Become a Pilot
The first step in this process is for you to ask yourself: “Why do I want to learn to fly?” The answer to this question will help you and your Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) guide you in the right direction in obtaining your goal in the most efficient way possible. Some people want to learn to fly airplanes professionally as an airline pilot or a charter aircraft pilot, etc. Others want to learn to fly airplanes for business purposes, such as sales people with large territories, some will even learn to fly to advance military flying careers in the US Army, Navy and Air Force, people who want to fly for personal transportation and folks who just want to fly locally for the fun of it.
What ever YOUR reason for wanting to learn to fly airplanes, you should let your CFI know exactly what your goals are, as this will affect how your training is conducted. It does not matter if you want to fly professionally or just take the family on a nice day trip. You have come to the right place to learn to fly!
The Coleman AeroClub offers flight training programs under Part 61 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) for all fixed-wing pilot licenses. The Private Pilot License is the most popular tracks an the first stepping stone for any pilot whether recreational or professional.
Private Pilot (PPL) Flight Training
Through a local network of FAA Certified Flight Instructors the Coleman AeroClub can help you realize your goal of becoming a licensed private pilot.
A Private pilot is the holder of a private pilot license. With an FAA-issued private pilot license (PPL), a person is able to fly US registered aircraft that meets the aircraft category and class that their private pilot license designates. Private pilots are not permitted to profit from any flight (except as denoted in 14 CFR FAR Part 91.113). In order to be compensated for flight services, a person must hold a commercial pilot license.
Private pilots are only allowed to fly in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) under Visual Flight Rules (VFR)unless they obtain an instrument pilot rating (IFR.) See instrument rating.
Requirements
- Be at least 17 years of age (training can start prior to being 17)
- Be able to read, speak, and understand the English language
- Obtain at least a current third-class medical certificate
- Receive a minimum of 40 hours of flight time including training and solo flight
- Pass a knowledge test as well as the practical test
(PPL) Ground School
The Coleman AeroClub compliments your flight training with instructors who will not only help you meet the following requirements, but ensure you are prepared to pass the written knowledge exam on your first try.
Requirements
(a) General. A person who is applying for a private pilot certificate must
receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or
complete a home-study course on the aeronautical knowledge areas of
paragraph (b) of this section that apply to the aircraft category and class
rating sought.
(b) Aeronautical knowledge areas.
(1) Applicable Federal Aviation Regulations of this chapter that relate to private pilot privileges, limitations, and flight operations;
(2) Accident reporting requirements of the National Transportation Safety Board;
(3) Use of the applicable portions of the “Aeronautical Information Manual” and FAA advisory circulars;
(4) Use of aeronautical charts for VFR navigation using pilotage, dead reckoning, and navigation systems;
(5) Radio communication procedures;
(6) Recognition of critical weather situations from the ground and in flight, wind-shear avoidance, and the procurement and use of aeronautical weather reports and forecasts;
(7) Safe and efficient operation of aircraft, including collision avoidance, and recognition and avoidance of wake turbulence;
(8) Effects of density altitude on takeoff and climb performance;
(9) Weight and balance computations;
(10) Principles of aerodynamics, power-plants, and aircraft systems;
(11) Stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery techniques for the airplane and glider category ratings;
(12) Aeronautical decision making and judgment; and
(13) Preflight action that includes—
(i) How to obtain information on runway lengths at airports of intended use, data on takeoff and landing distances, weather reports and forecasts, and fuel requirements; and
(ii) How to plan for alternatives if the planned flight cannot be completed or delays are encountered.
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Ground School Materials and Tuition
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Coleman AeroClub currently offers the Rod Machado Online Ground School at a discounted rate. This self-paced online ground school will take you step by step through all of the aeronautical knowledge required for safe and professional flying and covers all areas required to take your written exam. Your Coleman Aeroclub instructor will pace your practical flying lessons on your ground school progress to ensure you are learning and applying this knowledge as you progress towards your practical exam and your future as a certificated pilot! Written exams are currently offered for free to US service members at the Ramstein Testing Center. Once you complete your online ground school you will simply schedule and take your exam at Ramstein and your knowledge requirement will be done! Contact us for further details about online ground school or visit https://rodmachado.com/
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For successful completion of your private pilot training you will need to order:
- Frankfurt Sectional Chart
- FAA Pilot Logbook
- E6B Calculator
- Aviation Plotter
- Headset with standard GA plugs
There is a pilot shop Friebe at Mannheim City Airport https://friebe.aero/ order online there or stateside (better prices)
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Have more questions about how to become a pilot with Coleman Aeroclub? Simply contact us below and a club CFI will be glad to assist!
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