| The Federal Aviation Administration has strict | | | | reading this article in its original form, you probably |
| requirements for obtaining a private pilot license. You | | | | already meet the next requirement. You must be able |
| must be at least 17 years old unless you want your | | | | to read, speak and understand the English language. |
| license to be restricted to free balloons and gliders. In | | | | Around the world English is used at airports and by |
| that case, you can get one a year earlier. You must | | | | control towers. |
| also have at least a current third-class medical | | | | Finally there are a few flying related requirements. You |
| certificate with a less restrictive requirement for the | | | | have to pass the FAA private pilot airmen knowledge |
| free balloon and glider pilots. You can get your medical | | | | written test. Ground school will prepare you for that in |
| certificate for a FAA-authorized aviation medical | | | | addition to many other tools available such as books, |
| examiner. The FAA directory lists about 6000 | | | | practice test software, and videos. To get your private |
| examiners around the country. | | | | pilot license you have to log at least 40 hours of flight |
| You should get your medical certificate before you | | | | which must include at least 20 hours of flight with an |
| take any lessons. Just imagine your disappointment if | | | | FAA-authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight. If |
| you were to go through flight school only to discover | | | | you expect to be certified for night flying, you have to |
| that you have a medical condition which will prevent | | | | log a minimum of three hours at night with a flight |
| you from piloting an aircraft. Not to mention the cost | | | | instructor which have to include at least 10 takeoffs |
| involved in getting a private pilot license. If you are | | | | and landings. |