Introduction to Flying

active pilots. It allows command of any aircraft (subject to appropriate ratings) for any noncommercial purpose and gives almost unlimited authority to fly under VFR. Passengers may be carried and flight in furtherance of a business is permitted; however, a private pilot may not be compensated in any way for services as a pilot, although passengers can pay a pro rata share of flight expenses, such as fuel or rental costs. If training under 14 CFR part 61, experience requirements include at least 40 hours of piloting time, including 20 hours of flight with an instructor and 10 hours of solo flight. [Figure 1-22] Figure 1-23. A complex aircraft. Commercial Pilot A commercial pilot may be compensated for flying. Training and understand the English language, and be “of good moral for the certificate focuses on a better understanding of standing.” A pilot may obtain an ATP certificate with restricted aircraft systems and a higher standard of airmanship. The privileges enabling him/her to serve as an SIC in scheduled Commercial Pilot Certificate itself does not allow a pilot airline operations. The minimum pilot experience is reduced to fly in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and based upon specific academic and flight training experience. commercial pilots without an instrument rating are restricted The minimum age to be eligible is 21 years. [Figure 1-24] to daytime flight within 50 NM when flying for hire. Selecting a Flight School A commercial airplane pilot must be able to operate Selecting a flight school is an important consideration in a complex airplane, as a specific number of hours of the flight training process. FAA-approved training centers, complex (or turbine-powered) aircraft time are among FAA-approved pilot schools, noncertificated flying schools, the prerequisites, and at least a portion of the practical and independent flight instructors conduct flight training in examination is performed in a complex aircraft. A complex the United States. All flight training is conducted under the aircraft must have retractable landing gear, movable flaps, auspices of the FAA following the regulations outlined in and a controllable-pitch propeller. See 14 CFR part 61, 14 CFR parts 142, 141, or 61. Training centers, also referred section 61.31(e) for additional information. [Figure 1-23] to as flight academies, operate under 14 CFR part 142 and are certificated by the FAA. Application for certification Airline Transport Pilot is voluntary and the training center must meet stringent The airline transport pilot (ATP) is tested to the highest level requirements for personnel, equipment, maintenance, of piloting ability. The ATP certificate is a prerequisite for facilities, and must teach a curriculum approved by the serving as a PIC and second in command (SIC) of scheduled FAA. Training centers typically utilize a number of flight airline operations. It is also a prerequisite for serving as a PIC simulation training devices as part of its curricula. Flight in select charter and fractional operations. The minimum pilot training conducted at a training center is primarily done experience is 1,500 hours of flight time. In addition, the pilot under contract to airlines and other commercial operators must be at least 23 years of age, be able to read, write, speak, in transport or turbine aircraft, however many also provide Figure 1-22. A typical aircraft a private pilot might fly. Figure 1-24. Type of aircraft flown by an airline transport pilot. 1-18