Training for Your Pilot License: What You Need to Know

Posted on: 17 October 2017

Learning to fly is easier than you think. You don't have to get a job with an airline or sign up for the military. Instead, you can sign up with a private flight school like Professional Helicopter Services Pty Ltd and receive the tuition needed to take to the skies on your first solo flight. Below is a guide to everything you need to know about gaining your pilot's licence.

Basic Requirements 

There are a few requirements which you must meet before you can begin your flight training. Firstly, you will need to undergo a medical examination to establish the state of your health. This health check can be carried out by your local GP, who will write a report which will be submitted along with your flight school application. This requirement is designed to ensure that you have no underlying medical conditions which could place you at risk during flight training. 

Secondly, you will need to take a basic English exam. English is the language of the air, and being able to understand it is vital if you are going to safely study for your licence and communicate with air traffic control and other aircraft.

Types of Licence

Recreational Pilots Licence 

Although you can start to learn to fly at a younger age, you must be at least 16 years of age when you apply for a recreational pilots licence, and you must have accrued at least 25 flying hours, with 5 of these hours being made up of solo flights. The recreational pilot's licence limits how far you can fly and the types of aircraft which you are permitted to pilot.

Private Pilots Licence

The private pilot's licence is the next step up the ladder. You must be in good health and aged at least 17 in order to apply for this licence. This licence offers much more freedom regarding the types of aircraft you can fly and the distances you can cover. However, this freedom is granted as a result of having studied for and passed various theory exams as well as completing 200 hours of flying. These exams will deal with cross-country flying, flying using instruments and other, more advanced techniques.

If you are interested in taking to the air and training for your pilot's licence, you should get in touch with a professional flight school today. They will be happy to discuss the different training packages on offer so you can find the one which is right for you.

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