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Instruction (Getting Your Pilot's Certificate)
Build A Knowledge Base
In addition to the physical skills required to fly
the airplane, flying requires you know a lot...about a lot of things...so you'll be spending time reading and studying between your trips to
the airport. After a few months, you'll probably want to take the FAA "written"
exam (it's really computer based). Then, at the completion of your flight training,
it's time for your checkride: an in-flight practical and oral exam conducted
by an FAA examiner or designee. And once you get your certificate, flying itself
will be a test with each and every flight challenging your
skill and knowledge.
What's the point here? In building your knowledge base, remember the goal is to learn all you can to be
a safe, competent pilot. It's not just about "passing the written." Listed below
are several ways to build your aeronautical knowledge, and many students will use
a combination of resources to really nail down the material. After
your first lesson or two, your instructor will work with you to develop a
plan that will best meet your personal learning style and time
constraints. Options include:
- Classroom-Based Ground School.
Structured classroom training, a well-defined schedule, an
experienced insructor available to answer questions, and interaction with
other student pilots makes this the best option for most people. Courses are
offered by colleges or private organizations (flight schools or other
commercial providers). A course offered by a college usually follows the
typical semester calendar and meets once a week for 15 weeks; a
commercial provider might have an accelerated program that meets twice a week
for eight weeks. Day, evening, or weekend classes may be offered; you'll
need to check around to see what's available. When you're done with the
course, you'll receive an endorsement to take the FAA computer-based knowledge
test. Some options include:
- Community Colleges
of Baltimore County - Catonsville, (410) 455-4157
- Navy Annapolis Flying
Club, (410) 956-8751
- Aviation
Seminars, (800) 257-9444
- Video-Based Courses. Classes
might not be offered at a convenient time or location (or worse, classes
started a few weeks before your interest in flying!). Perhaps business travel
means you can't "lock yourself in" to a fixed weekly committment. Or maybe
you're a student used to working on your own, have the whole summer off
(to the envy of everyone else), and want to plow through the material
in a matter of weeks instead of months. Regardless of the reason,
classroom training isn't for everyone.
As long as you have a VCR,
you're in luck. Several excellent video-based courses are available. They
typically include a study guide, sample tests, and other materials needed for
"self contained" instruction. When you've completed the video course, you'll
be able to contact the company and receive an endorsement which will also
allow you to take the FAA computer-based knowledge exam. Check our Links
page under Pilot Supplies, Equipment, and Training
Resources.
- Computer-Based Courses. The
next generation of self-directed training harnesses the power of a
personal computer. As with video instruction, you'll get actual movie clips
and full audio. But you'll also get a very interactive experience with the
computer guiding you through the material as well as testing you along the
way. In fact, your overall level of interaction (often a key factor in the
ability to absorb information) may even be greater than a typical
classroom setting, especially if you're the kind of person who doesn't like to
speak up.
This is new but very powerful technology, and for many
people, they've never tried computer-based training before. If you're not sure
whether this will work for you, contact the manufacturer. In many cases,
they'll send you a CD sample, or they might have a website that will give you
a feel for what to expect and what you'll need. Not surprisingly, Cessna has a
great free sample...after all, you might eventually buy one of their airplanes
if you learn how to fly!
If
you already have a suitable computer,
feel comfortable installing and using new software, can find the time
to study without other houshold members screaming to get online to check
their e-mail, you're probably better off with a PC-based course than one
that's video-based. PC-based instructional packages also provide a way to get an endorsement to
take the FAA exam. For purchasing information, check out our Links
page under Pilot
Supplies, Equipment, and Training Resources. Many of the same
companies that make video-based training also offer a PC-based training
package.
- Self-Study.
This is the least expensive, but it may also be the least
efficient and most time-consuming in the long run. With self-study
preparation, you'll work at your own pace using a variety of books,
manuals, and FAA publications. Your CFI can recommend proven materials, and
many of the the books and manuals are available for purchase at Phoenix Aviation.
Additional resources include:
- Aviation Supplies and Academics (ASA),
(800) 272-2359
- Gleim Publications, (800) 874-5346
- Jeppesen, (800) 621-5377
Copyright © Phoenix Aviation Incorporated 2003. All Rights Reserved.
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