First Solo
As you progress, you will reach a pinnacle in your training called "The First Solo" where you make three takeoffs and three landings by yourself in the airplane. This marks a point in your training where you will begin flying carefully supervised flights alone. A certain portion of your flight requirement (10 hours) is solo, and this milestone marks the beginning of this phase of training.
Following an ancient aviation tradition, you will have the back of your shirt cut off at the completion of your first solo flight. This tradition began when training was done in a Piper Cub where the seating configuration was tandem style (one in front of another rather than today's side-by-side seating). Historically, there was no radio equipment in the plane, and instructors would tug on the back of their student's shirt if they were performing a maneuver incorrectly. The symbolic cutting of the shirt tail pays tribute to the old days when the student was capable of flying safely by themselves and the instructor no longer needed to pull on their shirt!
FAA Knowledge Test
To complete your training, you will be required to take a computer based exam consisting of 60 questions. The questions are selected at random from a bank of 2000 and the test is administered at a certified testing facility. There are several ways to prepare for the written exam... you can study the materials on your own or with your instructor. The Cessna Pilot Kit includes CD-ROMs which aid in preparation for the exam. These cover the material on the computer based exam.
The Check Ride
Your CFI will prepare you for your checkride from day one by providing the information you need to learn to fly safely, correctly, and legally. Your "checkride" is a final exam taken with an FAA Designated Examiner who determines your eligibility for a pilot's license. The checkride consists of an oral and practical examination. The oral takes place first. The examiner will ask you questions at random. After you successfully complete the oral portion, you will fly with the examiner in an airplane. The examiner will ask you to perform different maneuvers and tasks which are specified by the FAA for a Private Pilot's Certificate. Your pilot's license will be issued to you after successful completion of this testing.
Your Pilots' License allows you to operate a single engine land-based airplane of certain performance specifications in VFR (visual flight rules) conditions. You are permitted to carry passengers and fly virtually anywhere.
What's Next?
The Pilot's License is a huge accomplishment! Less than 1% of the population is a licensed pilot! For many, the Private License is just the beginning. A whole world of options follows this accomplishment. Many pilots pursue other ratings which permits a greater spectrum of flight privileges.
Instrument Rating: Permits licensee to fly in regulated visibility conditions under the direction of air traffic control. This rating also polishes flying skills.
Commercial Rating: Teaches the standards that lead you into the professional avenues of flying. This rating allows you to earn money as a (fly to hire) pilot.
Multi-Engine Rating: Allows licensee to fly airplanes with more than one engine.
Certified Flight Instructor: Enables you to join the ranks as a flight educator. CFI's are responsible for passing their professional knowledge and expertise on to future pilots.
ATP: The highest and most professional rating a pilot can achieve. The skills and knowledge associated with this rating rank the licensee among airline and corporate professional pilots. More....