Student Pilot
Guide
AC 61-12M :
Revised 1994
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
FOREWORD
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 may 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.
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
TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUESTIONS MOST FREQUENTLY
ASKED By Student Pilots
General Questions for Student
Pilots
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.
QUESTIONS MOST
FREQUENTLY ASKED
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
1. 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).
2. 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.
3. 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 use good judgment.
4. 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.
5. Q. If engine failure occurs,
what will happen?
A. Modern aircraft engines are very
reliable and complete 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
1. 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.
2. Q. When do I need a Student Pilot
Certificate?
A. Prior to solo flight.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Q. What are the requirements
for a Student Pilot Certificate?
A. To be eligible for a Student
Pilot Certificate, a person must:
(1) 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;
(2) be able to read, speak, and
understand the English language;
(3) 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Q. May my Student Pilot Certificate
be renewed?
A. No, but a new Student Pilot Certificate
may be issued by an:
(1) FAA-authorized aviation medical
examiner, upon completion of the required examination;
(2) 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. Q. If I solo in more than one
make and model of 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 of aircraft.
15. 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.
16. Q. Must I carry my Student Pilot
Certificate on my person when I am piloting an aircraft
in solo flight?
A. Yes.
17. 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.
18. 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
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 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.
7. 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.
8. Q. Must I have an FCC radiotelephone
operator's permit to operate an aircraft radio transmitter?
A. No.
9. 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:
(1) the 50 nautical-mile limitation;
(2) between sunset and sunrise;
and
(3) 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.
10. 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.
PILOT TRAINING
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. For ordering information,
see appendix 1.
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.
THE RECREATIONAL
PILOT AND PRIVATE PILOT KNOWLEDGE TESTS
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Q. What is the minimum age requirement
to take the Recreational Pilot or Private Pilot written
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.
2. Q. How should I prepare for the
knowledge test?
A. To adequately prepare for the
knowledge test, an applicant should refer to:
(1) FAR Section 61.97 (if preparing for the
recreational pilot knowledge test); or
(2) FAR Section 61.105 (if preparing for the private
pilot knowledge test).
The regulation requires 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 [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.] in the knowledge areas appropriate to
the category and class aircraft for which a rating
is sought.
3. 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:
(1) 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.
(2) 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.
(3) 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.
(4) 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.
(5) 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.
(6) 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.
(7) In the event of retesting, 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).
4. 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 retest?
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.
5. 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.)
6. 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.
7. 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.
PREPARING TO STUDY
FOR THE KNOWLEDGE TEST
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 material. 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.
RECREATIONAL
PILOT AND PRIVATE PILOT PRACTICAL TESTS
QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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:
(1) aircraft's Registration Certificate;
(2) aircraft's Airworthiness Certificate;
(3) aircraft's operating limitations
or FAA- approved aircraft flight manual (if required);
(4) aircraft equipment list;
(5) required weight and balance data;
(6) FCC radio station license;
(7) aircraft and engine logbooks or other maintenance
records; and
(8) applicable airworthiness directives.
The applicant will be asked to present:
(1) FAA Form 8710-1, Application
for an Airman Certificate and/or Rating, (with the
flight instructor's recommendation);
(2) 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);
(3) 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 of airplane to be used for
the practical test;
(4) pilot logbook;
(5) and a graduation certificate from an FAA-approved
school (if applicable).
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
APPENDIX 1
HOW TO OBTAIN STUDY
MATERIALS
Many of the study materials listed in this guide
are issued by the FAA as advisory circulars and are
cataloged in AC 00-2, Advisory Circular Checklist,
which is issued annually. It is suggested that, before
ordering any FAA publications, you obtain 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. To obtain a free copy of AC 00-2 or AC
00-44, send your request
to:
U.S. Department of Transportation
General Services Section, M-443.2
Washington, DC 20590
LIST OF SUGGESTED STUDY MATERIALS
COST ITEMS - The following are cost items available
from:
Superintendent Of Documents
Government Printing Office
Washington, DC 20402-9325
FAR Parts 1, 61, and 91
Airman's 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-8081-1, 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
400 L'Enfant Plaza East, S.W.
Washington, DC 20594
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