You Can Fly - 2023 Edition - 17

may earn a certificate in fewer hours. The
biggest variable, however, is you. Flying
frequently and studying between lessons
can help you progress efficiently through
training, and pilots naturally vary in how
quickly they pick up certain skills in
training. For tips on making the most of
your training budget, see " Show Me the
Money, " p. 36.
KNOW, DO, DEMONSTRATE
To earn your pilot certificate, you'll need
to pass a computerized knowledge test;
fly for a minimum number of hours
with an instructor and on your own; and
demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and
judgment in a flight test.
You can pick up some of what you
AVIATION PIONEERS
JIMMY STEWART
" There's so many things to think
about up there that you forget
things down below. Flying is
something altogether different
from the way I'm earning my
living. That's what I like about it...
flying is a sort of guarantee that
life will continue to have variety. "
-Iconic Hollywood actor and bomber pilot
during World War II, Stewart was a lifelong
avid pilot and owned several aircraft.
He retired from the U.S Air Force as a
brigadier general.
need to know for the knowledge test in
pre- and postflight discussions with your
instructor during training, but you'll need
to dedicate time to a course of ground
training. Some flight schools offer in-person
ground school, and several online
providers offer full private pilot ground
training programs. Or, you can read textbooks
at home. When you're ready to take
the test, you'll earn an endorsement from
an instructor certifying you've demonstrated
you know your stuff. (Online
training programs often provide an
automatic endorsement once you complete
the course.)
Embrace the fun
Flight training is challenging.
It can be tedious and frustrating
at times as you stretch
your knowledge and skills,
but it will unlock a world of
amazing experiences known
only to a relative few. And
you don't have to wait until
you earn your certificate
to experience the fun and
freedom of flying. Embrace
the journey and work fun into
your training.
» Hang out: Spend time at
the airport to see cool
airplanes, meet interesting
people, and absorb the
language of aviation.
» Go to events: Like hanging
out at the airport, but even
cooler airplanes show up.
» Build it in to training:
There's no regulation that
says training flights can't
take you to fun places. Ask
your instructor to make
your cross-country flight to
an airport café, or practice
real-world short- or softfield
landings at a scenic
remote airstrip.
» Try something new: If
you're stuck in a rut and
the regular lessons feel
like drudgery, consider an
aerobatic or tailwheel lesson
to energize you while
teaching applicable skills.
And, of course, you'll get to fly. Private
pilot applicants need to log at least 40
hours of flight time, which must include
training in areas such as night flying,
flying by reference to instruments as if
you're in the clouds, navigating to airports
far from your home base, and more.
You'll practice takeoffs and landings,
radio communication, and other skills-
and once your instructor says you're
ready, you'll even fly on your own. Your
instructor will help to ensure you meet
all these requirements and note them in
your logbook to show the examiner.
» Celebrate your successes:
Take the time to congratulate
yourself when you do
something right. During
your lesson debrief, go
over what you did better
than last lesson, or a month
ago. Progress isn't linear,
so that long-term view
will help you shake off an
off day and see how far
you've come.
FLIGHT TRAINING YOU CAN FLY 2023
17
You Can Fly - 2023 Edition

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of You Can Fly - 2023 Edition
