TAKE A FIRST STEP IN CAREER IN PILOT TRAINING

HOW WILL YOU BECOME A PILOT

For many flying is a lifetime adventure. It's a multidimensional activity that you can enjoy on as many levels as suits your fancy from sightseeing to aircraft appreciation to aerobatics to travel to technical flying to history to earning a living and on and on. Along the way, you meet some great people and learn a bit about yourself along the way. And best of all, you can do it!

Here is the basic scoop on becoming a pilot, in plain English.

 Medical

To become a pilot, you don't have to be in great shape or have superior hand-eye coordination. For private pilot privileges, you will have to, at some point, pass an FAA medical exam, but for most this is little problem if you don't have a known heart condition and your vision is reasonably good or can be corrected (with glasses or contacts) to be good (not necessarily perfect). If you have concerns, see a doctor first. Here's a list of aviation medical examiners.

Which Certificate?

The goal for most people is a Private Pilot Certificate, which comes in several flavors, depending on which type of aircraft you train in. For most people,. this means airplanes, though others become private pilots in helicopters, gliders, balloons, and so forth. A "recreational pilot" certificate is also a possibility, but in practice this certificate (we don't say "license") has had few takers. In 2003/4 there has been considerable talk of a "Sport Pilot" certificate that will let people fly small 2-seat aircraft with less training than required for the Private Pilot certificate, but whether this will become a) a reality and b) popular is yet to be seen.

With a private pilot certificate, you can fly in good weather and see some neat stuff. As your experience grows, when you go on holiday, for example, you can rent airplanes and take friends or family to see the sights in a whole new way. If you so choose, you can then train on bigger and faster aircraft. Who knows--you might even consider buying a plane.

Aircraft?

The aircraft (airplanes) that you fly as a student pilot are typically 2- and 4- seat affairs that look like so:

When properly maintained (as the vast majority of active training aircraft are), flying in them is safe and fun. As you gain experience, you gradually move into faster and more exotic aircraft.

Two Categories of Flight Training Organizations

Flying under the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) framework basically happens in two guises, named after the section of the Federal Aviation Regulations (CFR 14) under which they are regulated.

Under "Part 141", you are flying with certified flight schools with certified curricula. Part 141 schools are often, but not always, set up in order to train people for professional pilot careers.

Under "Part 61", you are flying with flight schools and/or independent instructors. There are more Part 61 operations than there are part 141 operations.

In practice, both types of schools produce pilots that statistically are equivalently safe and an airline pilot in practice is as likely to come from a Part 61 background as he is from a Part 141.

You will not be seen as a better or more serious pilot or potential employee by anybody because you got your certificate through one type of school or the other, and any kind of chauvinism on this front is silly and misguided. Why do we bring this distinction up in this beginning text then? Because if you go to your local airport you might hear some talk of this and not quite know what to make of it. The real key in terms of choosing where to train is to ...

Find a Good Instructor

Your local airport most likely has one or more training outlets. These can be a flight school (part 141 or not), FBO ("fixed based operator"), or maybe just some independent instructors. The best thing you can do before you start your training is to canvass maybe a handful of potential schools to find a good fit. Ideally, you'd be flying with a single instructor for the bulk of your training, so you'd like to find one that you feel comfortable with. Experience counts, yes, but this doesn't mean that you should discount an enthusiastic fresh instructor.

Minimum Flight Hours

When training under either Part 61 or Part 141, there is an FAA mandated minimum number of flight hours required of around 40. You can, for all practical purposes, ignore this, as very few people finish at near the minimums, and people occasionally view those who do with some suspicion. The fact of the matter is that today's pilot needs to know and be able to do many things that it's nearly impossible to finish in the minimum, though a conscientious student that works hard independently and trains relatively frequently (2-3 times a week) can certainly keep his/her costs down. The national average number of hours for getting a Private Pilot certificate is around 55-65.

Introductory Flight

Most or all flight training organizations will gladly offer you a demo flight for an introductory flight price. A demo flight can be a half an hour of just going up, getting a sense for what being in a small airplane is like. On your very first flight, the instructor is likely to let you have the controls (with him/her keeping a close watch, of course).

How hard is it?

Every student that we have ever had the privilege to introduce to the world of flying has bar none at some point told us that flying was easier than they had anticipated. Our reply, and the closest thing that we can say that approximates sage advice with regards to flying is this:

"Nothing about flying is hard, except mastering the thousands of necessary easy things."

Like anything worth doing, learning to fly takes some diligence and effort, but it can be done by most people from age 16 to 106.

The Timeline

The following timeline is written with airplanes in mind, and varies slightly for helicopters and other aircraft types. If you schedule 3 lessons a week, you're likely to fly 2 a week (because of weather and other issues), and will earn a Private Pilot certificate in 3-6 months. Each flying lesson will likely include between 1 and 1.5 hours of flying, though the "cross country" flights (flights that go 50 or more miles from your local airport) that you will do as part of your training will be a bit longer. Each flight lesson will generally contain a pre-flight and a post-flight briefing and discussion with your instructor, so figure on 3-3.5 hours as a conservative "car to car" benchmark.

