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STUDENT PILOT GUIDE
2006 (Change 1, February 2016)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
Flight Standards Service
MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Sport Pilot, Recreational Pilot, and Private Pilot Practical Tests

1. Q: Prior to taking the practical test, what aeronautical experience must I have?
A: The specific aeronautical experience requirements are outlined in 14 CFR part 61.
(1) 14 CFR 61, subpart J, section 313 for the sport pilot certificate requirements.
(2) 14 CFR part 61, subpart D, section 99 for the recreational pilot certificate requirements.
(3) 14 CFR part 61, subpart E, section 109 for the private pilot certificate requirements.

2. Q: Must I provide the aircraft for my practical test?
A: Yes. An applicant must provide an airworthy aircraft with equipment relevant to the Areas of Operation required for the practical test.

3. Q: What papers and documents must I present prior to my practical test?
A: The applicant will be asked to present:
(1) FAA Form 8710-1(8710.11 for sport pilot applicants), Application for an Airman Certificate and/or Rating, with the flight instructor 's recommendation;
(2) an Airman Test Report with a satisfactory grade;
(3) a medical certificate (not required for glider or balloon), and a student pilot certificate (Driver's license or medical certificate for sport pilot applicants);
(4) the pilot log book records endorsed for solo, solo cross-country (airplane and rotorcraft) and for the make and model aircraft to be used for the practical test ; and
(5) a graduation certificate from an FAA-approved school (if applicable). The applicant will be asked to produce and explain the:
(1) aircraft's registration certificate;
(2) aircraft's airworthiness certificate;
(3) aircraft's operating limitations or FAA-approved aircraft flight manual (if required);
(4) aircraft equipment list;
(5) required weight and balance data;
(6) maintenance records; and
(7) applicable Airworthiness Directives.

4. Q: What pilot maneuvers are required on the practical test, and how will my performance of these operations be evaluated?
A: If a detailed explanation of the required pilot maneuvers and performance standards is desired, refer to either the sport pilot, recreational pilot, or private pilot practical test standards. The practical test standards may be downloaded free of charge from the Airman Testing website.


5. Q: What is the minimum age requirement for a sport pilot certificate, recreational pilot certificate, or private pilot certificate?

A: An applicant must be seventeen years of age. Although, applicants for the private pilot glider or free balloon rating may be 16 years of age.


6. Q: When can I take the sport pilot, recreational pilot, or private pilot practical test?

A: 14 CFR part 61 establishes the ground school and flight experience requirements for the recreational pilot certificate and private pilot certificate. However, your flight instructor can best determine when your qualified for the practical test. Your instructor should take you through a practice practical test.


7. Q: Where can I take the practical test?

A: Due to the varied responsibilities of the FSDOs, practical tests are given by pilot examiners designated by FSDOs. You should schedule your practical test by an appointment to avoid conflicts and wasted time. A list of examiner names can be obtained from your local FSDO.


8. Q: Is there any charge for taking the practical test?

A: Since an FAA-Designated Pilot Examiner serves without pay from the government for conducting practical tests and processing the necessary reports, the FAA-Designated Pilot Examiner is allowed to charge a reasonable fee. However, there is no charge for the practical test when conducted by an FAA Inspector.


9. Q: May I exercise the privileges of my pilot certificate immediately after passing my practical test or must I wait until I receive the actual pilot certificate?

A: Yes. After satisfactory completion of the private pilot practical test, the examiner will issue you a temporary airman certificate. This is a valid certificate that authorizes you to exercise the privileges of a private pilot with appropriate ratings and/or limitations. This is an interim certificate issued subject to the approval of the Federal Aviation Administration pending the issuance of your permanent certificate. You normally will receive your permanent certificate within 120 days.


10. Q: Is there a charge for the pilot certificate?

A: No. There is no charge for any original certificate issued by the FAA: However, fees will be charged by the FAA-Authorized Aviation Medical Examiner for the medical examination and by the FAA-Designated Pilot Examiner for conducting the practical test. The FAA does charge to replace any pilot or medical certificate.




<< PAGE 11 - PAGE 12 (last page)
  
Table of Contents - Back to introduction
   
Forward

Role of the FAA
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO)

   
 
Page 3 Choosing a Flight School
   
 
The Role of the Instructor
What Flight Training Requires
Instructor and Student Relationship
   
 
Medical Requirements
   
 
Knowledge Tests
Preparing to Study for the Knowledge Test
Study Materials
Suggested Study Materials
How to Obtain Study Materials
How to Study for the Knowledge Test
Study Habits
   
 

     
   
 
When to Take the Knowledge Test
Where to Take the Knowledge Test
The Knowledge Test Content and Format
Practical Test Standards
   
 
   
 
   
 
Most Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
   
 
Student Pilot Flight Training
   
 
Student Pilot Requirements: Medical and Student Pilot Certificates
   
 
Sport Pilot, Recreational Pilot, and Private Pilot Knowledge Tests
   
 
Sport Pilot, Recreational Pilot, and Private Pilot Practical Tests