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Student Pilot Guide, 1994



                               AC 61-12M



                             STUDENT PILOT GUIDE

                                Revised 1994

         Comments regarding this publication should be directed to:

             Federal Aviation Administration
             Operations Standards Development Section, AFS-631
             P.O. Box 25082
             Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0082

                                  FOREWORD

           The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is charged by
      Congress with the promotion, encouragement, and development of
      civil aeronautics.  This guide seeks to encourage the development
      of civil aviation by providing guidance to novice pilots.

           The FAA invites you to join the ranks of general aviation
      pilots.  General aviation includes all civil aviation activities
      except those associated with airlines.  It is the largest and
      fastest growing segment of civil aviation.  This publication is
      intended to serve as a guide for prospective student pilots and
      for those already engaged in flight training.  It should answer
      most of the questions that you may have prior to or during pilot
      training.  This guide presents, in a "how to go about it"
      fashion, general procedures for obtaining Student, Recreational,
      and Private Pilot Certificates.

           In this guide there are many references to FAA Flight
      Standards District Offices FSDO's)  Through the FSDO's, contact
      is maintained between the FAA and the general aviation public.
      The FSDO is there to serve you, and FSDO locations are convenient
      to most people.  The FAA inspector in the FSDO is a
      professionally trained, competent pilot and flight instructor.
      The FAA inspector is prepared to advise and assist you toward
      reaching your goal as a pilot.

           We urge you to visit a FSDO and feel free to ask for advice
      on any matters relating to general aviation.

      Welcome aloft.

      William J. White
      Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service
   
                              TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                               Page
      QUESTIONS MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED * ......................    1

           General Questions .................................    1
           Student Pilot Requirements
                Medical and Student Pilot Certificates .......    2
           Student Pilot Training ............................    6

      PILOT TRAINING .........................................    9
           Where Pilot Training May Be Obtained ..............    9
           Choosing a Flight School ..........................   10
           The Role of the Instructor ........................   10
           What Flight Training Covers .......................   11

      THE RECREATIONAL PILOT AND PRIVATE PILOT KNOWLEDGE TESTS   13
           Questions And Answers .............................   13

      PREPARING TO STUDY FOR THE KNOWLEDGE TEST ..............   17
           How to Study ......................................   17
           When to Take the Test .............................   17
           Where to Take the Test ............................   18
           What the Test Items Are Like ......................   18

      RECREATIONAL PILOT AND PRIVATE PILOT PRACTICAL TESTS ...   19
           Questions and Answers .............................   19

      APPENDIX 1.  HOW TO OBTAIN STUDY MATERIALS .............    1

      * Based on Federal Aviation Regulation Part 61.

                       QUESTIONS MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED

           Surveys conducted at FSDO's, flight schools, and among
      flight instructors have shown that the following questions are
      typical of those most frequently asked by the person interested
      in becoming a student pilot.  If your question is not answered,
      we suggest that you contact the nearest FSDO.  The FSDO will be
      able to furnish current information regarding changes in
      procedures or revisions to regulations.

                              GENERAL QUESTIONS

         1.  Q. Is it difficult to fly an aircraft?
             A. No. It is not particularly difficult.  From the
                beginning you will do most of the actual flying
                (handling the controls of the aircraft).

         2.  Q. When may I begin to fly?
             A. Immediately.  However, you will need to apply for
                certain certificates, as described in this guide, in
                preparation for solo flight.

         3.  Q. Is there a set number of flight instructional hours I
                will receive before I solo?
             A. No.  The instructor will not allow you to solo until
                you have learned to perform certain maneuvers.  These
                maneuvers include safe takeoffs and landings.  You must
                be able to maintain positive control of the aircraft at
                all times and use good judgment.

         4.  Q. Is flying safe?
             A. Well-built and well-maintained aircraft flown by a
                competent and prudent pilot make flying as safe or
                safer than many other forms of transportation.

         5.  Q. If engine failure occurs, what will happen?
             A. Modern aircraft engines are very reliable and complete
                failure is a rare occurrence.  If the improbable does
                happen, however, you will not "fall out of the sky."
                Just do what the instructor had you practice during
                lessons; select a good landing area and land.

