The Fort Meade Flight Activity Inc. (FMFA) is a flying activity and the minimum required license to operate activity aircraft is a FAA Private Pilot’s Certificate (PPL). All flight instruction is provided by FMFA instructors who are also members. When you join, an instructor will be assigned to you and will teach you about FMFA and the process of getting your pilot’s certificate, if you do not already have one. The information below is a brief overview of how to get a private pilot’s certificate. Advanced instruction is also available.
In order to get a Private Pilots License the FAA requires you to meet a minimum criteria. The official criteria are located in the relevant FAA regulations. A brief summary is provided below.
Upon joining FMFA you will meet with one of the instructors. You will discuss your goals, any past experience you may have, and a rough timeline. Each student is unique so the instructor will customize the training to meet your specific needs within the framework of the FAA regulations and our established syllabus. Even though the FAA regulatory minimum is 40-hours, in reality the national average to complete the flying portion of the syllabus is approximately 75-hours and this is typical of what we see in this area. There is a wide range in this time dependent upon such factors as student aptitude, lesson frequency, weather, scheduling, maintenance, type of plane, and more. Your instructor can recommend a ground school to you or you may select one of the many available online or locally. FMFA uses the Jeppesen syllabus. See it to get an idea of what is involved in specific lessons.
The cost to get a Private Pilot’s Certificate varies over a wide range due to the factors mentioned above. If starting with no flight training experience, one should plan to spend $15,000-$20,000 which includes airplane rental, flight instructor fees, ground school, books, pilot supplies, medical exam, etc. Primary training is usually conducted in Cessna 150, Cessna 172 or Piper Warrior aircraft. You will discuss which airplane is most appropriate for you with your instructor. Factors in this choice include weight, cost, availability, and subjective factors like high vs. low wing design.
Unless you are eligible to train on BasicMed, i.e., you held a FAA Medical after July 15, 2006, you will need to obtain at least a third class FAA medical certificate. If you wish to pursue a career in aviation it is recommended that you obtain a first class medical certificate as it will show that you can pass that test and uncover any issues early that may interfere with your career as a pilot. FAA medical exams (other than BasicMed) can only be given by an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). FAA Medical exams are a recurring cost, the valid period of which depends on the class of medical and your age.
After you complete your knowledge course you will have an endorsement from your instructor (in any type of course) to take the written knowledge test. The FAA does computer-based testing and has contracted with CATS/PSI to provide testing facilities. Many of these facilities are at local flight schools or community colleges.
There are some basic supplies and equipment you will need during your training and after. Everything you buy here will be something that you will use for as long as you fly. Typically these include: headset, view limiting device (for instrument flight simulation), kneeboard (a convenient way to take notes, hold charts, etc., while flying), flight bag, charts, flashlight with red lens, flight computer (manual like an E6B or electronic), and more. Sometimes you can purchase a "learn to fly" kit from a school that contains some of the above items.
If you already have a Private Pilot’s Certificate, you might want to obtain an advanced certificate or rating. Below are the most common.