Getting your pilot’s license in high school isn’t as hard as you’d think. Getting your pilot’s license is a completely obtainable thing. You only need to be 17 to get it. Many people will tell you that you need to be good at math and that it will be really hard. This, for the most part, is false.
All you need to know for your private pilot’s license in the math section is basic algebra. This will be used to determine things like how much fuel you need, how much weight you can carry and if the runway is long enough. The math is relatively simple and you will rarely use it.
To be able to obtain your pilot’s license you need 40 hours of total flight time. Twenty of which is with an instructor, ten hours solo time and three must be at night. You also need to complete ground school. When you take your test for ground school it lasts for two years before you have to retake it unless you get your pilot’s license. If you do not get your pilot’s license in those two years, then you will have to take it again. I recommend taking the test when you are 15.
For health requirements, you need 20/40 vision with or without corrective lenses. Good hearing requires being well enough to hear at a conversational voice from six feet away; blood pressure no more than 155/95, and no serious health issues including but not limited to schizophrenia, major heart conditions and conditions that cause dizziness, balance or speaking problems.
If you don’t think flying planes is for you, there are many places where you can take a discovery flight. These flights usually cost around $100. You get to go up in a general aviation plane and experience what it’s like to fly in one of these planes. Or you can go to the world’s largest airshow in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The EAA Airventure has a lot of experiences for you to enjoy. There are both big and small aircraft there of all types.
If flying is for you, I would recommend emailing or calling a place that offers flight school. Most flight schools are willing to teach younger people how to fly planes. The Stevens Point Area Flying Club offers ground school and in-flight lessons. They can teach you all of the things you need to pass your private pilot’s certificate test. Waupaca Aviation, located east of Waupaca, also has all you need to become a successful pilot including several different general aviation planes.
I recommend that you try flying at least once. It is a great experience to be able to fly a plane on your own. If it is for you then continue on with your dream of flying a plane and getting your private pilot’s license. And if you like it so much that you want to try it again go for your airline pilot’s license!
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