Your son or daughter's dual flight instruction begins after they have successfully passed the FAA Private Pilot written exam. They are assigned to one of our staff of instructors, and immediately begin one-on-one training in the airplane.
A uniform training curriculum is used in the post; but each student's training will be slightly tailored for their strengths and weaknesses. Quality is assured not only by FAA testing; but often by having the student fly for an hour with one of the other post instructors. Generally, you can expect your son or daughter's training to progress as follows:
- Basic flight maneuvers and procedures are taught first. These include, but are not limited to: pre-flight procedures, taxiing techniques, radio procedures, take-offs and landings, ground reference maneuvers, stalls, and emergency procedures.
- A pre-solo written exam is given to ensure that the student meets the requirements listed in the Federal Aviation Regulations for solo pilots.
- Solo! The student's first solo is a major milestone, and is often remembered more vividly and fondly than their check-ride (the FAA Practical Test). People are often surprised at how early in training this milestone occurs.
- Post-solo work includes such things as unusual attitude recoveries, flight by reference to instruments, night flying, navigation, short and soft field take-offs and landings, meteorology, and cross-country flight planning. This work sharpens the student's skills to a level very close to that of a licensed pilot.
- Cross-country flight instruction (including solo cross-country flights) solidifies the student's understanding of navigation, weather planning, and flight planning. Much of the work previously done was in preparation for this phase of flying. This, after all, is the practical application of flying: travel.
- When the student has completed cross-country training, their skills are polished, and specific training for the FAA Private Pilot Practical Test (check-ride) is provided as specified by FAA regulations. This final phase of flight training is intended to ensure that the student possesses all of the skills needed by a private pilot.
- Check-ride! When all of the requirements have been met, the student is scheduled to take their Practical Test, or check-ride. This momentous occasion consists of an oral exam and flight test administered by an FAA Designated Examiner. Your son or daughter will receive their license immediately upon passing the exam. Parents should be prepared to take the first ride with their newly licensed private pilot!