TRAINING

New Pilot?  If you’ve never flown an aircraft before, you should plan on a minimum of 20-25 hours of flight instruction.  All first-time pilots must be at least 16 years old (14 for gliders), read/speak English, and possess a valid State-Issued Driver’s License.

Are you already a pilot? A transitioning pilot will need an average of 10-15 hours of flight training with a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and a proficiency check ride with a different CFI.

Training: Federal Aviation Regulation 61.113 requires you to receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized CFI on the following areas of operation:

  •      Preflight preparation and Procedures.
  •      Airport operations.
  •      Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds.
  •      Performance maneuvers.
  •      Ground reference maneuvers.
  •      Navigation
  •      Emergency operations.
  •      Post-flight procedures.

Knowledge Exam: Your instructor will discuss the requirements for this test with you. It is recommended that you begin studying for the knowledge exam at your first lesson.

How much training do I need to receive a gyroplane rating?

  •      Fifteen hours of flight training from an authorized instructor in a gyroplane
  •      Three hours of flight training on those areas of operation specified in Sec. 61.311, preparing for the practical test within 60 days
         before the date of the test.
  •      Five hours (minimum) of solo flight training in the areas of operation listed in Sec. 61.311 to include two hours of cross-country
         flight training.
  •      Ten takeoffs and landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport.
  •      One solo cross-country flight of at least 50 nautical miles total distance, with a full-stop landing at a minimum of two points, and
         one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 25 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations.

Once you have completed this training, your instructor is authorized to recommend you for the practical test.  You must receive a logbook
endorsement stating that you have met the requirements for Section 61.309, 61.311, and 61.313 and have passed the FAA Knowledge Exam.