|
|
| Site Map Home The Joy of Flying How to Start Minnesota Passport Program FAQ Our Location Our Planes Club Officers Our Instructors Simulator Training Cost of Joining Cost of Training Contact Us North Star Flyers Forms
|
Flight training is divided up into three major blocks of training. In the first block you will learn all of the skills needed to safely fly an airplane by yourself. From the first step, which is learning how to preflight an airplane (ensure it is in safe condition to fly), you will progress through learning how to do air work, how to do the ground reference maneuvers, how to handle an emergency, should one arise, and most importantly -- how to take-off and land. All of these steps will be done under the watchful eye of an experienced instructor. The culmination of the first block of training is that thrilling first solo flight. No pilot ever forgets his or her first solo flight. The second block of training consists of learning how to conduct cross- country flights, how to actually go to another airport. At first these cross-country flights will be done with your instructor. As your skills increase, you will be able to do these cross-country flights by yourself. The final block of training is preparation for the checkride. The checkride is your final exam. It will be conducted by an FAA designated pilot examiner. This is the final step in your training, and upon completion of the checkride, you will have earned your private pilot license. During the course of your training you will be required to pass a knowledge test. The knowledge test used to be called the written exam, but since it is now done by computer, the name has been changed. One big advantage is that you no longer have to wait three weeks to get your score! There are many methods of preparing for the knowledge test today. Some of these methods include attending a formal ground school. Increasingly today students are electing to prepare for the written test by a course of self-study, aided by computer interactive study programs. You will also be required to pass a medical examination conducted by an aviation medical examiner. This includes tests of your hearing and your eyesight. If your overall general health is good, you should not have any difficulty in passing your physical exam. There is an AME (Aviation Medical Examiner) right on the field at Anoka, which is very convenient. You can contact his office at (763) 780-2987. When you have completed all of the steps, then you will have become a full-fledged member of the aviation community. You will have earned your wings! 
Copyright © Linda Dowdy, 2010-2011 |
