to an applicant found qualified and a denial
thereof is issued to an applicant found not qualified.
-
Q. Is there a charge for the pilot certificate?
A. No. There is no charge for any original certificate
which is issued by the FAA. However, fees will be charged by the FAA-authorized
aviation medical examiner for the medical examination and by the FAA-designated
pilot examiner for services rendered. The FAA does charge to replace
any pilot or medical certificate.
Many of the study materials listed are issued by the FAA
as Advisory Circulars (AC) and are cataloged in AC 00-2, Advisory Circular
Checklist, which is issued annually. It is suggested that, before ordering
any FAA publications, consult a copy of AC 00-2, Advisory Circular Checklist,
and AC 00-44, Status of the Federal Aviation Regulations.
These advisory circulars contain current information regarding
availability, cost (if any), and ordering instructions.
LIST OF SUGGESTED STUDY MATERIALS -
The following Online items are available:
The following are hard copy cost items available from:
Superintendent of Documents
U.S. Government Printing Office
Washington, DC 20402-9325
- FAR Parts 1, 61, and 9l
- Aeronautical Information Manual
- Notices To Airmen (Class II)
- AC 00-6, Aviation Weather
- AC 00-45, Aviation Weather Services
- AC 61-13, Basic Helicopter Handbook
- AC 61-21, Flight Training Handbook
- AC 61-23, Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
- AC 67-2, Medical Handbook for Pilots
- AC 91-23, Pilot's Weight and Balance Handbook
- FAA-S-808 1 - 1, Private Pilot Practical Test Standards
- FAA-S-8081-3, Recreational Pilot Practical Test Standards
- FAA-T-8080-15, Recreational Pilot and Private Pilot Written Test
Book
FREE ITEMS -
There are many free items listed in the Advisory Circular
Checklist. The free items are available from:
- U.S. Department of Transportation
- General Services Section, M-443.2
- Washington, DC 20590
OTHER PUBLICATIONS -
The Airport/Facility Directory and Aeronautical Charts
are available on a subscription basis from:
- U.S. Department of Commerce
- NOAA, Distribution Branch, N/CG33
- Riverdale, MD 20737-1199
The National Transportation Safety Board Regulation Part
830 is available free of charge from:
- National Transportation Safety Board
- ATTN: Public Inquiry
- 490 L'Enfant Plaza East, S.W.
- Washington, DC 20594
Comments regarding this publication
should be directed to:
Federal Aviation Administration
Operations Standards Development Section, AFS-631
P.O. Box 25082
Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0082
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
Flight Standards Service
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