CERTIFICATES

For items marked with an ( * ) an FAA written knowledge test is required.

Private Pilot *

This certificate is the first building block in aviation. It enables you to carry passengers during the day or night in an aircraft in which you are rated in visual flying conditions. The federal minimum time to attain this is 35 to 40hours of flight time. The national average is 65 hours.

Instrument Rating *

This enables a pilot to fly in weather in which there is no outside visibility. This rating is necessary for a career in aviation. Many private pilots do not obtain this rating and are restricted to flying in visual flying conditions. Others choose to obtain it and utilize it in their private flying. A total accrued time of 125 hours flight time is necessary, and instrument training in an aircraft, a ground training device or a simulator is required to obtain this rating.

Commercial Pilot *

This certificate, obtainable after one has a private pilot certificate, is very similar to a commercial driver's license. It is needed if you wish to work for hire. Depending on the type of program you take, 200 or 250 hours is the minimum required to earn this certificate. It is a basic requirement to progress in the field beyond personal pleasure flying.

The above, airplane single engine land (private pilot), commercial pilot certificate, with an instrument rating, is the level obtained when one graduates from Mercer County Community College's aviation flight technology program. The approximate total cost of the flight training is $40,000.

Flight Instructor Certificate *

Many students earn this certificate to enable them to train other pilots. A commercial pilot certificate and an instrument rating are necessary to take this training.

Multi Engine Rating

This is usually obtained after one has a commercial pilot certificate and an instrument rating. It is required in most commercial work. A multi rating can also be added to a private certificate.