                         STUDENT PILOT REQUIREMENTS
                   MEDICAL AND STUDENT PILOT CERTIFICATES

         1.  Q. When do I need a medical certificate?
             A. You will need a medical certificate prior to solo
                flight if you are operating an airplane, helicopter,
                gyroplane, or airship.  Balloon or glider pilots may
                write a statement certifying that they have no known
                medical defect that would make them unable to pilot a
                balloon or glider.  It is suggested you obtain your
                medical certificate prior to beginning flight training.
                This will assure you are aware of any condition which
                could prevent you from obtaining a medical prior to
                making a financial investment in flight training.

         2.  Q. When do I need a Student Pilot Certificate?
             A. Prior to solo flight.

         3.  Q. If required, how do I get a medical certificate?
             A. By passing a physical examination administered by a
                doctor who is an FAA-authorized aviation medical
                examiner.
   
         4.  Q. How do I obtain a Student Pilot Certificate?
             A. Upon your request, a combination medical certificate
                and Student Pilot Certificate will be issued by an FAA-
                authorized aviation medical examiner upon the
                satisfactory completion of your physical examination.
                Student Pilot Certificates may be issued by an FAA
                inspector or an FAA-designated pilot examiner.
                Applicants who fail to meet certain requirements or who
                have physical disabilities which might limit, but not
                prevent, their acting as pilots, should contact the
                nearest FSDO.

         5.  Q. What are the requirements for a Student Pilot
                Certificate?
             A. To be eligible for a Student Pilot Certificate, a
                person must:

                (1) be at least 16 years of age.  If the certificate is
                limited to the operation of a glider or balloon,
                the applicant must be at least 14 years of age;

                (2) be able to read, speak, and understand the English
                    language;

                (3) hold at least a current Third-Class Medical
                    Certificate or in the case of a glider or balloon,
                    certify that he or she has no known medical defect
                    that would make him or her unable to pilot a glider
                    or balloon.

         6.  Q. Where do I get my medical certificate?
             A. From any FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner.
                There are approximately 6,000 doctors who are FAA-
                authorized aviation medical examiners.

         7.  Q. Where can I get a list of FAA-authorized aviation
                medical examiners?
             A. The FAA publishes a directory which lists all FAA-
                authorized aviation medical examiners by name and
                address.  Copies of this directory are available at all
                FSDO's, air traffic control facilities, and flight
                service stations.  Airport managers and some aviation
                operators may also be able to supply this information.

         8.  Q. When required, what class of medical certificate must a
                student pilot have?
             A. Third-class, although any class will suffice.  Medical
                   certificates are designated as first-class,
                second-class, or third-class.  Generally, the
                first-class is designed for the airline transport
                pilot; the second-class for the commercial pilot; and
                the third-class for the student, recreational and
                private pilot.

         9.  Q. If I have a physical disability, is there any provision
                for obtaining a medical certificate?
             A. Yes.  Medical certificates can be issued in many cases
                where physical disabilities are involved.  Depending
                upon the certificate held and the nature of the
                disability, operating limitations may be imposed.  If
                you have any questions, contact an FAA-authorized
                aviation medical examiner prior to beginning flight
                training.

        10.  Q. How long are my Student Pilot Certificate and my
                medical certificate valid?
             A. The Student Pilot Certificate and Third-Class Medical
                Certificate will expire at the end of the 24th month
                after the month in which they were issued.

        11.  Q. May my Student Pilot Certificate be renewed?
             A. No, but a new Student Pilot Certificate may be issued
                by an:
                (1)  FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner, upon
                     completion of the required examination;
                (2)  FAA inspector or FAA-designated pilot examiner if
                     you already hold a valid medical certificate or if
                     you are not required to hold a medical
                     certificate.

        12.  Q. If my original Student Pilot Certificate has been
                endorsed for solo, do I lose this endorsement on my new
                certificate?
             A. The endorsements are still valid, but are not
                transferred to the new certificate.  Retain the old
                certificate as a record of these endorsements.

        13.  Q. Should my flight instructor endorse my Student Pilot
                Certificate before or after my first solo flight?
             A. The endorsement on the Student Pilot Certificate
                certifying that the holder is competent to solo must be
                made by the flight instructor prior to the first solo
                flight.

        14.  Q. If I solo in more than one make and model of aircraft,
                   must I have an endorsement for each on my Student Pilot
                Certificate?  If so, who should endorse the
                certificate?
             A. Yes.  A flight instructor must make this endorsement
                prior to the first solo flight in each make and model
                of aircraft.

