Learning to Fly

Before you solo, you'll need at least a Third Class medical certificate from an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). The exam covers vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, and general fitness. Most people pass without issues. An alternative is BasicMed, which allows you to use a regular doctor after your first FAA medical.

• Third Class Medical: valid 60 months if under 40, 24 months if 40+
• BasicMed: use after one successful FAA medical, renew every 48 months with any physician
• Sport Pilot option: no medical required (valid driver's license instead)
• Pro tip: get your medical BEFORE spending money on lessons so there are no surprises

Ground school is where you learn the theory of flight: aerodynamics, weather, navigation, airspace, regulations, and aircraft systems. You can take ground school in-person at a flight school, online at your own pace, or study independently using FAA handbooks. You'll need to pass the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test (PAR) — a 60-question multiple-choice exam — before your checkride.

This is the hands-on part. You'll fly with a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) learning maneuvers, landings, emergency procedures, and navigation. When your instructor determines you're ready, you'll solo — fly the airplane by yourself for the first time. After solo, you'll build experience with cross-country flights and night flying.

FAA minimum requirements (14 CFR 61.109):

• 40 hours total flight time (national average is 60-75 hours)
• 20 hours dual instruction with a CFI
• 10 hours solo flight time
• 3 hours night flying with 10 night takeoffs/landings
• 3 hours instrument training (by reference to instruments)
• 5 hours solo cross-country, including one 150 NM flight with 3 landings

The checkride is a two-part exam with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE): an oral knowledge test (1-2 hours) and a practical flight test (1-2 hours). Your CFI will sign you off when you're ready. The DPE will test your knowledge of regulations, weather, cross-country planning, and aircraft systems, then evaluate your flying skills including takeoffs, landings, maneuvers, and emergency procedures.

• Study the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) — it's exactly what the DPE will test
• Plan a cross-country flight (the DPE will assign the destination)
• Bring all required documents: logbook, knowledge test results, medical, IACRA application, aircraft documents (AROW)
• DPE fees typically range from $700-$1,000 in Colorado

Congratulations, you're a pilot! But the learning doesn't stop here. Most pilots continue building skills and ratings. Here's what comes next:

• Instrument Rating (IR) — Fly in clouds and low visibility. Highly recommended, especially in Colorado.
• Commercial Pilot (CPL) — Get paid to fly. Requires 250 hours total time.
• Multi-Engine Rating — Fly twin-engine aircraft. A weekend add-on rating.
• Flight Instructor (CFI) — Teach others to fly — the most common way to build hours.
• Mountain Flying — Essential for Colorado pilots. Check out CPA's Mountain Flying Ground School.
• Tailwheel / Aerobatics / Glider / Seaplane — Fun add-on ratings that make you a better stick-and-rudder pilot.