What do I need to start my flight training?
A desire to learn and a driver’s license
For the most part, you can show up for your first flight lesson with nothing but a primed eagerness to enjoy an exhilarating experience! The airplane and fuel are included in your price of instruction, so all you need are yourself, your learning skills, and your desire for FUN!
The bureaucratic requirements are also easier to fulfill. Just bring your valid state driver's license and get started!
Don’t forget insurance
You should also discuss insurance coverage with your flight instructor. To protect yourself, any time you are flying an aircraft you do not own, rental or borrowed, including flight training, you should have non-owners (renters) aircraft insurance. To ensure your protection, as an EAA member you may enroll in the EAA Non-Owned Aircraft Liability Insurance Plan, a great way to cover your interests as an aircraft renter. For more information, go to http://www.eaainsurance.org.
Official student pilot certificate
As your flight training progresses, you'll eventually need an official student pilot certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before you may fly solo. If you'd like, as an EAA member you can obtain that certificate in advance for free by attending EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. If you don't have an official student pilot certificate, most flight instructors or schools can direct you to a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) who can issue the student certificate at a cost of approximately $50. Or you can go to any FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) and get the certificate there.
Related topics: Why learn to fly? | How much does it cost? | What do I need to start?
How long will it take? | Training steps | Is it safe? | Basic qualifications | Where can I fly?
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