John Moss Wathen IV earned a bachelor of science in aerospace engineering from Pennsylvania State University. With a keen interest in aviation and piloting, John Wathen IV is familiar with the steps needed to become a pilot in the United States.
There are several different pilot certifications to obtain in the US, with one of the more common ones being a private pilot certification. This type of certification will allow the holder to fly small personal aircraft throughout US airspace. Anyone looking to obtain a private pilot certificate must be at least 17 years of age, have working knowledge of written and spoken English, and pass a number of assessments.
It starts by obtaining a student pilot and medical certificate, which can be earned simultaneously. The student must make an appointment to get the required medical examination with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). The AME will perform a physical exam of the applicant, and if all is well, issue the applicant a medical certificate. There are three types of medical: First, Second, and Third class. Each has a specific purpose and duration between physicals. In order for the individual to obtain there Student Pilot Certificate, they must submit an application to the FAA via a website typically known as IACRA (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application). The FAA will process the application and send the student a permanent, plastic card Student Pilot Certificate in the mail. In the meantime, the student pilot will be able to print out a temporary Student Pilot Certificate.
The next step is for the student to find a qualified flight instructor and prepare to take the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) written assessment. Once this assessment is completed, the student must spend at least 40 hours in the air. Twenty of these hours must be with an instructor, and at least 10 must be on solo flights.
When the student is ready for the final step of the process, they take the practical exam with an FAA-certified examiner. The practical exam can take two to six hours and consists of ground and air parts. If the examiner gives a passing grade, all left is to finish some paperwork and wait for the certificate in the mail.