        15.  Q. Does the endorsement to solo permit me to make solo
                cross-country flights?
             A. No.  The flight instructor must specifically endorse
                the Student Pilot Certificate to permit cross-country
                flights.

        16.  Q. Must I carry my Student Pilot Certificate on my person
                when I am piloting an aircraft in solo flight?
             A. Yes.

        17.  Q. Must I have my medical certificate or certified
                statement in my personal possession when I am piloting
                an aircraft in solo flight?
             A. Yes.

        18.  Q. Is there a charge for the Student Pilot Certificate?
             A. Not when the Student Pilot Certificate is issued by a
                FSDO.  However, an FAA-designated pilot examiner is
                allowed to charge a reasonable fee for issuing Student
                Pilot Certificates, and executing the necessary
                reports.  The FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner
                will charge a fee for the physical examination in
                connection with issuing the combination medical and
                Student Pilot Certificate.

                           STUDENT PILOT TRAINING

         1.  Q. Where can I obtain my ground and flight school
                training?
             A. Most airport operators can furnish this information, or
                you may contact the nearest FSDO.

         2.  Q. What should I know about the Federal Aviation
                Regulations (FAR's) prior to my first solo?
             A. The flight instructor will determine that you are
                familiar with appropriate portions of FAR Part 61 and
                the general and visual flight rules of FAR Part 91, and
                will administer and grade a presolo written test prior
                to solo endorsement.  The presolo written test will
                also include questions on the flight characteristics
                and operational limitations of the make and model
                   aircraft to be flown.

         3.  Q. What does an appropriate logbook endorsement for solo
                mean?
             A. It means an endorsement by an authorized flight
                instructor showing that on the date specified the
                student was given dual instruction and found competent
                to make solo flights.

         4.  Q. When is such an endorsement required?
             A. A student pilot must have such an endorsement dated
                within 90 days prior to any solo flight.

         5.  Q. What is the difference between a Recreational Pilot and
                a Private Pilot Certificate?
             A. The Recreational Pilot Certificate is more restrictive.
                The holder of a Recreational Pilot Certificate is only
                allowed to fly an aircraft within 50 nautical miles
                from the airport where instruction was received and is
                not allowed to operate in airspace where communications
                with air traffic control are required.  Since training
                in these areas would not be required, a person should
                be able to obtain a Recreational Pilot Certificate in
                fewer flight hours than required for a Private Pilot
                Certificate.  All privileges and limitations of the
                Recreational Pilot Certificate are listed in FAR
                Section 61.101.

         6.  Q. Does a student pilot automatically have the privilege
                of cross-country flying alone after soloing?
             A. No.  An instructor must have reviewed the pilot's
                preflight planning and preparation for solo
                cross-country flight to determine that the flight can
                be made safely under the known circumstances and
                conditions.  The instructor must also endorse the
                student pilot's logbook prior to cross-country flight
                stating the pilot is considered competent to make the
                flight.  Under certain conditions an instructor may
                authorize repeated solo flights over a given route.

         7.  Q. As a student pilot, am I permitted to carry passengers
                with me prior to receipt of my Recreational Pilot or
                Private Pilot Certificate?
             A. No.

         8.  Q. Must I have an FCC radiotelephone operator's permit to
                operate an aircraft radio transmitter?
             A. No.
   
         9.  Q. For the purpose of obtaining an additional certificate
                or rating, may the holder of a Recreational Pilot
                Certificate act as pilot in command on flights in
                excess of:
                (1)  the 50 nautical-mile limitation;
                (2)  between sunset and sunrise; and
                (3)  in airspace which requires communication with air
                     traffic control?
             A. Yes, provided an authorized flight instructor has given
                the recreational pilot the required instruction in
                these areas and endorsed the pilot's logbook for each
                flight.  The recreational pilot will be required to
                carry the logbook with the required endorsements on
                such flights.

         10. Q. How can the holder of a Recreational Pilot Certificate
                ensure that no inadvertent entry is made into airspace
                requiring communication with air traffic control?

             A. The recreational pilot must select readily identifiable
                landmarks that are well beyond the boundaries of the
                airspace requiring communication with air traffic
                control.  During training, instruction in
                identification of airspace requiring communication with
                air traffic control should be provided.

