Flight training is a balance of both ground training or classroom training and flight training. But if you are confused as to why you need classroom training, maybe we can help you understand a little better. Classroom instruction takes the path of aerodynamics, airplane systems, airports, airspace, airplane performance and aircraft weight and balance. You will not only learn everything about an airplane, you will also learn what affects weather has on the operation of an airplane, what to do in case of emergencies and how to navigate small aircraft. All of this follows the FAA rules and regulations for student pilots.

You will have to have some simple algebra skills in order to train to be a pilot. These help you make estimates on your climbs and descents during a flight. Why do you need these when there are instruments aboard that will do it for you? If your plane suffers instrument failure, you can still estimate your climbs and descents without your instruments. In addition to this, you never know when an emergency may arise and you have to think quickly.

Flight training will begin with you becoming comfortable with the plane. You will gradually move up to the cockpit and begin training there. You will inspect the aircraft before each flight and eventually help taxi the plane to the runway, fly around the airport in traffic patterns, communicate with the tower, learn to fly in inclement weather conditions and land the aircraft. These all come in due time though so do not expect to jump on the plane and begin flying the first day!

Your first solo will be supervised by the pilot and if you do well, you will be granted the privilege of flying alone without supervision. You will be required to do many practice flights before this period of time so you are more relaxed and get to know your plane before being set off on your own. Once you have become more relaxed and know your plane, you will begin practicing on short flights. These will most likely be within a few miles of the airport. After you have flown solo and have mastered your short flights you will be trained in cross-country flights with means expanding your flight miles. Completing your training, you will be ready for your written pilot's exam. Passing this exam means you will be a licensed pilot instead of a student.

There are different levels of pilot's license; student, private, commercial, instrument rating and instructor. Each level has its own type of training in both ground and flight. You must pass both the ground and flight training courses before being granted a license or graduating to a higher license. In accordance to FAA regulations, failure to pass either portion of the training will result in repeating the training and testing until both portions are mastered. At no time should a school grant you a license without the benefit of both ground and flight training by an FAA approved instructor.