Recreational Pilot Course

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the Federal Aviation Regulations, are provided here for your reference. To review most FAQ's about getting started in flying, this link is provided to the FAA site for your convenience. The information is based on FAA's rules, but is in a simplified form. You can read the FAA rules on pilot certification in Part 61 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

RECREATIONAL PILOT CERTIFICATION COURSE

FOR CERTIFICATION TO FLY SMALL, SINGLE ENGINE, FIXED GEAR AIRPLANES WITH LESS THAN 180 HP AND NO MORE THAN 4 SEATS.

PRIVILEGES AND LIMITATIONS:

1. A person who holds a recreational pilot certificate may:

a. Carry no more than one passenger; and

b. Not pay less than the pro rata share of the operating expenses of a flight with a passenger, provided the expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenses, or aircraft rental fees.

2. A person who holds a recreational pilot certificate may act as pilot in command of an aircraft on a flight within 50 nautical miles from the departure airport, provided that person has:

a. Received ground and flight training for takeoff, departure, arrival, and landing procedures at the departure airport;

b. Received ground and flight training for the area, terrain, and aids to navigation that are in the vicinity of the departure airport;

c. Been found proficient to operate the aircraft at the departure airport and the area within 50 nautical miles from that airport; and

d. Received from an authorized instructor a logbook endorsement, which is carried in the person's possession in the aircraft, that permits flight within 50 nautical miles from the departure airport.

3. A person who holds a recreational pilot certificate may act as pilot in command of an aircraft on a flight that exceeds 50 nautical miles from the departure airport, provided that person has:

a. Received ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on the cross-country training requirements that apply to the aircraft rating held;

b. Been found proficient in cross-country flying; and

c. Received from an authorized instructor a logbook endorsement, which is carried in the person's possession in the aircraft, that certifies the person has received and been found proficient in the cross-country training that apply to the aircraft rating held.

4. A person who holds a recreational pilot certificate may act as pilot in command of an aircraft in Class B, C, and D airspace, at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace, and to, from, through, or at an airport having an operational control tower, provided that person has:

a. Received and logged ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on the following aeronautical knowledge areas and areas of operation, as appropriate to the aircraft rating held:

1. The use of radios, communications, navigation system and facilities, and radar services.

2. Operations at airports with an operating control tower to include three takeoffs and landings to a full stop, with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern at an airport with an operating control tower.

3. Applicable flight rules for operations in Class B, C, and D airspace and air traffic control clearances.

b. Been found proficient in those aeronautical knowledge areas and areas of operation specified in paragraph (4)(a) of this section; and

c. Received from an authorized instructor a logbook endorsement, which is carried on the person's possession or readily accessible in the aircraft, that certifies the person has received and been found proficient in those aeronautical knowledge areas and areas of operation specified in paragraph (4)(a) of this section.

5. A recreational pilot may not act as pilot in command of an aircraft:

a. That is certificated:

1. For more than four occupants;

2. With more than one powerplant;

3. With a powerplant of more than 180 horsepower, except aircraft certificated in the rotorcraft category; or

4. With retractable landing gear;

b. That is classified as a multiengine airplane, powered-lift, glider, airship, balloon, powered parachute, or weight-shift-control aircraft;

c. That is carrying a passenger or property for compensation or hire;

d. For compensation or hire;

e. In furtherance of a business;

f. Between sunset and sunrise;

g. In Class A, B, C, and D airspace, at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace, or to, from, through, or at an airport having an operational control tower; (unless the requirements of paragraph (4) have been met);

h. At an altitude of more than 10,000 feet MSL or 2,000 feet AGL, whichever is higher;

i. When the flight or surface visibility is less than 3 statute miles;

j. Without visual reference to the surface;

k. On a flight outside the United States;

l. To demonstrate that aircraft in flight as an aircraft salesperson to a prospective buyer;

m. That is used in a passenger-carrying airlift and sponsored by a charitable organization; and

n. That is towing any object.

6. A recreational pilot may not act as a pilot flight crewmember on any aircraft for which more than one pilot is required by the type certificate of the aircraft or the regulations under which the flight is conducted,

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Be at least 17 years of age.

2. Be able to read, speak, write, & understand the English language.

3. Obtain at least a current third-class medical certificate.

4. Pass a knowledge and practical test.

AERONAUTICAL KNOWLEDGE:

1. Applicable Federal Aviation Regulations of this chapter that relate to recreational pilot privileges, limitations, and flight operations;

2. Accident reporting requirements of the National Transportation Safety Board;

3. Use of the applicable portions of the Aeronautical Information Manual and FAA advisory circulars;

4. Use of aeronautical charts for VFR navigation using pilotage with the aid of a magnetic compass;

5. Recognition of critical weather situations from the ground and in flight, windshear avoidance and the procurement and use of aeronautical weather reports and forecasts;

6. Safe and efficient operation of aircraft, including collision avoidance, and recognition and avoidance of wake turbulence;

7. Effects of density altitude on takeoff and climb performance;

8. Weight and balance computations;

9. Principles of aerodynamics, powerplants and aircraft systems;

10. Stall awareness, spin entry, spins and spin recovery techniques for the airplane;

11. Aeronautical decision making and judgment; and

12. Preflight action that includes-

a. How to obtain information on runway lengths at airports of intended use, data on takeoff and landing distances, weather reports and forecasts and fuel requirements; and

b. How to plan for alternatives if the planned flight cannot be completed or delays are encountered.

AERONAUTICAL EXPERIENCE: 30 hours minimum to include 15 hours flight instruction and 3 solo training in the following maneuvers and procedures:

1. Preflight planning to include power plant operation and aircraft systems;

2. Preflight procedures including start-up, taxiing operations and run-ups;

3. Airport operations;

4. Take offs, landings, and go-arounds;

5. Performance maneuvers;

6. Ground reference manuevers;

7. Navigation procedures;

8. Slow Flight and Stalls;

9. Emergency operations; and

10. Post-flight procedures.

COST:
AIRCRAFT BE C23
30 Hours @ $147.00 (tax and fuel included)= $ 4410.00

INSTRUCTOR
15 hours @ $50.00 = $ 750.00

PRE and POST GROUND SCHOOL
20 hours @ $30.00 = $ 600.00

TRAINING MATERIALS
$ 10.50

MINIMUM TOTAL COST: $ 5770.50 not guaranteed