Pilot Training
To become a pilot requires many hours of study and flight training. Before you can take
to the air and pursue an aviation career you will also need to have a physical exam.
It's prudent before investing time and money in the pursuit of a pilot's licence, that you be examined by a civil aviation medical examiner to ensure that you are fit to act as pilot in command of an aircraft. In order to fly in Canada, for example, you must apply for an Aviation Medical. Upon successfully passing the exam, Transport Canada will issue you with a medical certificate in addition to your student pilot permit. This process can take from 2-3 weeks. Canadian schools cannot issue you a letter of acceptance (step 2) until you have obtained your medical.
Once you have passed your medical exam you will want to select a flight school or find pilot training options. Flight schools
offer ground school or private classroom instruction along with flight instruction which includes flight training and simulator training.
The classroom instruction and flight instruction will help prepare students to pass written flight exams and actual flight tests.
• Get and pass physical exam.
• Find a flight school for pilot training and instruction.
• Take flight test and written exam to obtain pilots license.
Here is an example for Canada
Transport Canada requires that candidates for the private pilot licence complete a minimum of 45 hours of flight training consisting of not less than :
17 hours of dual instruction flight time including:
not less than 3 hours cross-country flight time
not less than 5 hours of instrument time
12 hours of solo flight time including:
not less than 5 hours cross-country flight time
Transport Canada also requires candidates to complete not less than 40 hours of classroom instruction. Candidates must complete and pass a Transport Canada written examination as well as a flight test to obtain the Private Licence.
How much does pilot training cost and how long does it take? The cost of flight training can vary, at local part 61 flight schools it will be approximately $7,000 USD for a Private Pilot License. A Commercial Pilot License will usually cost $40,000-$60,000 USD and take 1-2 years.
A full time student can expect to complete a training program for Commercial Pilot License in 4-6 months. Some universities also offer 4 year Aviation degree programs that include flight training. Another pilot training option is through the air force military.
There are a number of online aviation courses offered by CAE and other reputable aviation educators.
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