Before you fly
There are a few things every student pilot needs to take care of before we start training. None of it is hard — I'll walk you through all of it — but it helps to know what's coming so you can get ahead of it.
Get your medical certificate
You'll need at least a third-class medical certificate from an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). This is basically a physical that confirms you're fit to fly. It's required before you can solo, but I recommend getting it done early so we know there aren't any surprises. You can find an AME near you on the FAA's website.
If you have any medical conditions you're concerned about, reach out to me first — I can help you figure out what to expect.
Create your IACRA account
IACRA (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application) is the FAA's online system for tracking your pilot certifications. You'll create an account, and we'll use it to submit your student pilot certificate application. This is how you officially get into the FAA's system as a student pilot.
Go to iacra.faa.gov to set up your account. I'll walk you through the application when we meet.
Get your student pilot certificate
Your student pilot certificate is issued through IACRA and is required before you can fly solo. We'll submit the application together, and it usually arrives in the mail within a few weeks. You don't need it to start lessons — just before your first solo.
Equipment you'll need
You don't need to buy everything at once, but here's what you'll want by the time training is underway.
Aviation headset
A good headset is the most important piece of gear you'll buy. It protects your hearing and lets you communicate clearly with ATC and your instructor.
Pilot logbook
Every flight gets logged. You'll keep a physical logbook to track your hours, endorsements, and training progress throughout your career.
iPad with ForeFlight
ForeFlight is the go-to app for flight planning, weather, charts, and navigation. An iPad is the best way to run it and it'll become your most-used tool in the cockpit.
Sectional chart
A paper sectional chart of the local area. Even though we use ForeFlight for most navigation, you need to know how to read a paper chart — and you'll be tested on it.
Kneeboard
A kneeboard straps to your leg and gives you a surface to write on in the cockpit. Useful for copying clearances, ATIS info, and notes during flight.
Study materials
A good ground school course or textbook to study between lessons. We'll cover everything together, but having a reference to review on your own makes a big difference.
Age requirements
How old do you need to be?
You can start flight training at any age. To fly solo, you must be at least 16 years old. To earn your Private Pilot Certificate, you must be at least 17. There is no upper age limit — as long as you can pass the medical, you can fly.