                               PILOT TRAINING
                    WHERE PILOT TRAINING MAY BE OBTAINED

           Most airports have facilities for pilot training conducted
      by flying schools or individual flight instructors.  A school
      will usually provide a wide variety of training aids, special
      facilities, and greater flexibility in scheduling.  A number of
      colleges and universities also provide pilot training as a part
      of their curricula.

           There are two types of schools.  One is normally referred to
      as an "FAA-approved school" and the other as a "non-approved
      school."  An FAA-approved school has been granted an Air Agency
      Certificate by the FAA.  The certificated FAA-approved schools
      may qualify for a ground school rating, a flying school rating,
      or both.  In addition, they may be authorized to give their
      graduates practical tests, knowledge tests, or both.

           Enrollment in an FAA-approved school usually ensures a high
      quality of training.  There is assurance in FAA-approved schools
      that prescribed standards have been met with respect to
         equipment, facilities, personnel, and curricula.  Many excellent
      pilot schools find it impractical to qualify for the FAA
      certificate and are referred to as non-approved schools.  One of
      the differences between FAA-approved schools and non-approved
      schools is that fewer flight hours are required to qualify for a
      pilot certificate in an FAA-approved school.  The requirement for
      a Private Pilot Certificate is 40 hours in a non-approved school
      and 35 hours in an approved school.  The national average
      indicates most people require 60 to 75 hours of training;
      therefore, this difference may be insignificant for a private
      pilot rating.

           AC 140-2, List of Certificated Pilot Schools, lists FAA-
      approved ground and flight schools and the pilot training courses
      each school offers.  For ordering information, see appendix 1.

           The FSDO will provide information on the location of pilot
      training facilities in your area.  A current file is maintained
      on all schools within each FSDO's district.

                          CHOOSING A FLIGHT SCHOOL

           Individuals must make their own decision on where to obtain
      flight training.  Once you have decided on a location, you might
      want to make a checklist of things to look for in a school.
      Talking to pilots and reading articles in flight magazines can
      help you in making your checklist and in the evaluation of a
      training facility.

           Your choice of a flight school might depend on whether you
      are planning on obtaining a recreational or private certificate
      or whether you intend to pursue a career as a professional pilot.
      Another consideration is whether you will train part or full
      time.

           Do not make the mistake of making your determination based
      on financial concerns alone.  The quality of training you receive
      is very important.  Prior to making a final decision, visit the
      school you are considering and talk with management, instructors,
      and students.  Evaluate the items on the checklist you developed
      and then take some time to think things over before making your
      decision.

           After you have decided where you will learn to fly and have
      made the necessary arrangements, you are ready to start your
      training.

           Ground and flight training should be obtained as regularly
         and frequently as possible.  This assures maximum retention of
      instruction and the achievement of requisite proficiency with the
      least expenditure of time and money.

                         THE ROLE OF THE INSTRUCTOR

           A pilot training program is dependent upon the quality of
      the ground and flight instruction received by the student pilot.
      An FAA-certificated instructor has an understanding of the
      learning process, a knowledge of the fundamentals of teaching,
      and the ability to communicate effectively with the student
      pilot.  During the certification process, a flight instructor
      applicant is tested on a practical application of these skills in
      specific teaching situations.  The knowledge and skills acquired
      from a specialist in pilot instruction will affect your entire
      flying career whether you plan to pursue it as a vocation or an
      avocation.

                         WHAT FLIGHT TRAINING COVERS

           A flight training course includes the ground and flight
      training necessary to teach the knowledge and skills required to
      safely and efficiently function as a certificated pilot.

           The specific knowledge and skill areas for each category of
      aircraft are outlined in the FAR's.  Refer to FAR Sections 61.96
      and 61.97 for the requirements of a Recreational Pilot
      Certificate.  Refer to FAR Sections 61.105 and 61.107 for the
      requirements of a Private Pilot Certificate.

                     THE RECREATIONAL PILOT AND PRIVATE PILOT
                               KNOWLEDGE TESTS

                            QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
         1.  Q. What is the minimum age requirement to take the
                Recreational Pilot or Private Pilot written test?
             A. An applicant must be at least 15 years of age (with the
                exception of the private pilot balloon or glider
                knowledge test).  Applicants for the balloon or glider
                test must be at least 14 years of age.  Prior to taking
                the knowledge test, an applicant may be asked to
                present a birth certificate or other official document
                as evidence of meeting the age requirement.