The goal is to pass a combination flight and oral test, known as a "checkride" with an FAA Designated Examiner.

To be eligible to take a checkride, you must meet certain aeronautical experience requirements and have completed your written (knowledge) test. Our GroundSchool software is, in our highly biased opinion, the best choice for studying for your written test. To learn more about the written test and/or our software, click here.

Much of your flying time will be spent on preparing for things that you will be tested on during your checkride. This includes standard maneuvers and procedures that you will have to fly. All of the maneuvers and requirements are standardized in a series of publications called the Practical Test Standards. You can find links to the practical test standards on our website.

Solo Flight!

Part of the aeronautical experience requirements includes some solo flight. That's right--no instructor. Just you, an airplane, and the wild blue yonder. Of course, this is an exhilarating and anxious event, but people have safe first solos every day. Someday soon, maybe that could include you.

Talking about "average" times to solo is misleading and counterproductive. Unfortunately, occasionally students seem to think that getting to solo is some sort of race. In practice, if you ever hear somebody bragging about how few hours they soloed in, then you can almost be certain that they are only revealing their own lack of experience. Amongst experienced pilots, its understood that this number means absolutely nothing. The famous WW2 ace Chuck Yeager who broke the sound barrier in the Bell X-1 aircraft took an inordinately long amount of time to solo. After our students are ready to solo, we generally fly another 5 hours or so with them AND have them fly with another instructor just to be super-super sure that everything is on the up-and-up. That all said, many people solo in between their 20th and 35th hours, so it can be generally said that it occurs about halfway through the training. Here's our attempt at humor with regards to the number of hours it takes to solo.

For airplanes, you will learn at least the following maneuvers and procedures during your training: normal takeoffs and landings, slow flight, stalls, turns, ground reference maneuvers, cross country planning and navigation, use of radios, use of navigational equipment, emergency procedures, aviation weather, aviation psychology and physiology, aircraft systems, aerodynamics, regulations, and more.

You may be apprehensive about some of this training regimen until you actually do it and see that its really not that bad, and is intended to keep you safe! Everything that you will be taught has the goal of making you a safe and competent pilot. Safety is the watchword of aviation and is priority one.

Conclusions

We hope that we have provided you with a reasonable introduction to flying. To get more specifics, go down and visit the nice folks at your local airport - I'm sure they'll be more than happy to answer your questions and get you set up as necessary. When it comes time for you to prepare for your knowledge (written) test (as could be now, because learning the material early is best!), we hope you will consider using our training materials such as our software and apps.

ELIGIBILITY to enroll in a professional pilot program?

ELIGIBILITY

1.Do I need TOEFL to enroll with the school?

TOEFL is not a requirement.

2. What are the eligibility requirements to enroll in a professional pilot program?

You should be medically fit.

You should be able to read, write, understand and speak English.

You should be at least 17 years of age to commence training and 18 years of age to qualify for Commercial Pilot License.

Indian DGCA requires you be a 10+2 graduate with Physics and Maths.

3. How old do I need to be to begin training?

Flight training can be started at any age, but the day you take the exam, you will have to be 17 for the private pilot test and 18 for the commercial pilot Test.

COURSE DETAILS

4. What is the difference between PPL and CPL?

PPL is Private pilot license for does who want to be pilot only as hobby. That is why PPL is also called as hobby pilot license. CPL is Commercial pilot license who want to get a job as co-pilot in any airline besides the license holder should not hold any record of accident for last one year.

5. How long will this course take and how much it cost?

The more frequently you train, the more information you retain, the faster your flying skills develop and the faster you get through your training. Because the fact is everyone learns differently and the time taken for this is money.

FAA & DGCA LICENSE

6. What is the difference between FAA and DGCA?

DGCA(Directorate General of Civil Aviation):

It is the regulatory body in the field of Civil Aviation primarily dealing with safety issues.It is responsible for regulation of air transport services to/from/within India and for enforcement of civil air regulations,air safety and airworthiness standards.Due to insufficient training facilities in India, very large numbers of candidates have earned their Pilot's License from different countries of the World.

FAA(Federal Aviation Administration):

It is an agency of the United States Department of Transportation with authority to regulate and oversee all aspects of civil aviation in the U.S.

7. Can I convert foreign license in to Indian License?

Yes, you can convert your FAA license or any foreign license in to Indian license. This conversion is called DGCA conversion. The requirements for coversion of their foreign licences to corresponding Indian licences are

Pass written examination in the following subjects in accordance with the syllabus prescribed by the Director General of Civil Aviation :

1. Air Regulation

2. Navigation, Flight Planning and Meteorology (composite Paper).

1. Pass Practical Test in Morse Code (Reception - Aural) at the rate of 8 words per minute for commercial Pilot Licence, Instrument Rating and Senior Commercial Pilot License/Airlines Transport Pilot Licence.

