7 Steps to Learning to Fly


Why learn to fly? There are as many reasons as there are pilots. Some have always dreamed of owning their own airplane, some are pursuing a flying career, some recognize a light aircraft to be a useful business tool.

Whatever the specific reason, all pilots have one thing in common – the sheer excitement and love for life aloft.
 

1. Take a Discover Flight
Getting started is easy, simply book a Discover Flight and begin your adventure into the world of aviation. With your 1/2 hour Discovery Flight you receive a pre-flight briefing to prepare you for the flight, where you get the chance to take the controls and feel what it feels like to fly.

2. Start your lessons with the Computer-Based Instruction Kit
Leading Edge Aviation has teamed up with Cessna to offer you a CD-ROM education package.  Using multimedia that lets you interact with flight training gets you started on the road to learn faster and gain insight before you get in an aircraft. Using audio and video clips the Computer Based Training program helps you feel like you are in flight, unlike a private pilot training course.  Using a CBI system allows you to study anywhere.

3. Get an aviation Medical Certificate
The FAA requires that all pilots have a medical certification from an approved Aviation Medical Examiner. To find a local AME log on to http://ame.cami.jccbi.gov

4. Make your first solo flight
Your first solo flight is the single most exciting thing that you will ever do!  Once you have completed the first part of your flight instruction and demonstrated your skills as a pilot to your instructor, it's time for you to really taste freedom.

5. Fine-tune your skills, build time and gain experience
Now that you are free to fly solo, you must practice, practice, practice. But what could be more fun that "having" to fly? After approximately 40 hours of total flight time, most students are ready to begin their testing for their private pilot certificate.

6. Take the written exam
The FAA administers a "written test" through our FAA approved Computer Assisted Testing Service (CATS) center.  This test confirms your level of knowledge and preparedness for a check ride. 

7. Take your check ride
All of your training and practice leads to this one flight.  Your aeronautical knowledge and skills are reviews by an FAA examiner to give you the green light to flight.  This is where you get to shine and make us all proud.

8. Take your family and friends for a ride.
You've now been licensed and trained, and your skills are such that you are able to take family and friends up into the wild blue yonder.  It's now your turn to experience the thrill of introducing the freedom of flight to others.