         2.  Q. How should I prepare for the knowledge test?
             A. To adequately prepare for the knowledge test, an
                applicant should refer to:
                (1)  FAR Section 61.97 (if preparing for the
                        recreational pilot knowledge test); or
                (2)  FAR Section 61.105 (if preparing for the private
                     pilot knowledge test).

                The regulation requires an applicant to have
                logged ground instruction from an authorized
                instructor, or to present evidence of having
                satisfactorily completed a course of instruction
                or home study course [A home-study course is a
                course of study in certain aeronautical subject
                areas organized by a pilot school, publisher,
                ground or flight instructor, or by the student.
                The applicant may develop a home-study course from
                material described in appropriate government or
                commercial publications.] in the knowledge areas
                appropriate to the category and class aircraft
                for which a rating is sought.

         3.  Q. What document or documents must I present prior to
                taking a knowledge test?
             A. An applicant for a knowledge test must present
                appropriate personal identification.  The
                identification must include a photograph of the
                applicant, the applicant's signature, and the
                applicant's actual residential address (if different
                from the mailing address).  This information may be
                presented in more than one form.  The applicant must
                also present one of the following:

                (1)  A certificate of graduation from a pilot training
                     course appropriate to the certificate or rating
                     sought conducted by an FAA-approved pilot school,
                     or a statement of accomplishment from the school
                     certifying to the satisfactory completion of the
                     ground-school portion of such a course.

                (2)  A written statement from an FAA-certificated
                     ground or flight instructor, certifying that the
                     applicant has satisfactorily completed the ground
                     instruction required for the certificate or rating
                     sought.

                (3)  Logbook entries certified by an FAA-certificated
                     ground or flight instructor, certifying
                     satisfactory completion of the ground instruction
                     required for the certificate or rating sought.

                (4)  A certificate of graduation or statement of
                        accomplishment from a ground school course
                     appropriate to the certificate or rating sought
                     conducted by an agency such as a high school,
                     college, adult education program, the Civil Air
                     Patrol, or an ROTC Flight Training Program.

                (5)  A certificate of graduation from a home-study
                     course must be developed by the aeronautical
                     enterprise providing the study material.  The
                     certificate of graduation must correspond to the
                     FAA knowledge test for the certificate or rating
                     sought.  The aeronautical enterprise providing the
                     course of study must also supply a comprehensive
                     knowledge test which can be scored as evidence
                     that the student has completed the course of
                     study.  When the student satisfactorily completes
                     the knowledge test, it is sent to the course
                     provider for scoring by an FAA-certificated ground
                     or flight instructor.  The instructor personally
                     evaluates the test and attests to the student's
                     knowledge of the subjects presented in the course.
                     Upon satisfactory completion, a graduation
                     certificate is sent to the student.

                (6)  Applicants who are unable to provide any of the
                     previously listed documents may have the home-
                     study course they completed reviewed by an FAA
                     inspector to assure they are competent to take the
                     desired knowledge test.  To assure an FAA
                     inspector will be available, it is desirable to
                     contact the local FSDO to secure an appointment.
                     The inspector will review your study material and
                     may question you on some of the material.  If you
                     are found qualified to take the test, the
                     inspector will issue FAA Form 8060-7, Airman's
                     Authorization for Written Test.  This form must be
                     presented when you take your knowledge
                     examination.

                (7)  In the event of retesting, the applicant must
                     present either the unsatisfactory AC Form 8080-2,
                     Airman Written Test Report, or an airman computer
                     test report (if the test was taken at an FAA-
                     designated computer testing center).

         4.  Q. If I fail the knowledge test, is there any way to
                determine the areas in which I need additional work so
                I can study for a retest?
                A. Yes.  You will receive either AC Form 8080-2, Airman
                Written Test Report, or an airman computer test report
                (if the test was taken at an FAA-designated computer
                testing center).  The test report will contain your
                test score and will also list the subject matter codes
                for the knowledge areas in which you were found
                deficient.  An outline of the subject matter codes is
                located in the appendix of each written test book.  You
                may refer to the appropriate written test book to
                determine the areas in which further study is needed.
                If you do not already have the appropriate written test
                book, appendix 1 contains information on how to
                purchase the book as well as other study material.

         5.  Q. If I pass the knowledge test, will I receive the same
                information concerning weak areas as I would if I
                failed the test?
             A. Yes.  (Refer to the previous answer.)

