Introduction to Flight

References usedPilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge

(PHAK)FAA-H-8083-25A, Chapter 1

Available Online for Free at: http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aviation/pilot_handbook/

Or you can buy a printed copy at Amazon.com (less than $20)

Some local book stores also have copies for a little more $$$

Types of Pilot Certs.Type Hours

RequiredRestrictions Medical Rqmts.

Sport 20 <10,000ft, Sport aircraft only, one pax, and night

Drivers License

Recreational 30 Limited to within 50 miles, no night, 4 passengers

Third

Private (PVT) 40 VFR, not for hire Third

Commercial (COM)

250 Distance limited and day VFR only if no Instrument Rating

Second

Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)

1,500 None… First

A few ratings (add-ons)

Rating Privileges

Instrument (IR) Can fly in weather lower than VFR (clouds)

High Performance 201+ Horsepower

Complex Retractable wheels, constant speed prop etc.

Tailwheel Conventional gear aircraft

High Altitude 25,000 ft+

Pressurized Fly a pressurized aircraft

FAA Nitty GrittyHeadquarters: Washington, DC

FSS (Flight Standards Service): Airmen certification, inspection, surveillance , investigation & enforcement in addition to being responsible for setting regulations and standards

FSDO: (130 of them) provide information and services for the aviation community. FSDO is the “mediator” between the FSS and “normal people”

FAA Safety Team (FAAST): Safety Program that can earn you insurance discounts, count towards a BFR and more! www.faasafety.gov

the dreaded FAR/ AIMFederal Aviation Regulations (FAR)Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)

Basic Flight Information and ATC Procedures

Methods to the MadnessType Part Series

Private Pilot < 61.100

Instrument 61.65 (a, b, c…etc)

Commercial 120

ATP 150

Flight Instructor 180

Ground Instructors 210

Sport Pilots 300

CFI-Sport 400

4 important parts…3’s eligibility 5’s aeronautical knowledge (ground)7’s flight proficiency 9’s experience requirements

FAA Handbooks Handbooks include:

Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical KnowledgeAirplane Flying HandbookAviation Instructors HandbookInstrument Flying HandbookInstrument Procedures Handbooketc…

Available Free Online: http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aviation/

A/C’s (Advisory Circulars)Written in “plain

English” for regulation compliance

Standardize implementation of the regulation

Resolve general misunderstanding

Expand on standards needed to promote aviation safety

Available for free online at: http://rgl.faa.gov/AC (DO NOT PUT “www”)

Flight Publications

NOTAMS NOtices To AirMen

Time critical aeronautical information that are essential to the safety of flightOften temporary or not known in time for

publication in charts etc

more NOTAM stuffNOTAM (D) Distant

Information regarding all navigational facilities and things like taxiway closures, things blocking runways (personnel, equipment etc), airport lighting aids like the VASI (non IFR) etc.

FDC NOTAMSAmendments to charts, Instrument Approach

Procedures, (IAP’s) Advertise Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) for

things like large scale public events, natural disaster areas etc.

Guides on how to read a NOTAM and a list of the most current NOTAMS is available online at: http://notams.aim.faa.gov/fnsstart/

P T SProvides a complete list of

what’s required of an applicant

Areas of Operation and Knowledge areas that must be demonstrated

Includes all applicable tolerances

Available for free online at: http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/airmen/test_standards/

Student Pilot Cert.Required to Solo

Acts as a “first license” that has certain restrictions

Can be given by a DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner), FAA Inspector or AME (Aviation Medical Examiner)

Can be given in combination with a medical certificate (see next slide)

medical certificate1st Class: required for ATP (Airline Transport

Pilots2nd Class: required for Commercial Pilots3rd Class: required for Private Pilots and

CFI’sNo Class: Recreational and Sport Pilots

medical duration Under 40 Over 40

1st Class 1 Year, then 3rd class to 5 years (60 months)

6 months 1st, then 2nd class for another 6 months, then 3d class for a year (total validity for 2 years)

2nd Class 1 Year, then 3rd class to 5 years (60 months)

1 year (12 months), then 3rd class for another year (total of 2 years of validity)

3rd Class 5 years (60 months) 2 years (24 months)

Note that Medical Certificates are good until the last day of the expiring month.

You can now pre-fill all required paperwork online at: https://medxpress.faa.gov/