The Steps to Becoming a Private Pilot

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.

Simulation Software in the Aerospace Industry

An aspiring pilot who has volunteered in numerous community services, John Wathen IV holds a bachelor of science in aerospace engineering. John Moss Wathen IV also has experience working with a range of simulation applications for the aerospace industry.

Aerospace manufacturers and their original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have huge problems in designing, testing, and manufacturing products on time and budget. They are tasked with developing products of extreme technical complexity that must also meet the most stringent safety and performance standards. To put it another way, there is no room for error. To accomplish this, aerospace engineers use advanced simulation tools.

Engineers utilize simulation software to examine and analyze some of the most complicated design issues. When modeling huge, complex, dynamic systems that are critical to missions, simulation tools must be precise and dependable. Composite modeling, failure analysis, vibration analysis, weight reduction, and materials management are examples of simulation tool applications. Engineers also use these programs to simulate aircraft flight maneuvers and evaluate kinematics.

G-Force and Acceleration in Aircraft

John Moss Wathen IV holds a degree in aerospace engineering from Pennsylvania State University. A member of a senior capstone team that designed an unmanned model aircraft, John Wathen IV has a strong interest in aviation.

One of the key components in flight is overcoming the force of gravity. Acceleration in flight is described in terms of “G” or units of force that exceed the force of gravity (1 G). Some military fighter jets reach acceleration in the 9 G range when engaged in a steep turn at high speed.

The effect of Gs on pilots reflects three basic types of acceleration: linear, radial, and angular. Linear acceleration, notated as Gx, is a speed change in a straight line, such as take-off or landing.

Radial acceleration (Gy) reflects a change of direction, such as a sharp turn or pushing into or pulling out of a dive. Aerobatic pilots often encounter radial acceleration.

Pilots encounter angular acceleration (Gz) during climbing turns and spins that apply gravitational force to the body’s vertical axis.

With humans adapted to 1 G life on the earth’s surface, maneuvers that expose pilots to significant acceleration forces can be hazardous. In extreme cases, typically involving Gz forces, the cardiovascular system may not respond fast enough to maintain blood flow to the brain. Unconsciousness can result. For this reason, understanding the safe acceleration thresholds is essential in piloting high-performance aircraft.