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FAQ

It's natural that you would have questions about our private pilot ground school. We put some of the common questions together here for you, and of course, we are all of us ready to answer any other questions you might have. Just click the question to see the answer.

• Will I have the same Instructor for the entire course?

  We strive to keep continuity during our training process, every attempt will be made to keep students with their designated CFI for as long as practical.

• When can I start?

  We have an ongoing enrollment process, there is no need to wait for any specific time to begin.

• What subjects are required to be studied?

  Pilots must have a good understanding of a wide variety of topics including (but not limited to) airplane mechanics, navigation principles, aviation regulations, and weather. With this in mind, the FAA Private Pilot Airman Knowledge Exam asks a series of 60 multiple choice questions that relate to these topics, among others:
  Navigation charts, publications, and systems
  Aviation related weather topics and services
  Federal aviation regulations
  Airplane aerodynamics, instruments, and systems
  Flight Performance & Planning
  While the FAA does publish a list of sample questions, the goal is NOT for individuals to memorize answers to specific questions. Instead, they should focus on mastering fundamental aviation concepts that will help them become and stay a safe, competent pilot.

• When and Where Can the FAA Private Pilot Airman Knowledge Exam be Taken?

  According to the FAA, student pilots should take their written exam after completing a solo cross-country flight. This is because the knowledge gained from such an undertaking will be invaluable during the exam itself. Applicants must also have logged ground training from an authorized flight instructor. For specific test preparation requirements, individuals are encouraged to work closely with their certified flight instructor (CFI) and refer to the Code of Federal Regulations, 14 CFR part 61, section 61.105.
  The FAA Private Pilot Airman Knowledge Exam is given at FAA-approved and designated computer testing centers. All prerequisite requirements must be completed prior to registering for the exam at a local testing site.

• How Can Aviation Students Prepare for the Written Exam?

  As with any major exam, students are strongly encouraged to utilize online or printed resources to prepare for the test itself. The Federal Aviation Administration has a variety of online resources regarding airman testing requirements and standards as well as sample questions to give students an idea of what to expect. There are also a variety of software programs and printed resources available from private companies that can aid in test preparation.

• What Does Passing the FAA Private Pilot Airman Knowledge Exam Mean?

  Passing the exam is indicated by receiving a score of 70% or greater. Regardless of whether students pass or fail, test takers are provided an airman knowledge test report from the testing center. This report will indicate the overall score as well as topic areas where the student needs additional work. Retesting at a later date is allowed for people who fail the FAA Private Pilot Airman Knowledge Exam.
  Passing the written exam indicates that the student has demonstrated sufficient knowledge of the test topics given and they can proceed with additional flight training.
  When a student’s CFI deems it appropriate and the student has met the requirements for logged flight time, they can then take the practical exam which will be administered by a local Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE).

• How old do I have to be to take the recreational pilot or private pilot written test?

  At least 15 years old. If you want to pilot a balloon or glider, you must be at least 14 years old. Before taking the knowledge test, you may have to show proof of age, such as a birth certificate.

• How should I prepare for the knowledge test?

  You should study the materials identified by your flight instructor or included in a home-study course. For the recreational pilot test, the materials are based on section 61.97 of FAA's rules. For the private pilot test, the materials are based on section 61.105 of FAA's rules.

• What document or documents must I present before taking a knowledge test?

  You have to present identification that includes your photograph, signature, and home address. Any one of the following:
  A certificate of graduation from a pilot training course conducted by an FAA-approved pilot school, or a statement of accomplishment from the school certifying the satisfactory completion of the ground-school portion of such a course
  A written statement from an FAA-certified ground or flight instructor, certifying that you have satisfactorily completed the required ground instruction
  Logbook entries by an FAA-certified ground or flight instructor, certifying satisfactory completion of the required ground instruction
  A certificate of graduation or statement of accomplishment from a ground school course conducted by an agency such as a high school, college, adult education program, the Civil Air Patrol, or an ROTC Flight Training Program
  A certificate of graduation from a home-study course developed by the aeronautical enterprise providing the study material
  If you have to take the test over again, you must present either the unsatisfactory AC Form 8080-2, Airman Written Test Report, or an airman computer test report (if the test was taken at an FAA-designated computer testing center).

• If I fail the knowledge test, is there any way to determine the areas in which I need additional work so I can study for a retest?

  Yes. You will receive either AC Form 8080-2, Airman Written Test Report, or an airman computer test report (if the test was taken at an FAA-designated computer testing center). The test report will contain your test score and will also list the subject matter codes for the knowledge areas in which you were found deficient. An outline of the subject matter codes is located in the appendix of each written test book. You may refer to the appropriate written test book to determine the areas in which further study is needed.

• If I pass the knowledge test, will I receive the same information concerning weak areas as I would if I failed the test?

  Yes. (Refer to the previous answer.)

• How long is a satisfactorily completed knowledge test valid?

  A satisfactorily completed knowledge test expires 24 calendar-months after the month it was taken. If a practical test is not satisfactorily completed during that period, another knowledge test must be taken.

• Will my instructor review the areas in which the test report showed I was deficient?

  Yes. Your instructor must review the areas in which you were deficient and must endorse the written test report or provide a written endorsement indicating this review has been completed.

• Any other questions?

  Give a call!
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Our Redbird Simulator

Make the most of your time with our FAA approved Redbird LD Advanced Aviation Training Device!

Complex Training Available

The complex endorsement is relatively easy to obtain, yet affords a pilot the ability to fly a wider range of aircraft. A complex aircraft is defined as any aircraft that possesses flaps, retractable landing gear and controllable speed propeller(s)

The Piper Arrow

Designed to be an easy step up for pilots transitioning from a trainer to a single with retractable landing gear and controllable-pitch propeller, the Arrow has enough power to keep the scenery going by at a satisfying pace, yet not enough to get you into trouble.