         6.  Q. How long is a satisfactorily completed knowledge test
                valid?
             A. A satisfactorily completed knowledge test expires at
                the end of the day of the 24th month after the month in
                which it was taken.  If a practical test is not
                satisfactorily completed during that period, another
                knowledge test must be taken.

         7.  Q. Will my instructor review the areas in which the test
                report showed I was deficient?
             A. Yes.  Your instructor is required to review the areas
                in which you were deficient and must endorse the
                written test report or provide a written endorsement
                indicating this review has been completed.

                         PREPARING TO STUDY FOR THE
                               KNOWLEDGE TEST

           There are textbooks and other sources of information which
      are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
      Government Printing Office, and the FAA.  Appendix 1 lists
      suggested study materials and explains how to obtain the
      material.  Commercial publishers also provide a source of study
      materials and these materials may be desirable, especially for
      aircraft categories where government materials are limited.

                                HOW TO STUDY

           The applicant should recognize the advantages of planning a
         definite study program and following it as closely as possible.
      Haphazard or disorganized study habits usually result in an
      unsatisfactory score on the knowledge test.

           The ideal study program would be to enroll in a formal
      ground school course.  This offers the advantages of a
      professional instructor as well as facilities and training aids
      designed for pilot instruction.  Many of these schools use
      audiovisual aids or programmed instruction materials to
      supplement classroom instruction.

           For the applicant who is unable to attend a ground school,
      the self-study method can be satisfactory, provided the proper
      study materials are obtained and a reasonable amount of time is
      devoted to study.  The applicant should establish realistic
      periodic goals and, equally important, a target date for
      completion.  Self-discipline is important because it is too easy
      to "put off" the study period for some other activity.

                            WHEN TO TAKE THE TEST

           Experience has shown that the knowledge test is more
      meaningful to the applicant, and is more likely to result in a
      satisfactory grade, if it is taken after beginning the flight
      portion of the training.  For optimum benefit, it is recommended
      that the knowledge test be taken after the student has completed
      a solo cross-country flight.  The operational knowledge gained by
      this experience can be used to advantage in the knowledge test.

                           WHERE TO TAKE THE TEST

           FAA-designated written test examiners and FAA-designated
      computer testing centers have been certificated to administer FAA
      knowledge tests.  Applicants will be charged reasonable fees for
      the administration of FAA knowledge tests.

           Contact the local FSDO to obtain information concerning an
      FAA-designated written test examiner or FAA-designated computer
      testing center in your area.

                        WHAT THE TEST ITEMS ARE LIKE

           The test contains only questions of the objective, multiple-
      choice type.  This test method conserves the applicant's time,
      eliminates any element of individual judgment in determining
      grades, and saves time in scoring.

                    RECREATIONAL PILOT AND PRIVATE PILOT
                                  PRACTICAL TESTS

                            QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

         1.  Q. Prior to taking the practical test, what aeronautical
                experience must I have?
             A. The specific aeronautical experience requirements are
                outlined in FAR Part 61.  For the Recreational Pilot
                Certificate requirements, refer to FAR Sections 61.99
                and 61.100.  For the Private Pilot Certificate
                requirements, refer to FAR Sections 61.109, 61.113,
                61.115, and 61.117.

         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 pilot operations
                required for the practical test.

         3.  Q. What papers and documents must I present to the FAA
                inspector or FAA-designated pilot examiner prior to my
                practical test?
             A. The applicant may be asked to produce and explain:
                (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) FCC radio station license;
                (7) aircraft and engine logbooks or other
                maintenance records; and
                (8) applicable airworthiness directives.

                The applicant will be asked to present:
                (1) FAA Form 8710-1, Application for an Airman
                Certificate and/or Rating, (with the flight
                instructor's recommendation);
                (2) a satisfactory grade on an AC Form 8080-2, Airman
                Written Test Report or an airman computer test report
                (if the test was taken at an FAA-designated computer
                testing center);
                (3) a medical certificate (when required), and a
                Student Pilot Certificate endorsed by a flight
                instructor for solo, solo cross-country (when
                appropriate), and for the make and model of airplane to
                be used for the practical test;
                (4) pilot logbook;
                (5) and a graduation certificate from an FAA-approved
                   school (if applicable).

         4.  Q. What pilot operations 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
                operations and performance standards is desired, refer
                to either the Recreational Pilot or Private Pilot
                Practical Test Standards.  The practical test standards
                may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents
                or U.S. Government Printing Office bookstores.
                Appendix 1 explains how to obtain the publications.  A
                good instructor should have a copy of the practical
                test standards and should review them with you prior to
                your practical test.

