Flight simulators are used extensively for pilot training, especially for complex and very expensive aircraft.   While obviously they cannot substitute for real flying time, they do provide excellent learning opportunities for a very low cost and total safety.

Today’s common, inexpensive simulator programs are far and away better than even professional, FAA approved simulators of only a dozen years ago.  You can get sophisticated control mechanisms like yokes and pedals, throttle quadrants, dual screens, and so on.

Plus, you can do a host of other things ….  to learn more, see this section   http://www.livingpictures.org/flightsimulator.htm

You must be 16 or over and speak and read English fluently. Training requires fluency in English because it is the universal language used by all the world control towers and airports.

Do some research about flying lessons. Contact local aviation schools. Some local County airports have schools.

After finding a school that fits your needs and budget, enroll in the licensed flight training classes. flight school can cost around $6,000 for all the training including ground school and flight training.

As mentioned in my opening statement, a physical and medical certificate will be needed from a doctor that is qualified to perform an pilot physical. This will ensure you’re healthy enough to fly. If you don’t know where to go, the flight school should be able to help.
Ground school can take about 3 to 5 weeks.

After you have completed your ground school course work, you will need to sit for the FAA written test. The test is multiple choice. and you may need to find a test provider?
Flight training is next. 30-40 hours with an instructor. Your school should be able to provide access to a plane.

Perform a solo flight.

The final test is performed by an FFA certified examiner. the tester will ask you questions and go with on a flight to assess your skills. Once you pass the final test, you will be private pilot license holder with a visual flight rating (VFR) so you can fly a single engine aircraft at day or night in good visibility conditions.

Obtaining a private pilot license is hard but doable. Pick a good school, flight training is only as good as the teaching staff.

See Books & Stuff at my blog for more information on being a pilot…

Fly in Balance….

http://pilotjocky.blogspot.com/

You can be part of general aviation, or the area of aviation where pilots fly for the sheer enjoyment of flying.

Today there are thousands of potential pilots, just like you, who are learning to fly. They come from all walks of life and have various reasons for wanting to learn to fly. Some fly to expand business opportunities, while others seek to attain careers in the aviation industry. Some are even looking for an activity that they can share with their family.

Whatever your reasons may be, there are some basic requirements that you will have to meet in order to fly solo (which is a requirement to get your your license)

In the United States, you must be at least 16 years old (to fly solo), speak English, and pass a basic medical exam.

In Canada, you must be at least 14 years old (to obtain a Student Pilot Permit, 17 years old to obtain a license), speak English, and pass a basic medical exam. In Canada we also offer a Recreational License which takes half the time to get as opposed to a Private License, therefore it is cheaper.

In the United Kingdom, you must be at least 16 years old (to fly solo, 14 years old to start logging your time, and 17 years old to get your Private Pilot License), speak English, and pass a basic medical exam.

In Australia, you must be at least 16 years old (to fly solo, 17 years old to hold a Private Pilot License), speak English, and pass a basic medical exam.

That’s all. So, as long as you meet these requirements, you can take to the skies.

Please visit www.learning-to-fly.com for a lot more information about aviation and flying, including aviation history, aviation employment, pictures of airplanes, experimental aviation (kit planes or home built airplanes) and aviation weather.

I am an avid supporter of flying, with a Commercial License, Multi Engine Rating, and Multi IFR Rating. My time in the air has been few and far between as of late but it doesn’t diminish my passion for aviation and anything related to aviation. I wish to pass that passion on to others so feel free to spread the word.