2. Shall be in possession of a current Certificate of Proficiency for operation of Radio Telephony apparatus on board an aircraft as issued by the Ministry of Transport and Communications under the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Rules, 1954.

3. Shall demonstrate his competency to the satisfaction of the DGCA approved Examiner by undergoing a Skill Test by Day and Night. The candidate shall also undergo Oral Test with the Examiner in various aviation subjects including Navigation Meteorology, Aircraft & Engine and Instruments, and performance wherever applicable.

VISA PROCEDURE

8. What category visa do I get?

You get an M1 student visa.

9. What is a Visa pack?

Visa pack contains the essential documents required for you to obtain a visa and bank loans if necessary to fund your flight training.

It will have the following documents:

Letter of Acceptance.

Processed I-20.

Letter addressed to your banker for loan release.

10. What is I-20?

Form I-20 is a certificate of Eligiblity For Nonimmigrant(M-1) student status. It is a United States Department of Homeland Security document issued by colleges, universities, and vocational schools that provides supporting information for the issuance of a student visa or change of status (F, J and M non-immigrant statuses). Since the introduction of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), the form also includes the student tracking number (SEVIS number) for the student and program.

11. What is SEVP I-901?

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) I-901 is a form required by the US government for students aspiring to come to the United States of America for Flight Training. It is a prerequisite to getting your visa. You will need to show an I-901 receipt to your adjudication officer at your visa interview.

13. How do I get a student visa? Is it guaranteed?

A student visa is not guaranteed on the issuance of the I-20 form alone by our school If you are interested in obtaining a student visa we can send you documentation with proper documents that convince the US consul that you are not an intending immigrant by producing a valid reason to return back to India and by showing proof of your permanent ties in India.

TSA ( Transport Safety Administration )

14. What is TSA?

Transport Safety Administration, Alien flight Student Program is to ensure that Non-US Citizen Candidates seeking training at flight schools regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) do not pose a threat to aviation or national security. This site contains the application for aliens seeking to train at FAA-regulated flight schools. Candidates are required to complete this application prior to beginning flight training.

15. Is TSA required for VISA?

TSA is not required for visa. However, TSA clearance is required for all flight training in USA.

EDUCATION LOAN

16. Could I get Education loan for Pilot Training?

Yes you could, you avail the scheme of loan from any nationalized bank.

17. What are the eligibilities demanded for Educational loan?

Should be between 17-26 years.

Should have secured admission to Pilot Training/learning Course at identified training center recognized by Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and in reputed Institutes/ Organizations outside India .

No minimum qualifying marks to be insisted upon.

18. What Should I do to get the education loan from bank?

You should furnish evidence of security that you have to the nearer bank with which you have an account.

19. What kind of Security demanded by bank?

Collateral security of 100% of the loan amount in the form of Pledge of FDR/NSC/KVP etc or Equitable Mortgage of House Property.

Satisfactory 3rd Party Guarantee of 2 Persons of sufficient means and standing.

No guarantee is required in case of full liquid security (i.e. Pledge of FDR/NSC/KVP etc.).

However, in cases where collateral security is given by third party, personal guarantee of such third party should be obtained.

ACCOMMODATION

20. Do I need to come U.S.A and look for accommodation?

We would take care of organizing your accommodation for you.

21. What kind of accommodations can you arrange for students?

Falcon Flight School is able to provide accommodation for you for the entire duration of the course. The accommodation is very comfortable and is ideal for someone studying for the aviation career. You will be sharing the house with other students,normally from the same course that you are on. The accommodation is provided on a self catering basis you provide your own food. All rooms include a bed,storage facilities, and study facilities are provided either in the room, or as a separate study within the house. You will need to provide your own bed linen, towels, cleaning items, food.

22. Can I do my own cooking?

Yes, your apartment has a cooking unit. You can do your groceries at your local grocery store and manage your cooking.

23. How much do I need to manage my food expenses?

This is a variable amount. As guide line, one can manage food expenses between $150 and $200 a month. This would be more if you eat out all the time.

24. How can I manage my personal funds while I am in the US?

Once you reach here, we will help you set up a bank account. Apart from your course fees, your living expenses can be brought as traveler check and deposited into your bank account for your living expense management.

25. What is the weather like in.....?

In fact, we actually have excellent flying weather all throughout the year. The temperatures rarely fall below 70, visibility is great 99% of the time,and the winds are not a problem.

Regards,

Akash Shrivastava [B.Tech(C.S.E)]

Software Engineer

(SEO)

AeroSoft Corp

www.asiaguidetours.in

www.aerosoft.in

www.aerosoft.co.in

www.aerosoftorg.in

www.aerosoftorg.co.in

www.aerosoftcorp.in

www.aerosoftcorp.co.in

www.aerosoftseo.com

On Line Assistence  :

Gtalk                    :   aakash.aerosoft@gmail.com

Y! Messenger             :   akash.aerosoft@yahoo.in

Rediff Bol               :   akash.aerosoft@rediffmail.com

MSN                      :   akash.aerosoft@hotmail.com