         5.  Q. What is the minimum age requirement for a Recreational
                Pilot or Private Pilot Certificate?
             A. An applicant must be at least 17 years of age (with the
                exception of an applicant for a private pilot glider or
                free balloon rating).  Applicants for the private pilot
                glider or free balloon rating must be at least 16 years
                of age.

         6.  Q. When can I take the recreational pilot or private pilot
                practical test?
             A. The FAR's establish the minimum ground school and
                flight experience requirements for the Recreational
                Pilot and Private Pilot Certificates.  However, the
                flight instructor can best determine when the student
                is qualified for the practical test.  By endorsing the
                student pilot's application, the flight instructor
                actually makes a written recommendation to this effect.
                The flight instructor's written recommendation shows
                that the applicant has met all the prerequisites for
                the practical test.

         7.  Q. Where can I take the practical test?
             A. The FSDO's conduct practical tests for pilot
                certification either at the FSDO or at periodic
                intervals in outlying cities within the district.
                FSDO's are usually located on or adjacent to an
                airport.  The FAA has also designated many flight
                instructors as pilot examiners.  Practical tests should
                be scheduled by appointment to avoid conflicts and
                wasted time for the applicant.

         8.  Q. Is there any charge for taking the practical test?
                A. Since an FAA-designated pilot examiner serves without
                pay from the FAA for conducting practical tests and
                executing 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.  The FAA inspector or FAA-designated pilot
                examiner will issue a temporary pilot certificate which
                is effective for a specific time period.  This
                temporary pilot certificate is issued to a qualified
                applicant pending a review of qualifications and the
                issuance of a permanent certificate by the
                Administrator.  The permanent certificate is issued to
                an applicant found qualified and a denial thereof is
                issued to an applicant found not qualified.

        10.  Q. Is there a charge for the pilot certificate?
             A. No.  There is no charge for any original certificate
                which is 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 services rendered.  The FAA does
                charge to replace any pilot or medical certificate.

                                 APPENDIX 1

                        HOW TO OBTAIN STUDY MATERIALS

           Many of the study materials listed in this guide are issued
      by the FAA as advisory circulars and are cataloged in AC 00-2,
      Advisory Circular Checklist, which is issued annually.  It is
      suggested that, before ordering any FAA publications, you obtain
      a copy of AC 00-2, Advisory Circular Checklist, and AC 00-44,
      Status of the Federal Aviation Regulations.

           These advisory circulars contain current information
      regarding availability, cost (if any), and ordering instructions.
      To obtain a free copy of AC 00-2 or AC 00-44, send your request
      to:

            U.S. Department of Transportation
            General Services Section, M-443.2
            Washington, DC 20590
   
                      LIST OF SUGGESTED STUDY MATERIALS

      COST ITEMS - The following are cost items available from:

                   Superintendent Of Documents
                   Government Printing Office
                   Washington, DC  20402-9325

      FAR Parts 1, 61, and 91
      Airman's Information Manual
      Notices to Airmen (Class II)
      AC 00-6, Aviation Weather
      AC 00-45, Aviation Weather Services
      AC 61-13, Basic Helicopter Handbook
      AC 61-21, Flight Training Handbook
      AC 61-23, Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
      AC 67-2, Medical Handbook for Pilots
      AC 91-23, Pilot's Weight and Balance Handbook
      FAA-S-8081-1, Private Pilot Practical Test Standards
      FAA-S-8081-3, Recreational Pilot Practical Test Standards
      FAA-T-8080-15, Recreational Pilot and Private Pilot Written Test
      Book

      FREE ITEMS - There are many free items listed in the Advisory
      Circular Checklist.  The free items are available from:

                      U.S. Department of Transportation
                      General Services Section, M-443.2
                            Washington, DC  20590

      OTHER PUBLICATIONS -

      The Airport/Facility Directory and Aeronautical Charts are
      available on a subscription basis from:

           U.S. Department of Commerce
           NOAA, Distribution Branch, N/CG33
           Riverdale, MD 20737-1199

      The National Transportation Safety Board Regulation Part 830 is
      available free of charge from:

           National Transportation Safety Board
           ATTN:  Public Inquiry
           400 L'Enfant Plaza East, S.W.
           Washington, DC  20594
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