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By coming to this page of our website, you're already well on your
way to returning to the sky—not as a passenger, but as the
pilot you might have forgotten you still are. The good
news is that your pilot certificate has never expired: you are always a pilot,
no matter how long it's been since you last logged PIC time.
To begin flying again, here's all you will
need:
- A new medical certificate from your local FAA
aviation medical examiner.
- A
flight review with a flight instructor and as much flying as necessary
for you to once again become a safe and competent
pilot. The review also covers
regulations that pertain to your type of flying. There is no
flight or written test to pass or fail. You and your
instructor must simply agree that you are once again
proficient.
- If you were instrument rated and want to fly IFR, an instrument
proficiency check.
Medical Certificate
If you intend to fly as pilot in command (PIC), you'll need a
current medical certificate from an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner
(AME). To fly as a private pilot, you'll
need a third-class medical. The third-class medical certificate
is good for three years for pilots who are under 40 years old at
the time of the exam. For pilots who are 40 or over, the medical
certificate expires after two years. If you hold a commercial
certificate and want to exercise those privileges, you'll be visiting an
AME every 12 calendar months. Flying as an airline transport pilot
requires an updated physical exam every 6 calendar months.
The medical regulations changed substantially in September
1996. In particular, certain medical conditions that were previously disqualifying
can now be approved. If you're a member of the Aircraft
Owners and Pilots Association, see their Pilot's
Guide to Medical Certification for the latest
information, or speak to an AOPA Medical Certification expert by
calling 800-USA-AOPA (800-872-2672). Or, contact
us and we'll be happy to give you the name of a local AME
who can answer your specific questions.
Flight Review
Part 61.56(c) of the Federal Aviation Regulations requires that all pilots complete a
flight review with a CFI every 24 calendar months. Each pilot's
logbook must show that he or she has successfully completed that
review. AOPA's Air Safety Foundation has a publication, Pilot's
Guide to the Flight Review, that details the most
frequently asked questions concerning the flight review.
Under the FARs, the flight review requires a minimum of one hour of flight and one
hour of ground training. However, for a pilot who has not
been flying regularly or recently, the flight review will
probably require at least three hours of ground instruction, and
five or more hours of flight training, depending on how rusty
you are. In general, your training will include a review of the current general operating and flight rules
of FAR Part 91, as well as a review of maneuvers and procedures that
your flight
instructor selects to demonstrate that you can still fly safely.
Your instructor will customize your flight review to your
specific needs and experience and the type of flying you plan to
do.
It's important to know that you can't fail a flight review.
At the worst, your CFI
will simply enter your flight as "dual given," and you
can continue practicing until you and your CFI feel ready to
sign you off as having successfully completed the flight review.
Instrument Proficiency Check
If you're instrument rated and intend to fly IFR, you'll need
an instrument proficiency check (IPC) in accordance with FAR 61.57(d). The
IPC must be completed in an aircraft of
the appropriate category. In other words, if you plan to
fly instruments in an airplane, you can't fly
instruments in a glider and write it off as a currency ride in
an airplane.
Like the flight review, the amount of time required for an
IPC will vary depending on how long it has been since you flew
on instruments. At a minimum, you will need to demonstrate
your ability to satisfactorily intercept and track courses using
navigation aids, fly holding patterns, and fly several different
types of instrument approaches.
What You'll Fly
 With
Lone Star Flyers, you'll
be regaining your proficiency in one of several late-model, IFR-certified
Cessna 172SP Skyhawks, which feature higher performance
engines, digital avionics (including GPS), full instrumentation
and four-seat leather interiors. This multi-role
aircraft--the safest and most popular general aviation airplane
ever built--is not only great for training, but is a very
capable and comfortable cross-country machine.
Training Costs
Your refresher training will cost just $110 per hour of flight
time for aircraft rental, and $35-40 per hour for time spent with
your CFI. You may also find that you want a few supplies,
such as current aeronautical charts.
The Next Step
Are you ready to return to the skies? If so, call
us to schedule a no-cost appointment with one of our CFIs.
Together, we will work out a training plan that will get you
back in the cockpit.
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