Future student pilots who are getting ready to start flight training are often eager to be as prepared as possible for their first day. This comes with the question “What do I need to bring?” The level of success a student pilot experiences in a F.A.R. Part 61 and F.A.R. Part 141 flight training program is partly due to how prepared they are for both ground school and flight training. Having the right supplies and gear for flight training can make all the difference.
Required Student Pilot Supplies for Ground School
Ground school is the first step into flight school. It is where each student pilot builds a foundation of knowledge that they will carry with them throughout their career, on each day of the job. This includes learning safety procedures, aircraft operations, aerodynamics, flight planning, aircraft systems, radio communications, and even meteorology and weather.
Students do not need much supplies or gear on hand for the start of ground school. All FAA handbook publications are available free of charge online in PDF format. During this time, they will deep dive into the handbooks and manuals that are like aeronautical bibles for pilots. Students should discuss with their instructor or chief pilot which handbooks are required for purchase, as each school has different curriculum structures.
Handbooks used in ground school include:
- The FAA’s Airman Certification Standards
- The Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK)
- The FAA’s Airplane Flying Handbook
- The FAA’s Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)
Students will also learn how to use a logbook to keep record of all flight hours, training, and experience needed towards their licenses and certifications. Pilots working for commercial airlines continue to use logbooks beyond flight school.
Required Supplies for Flight Training
Before flight training takes off, every student needs to obtain their student pilot certificate. This also entails that every student obtains a valid FAA medical certificate. During flight training, student pilots will need to maintain the logbook that they were trained to use in ground school. Every flight during flight training needs to be logged.
Because glare can be a real hazard in the cockpit, it’s best for each student pilot to bring sunglasses. Non-polarized lenses can protect from the sun’s blinding rays while still allowing student pilots to read their GPS screens and other aircraft instruments.
The Full Student Pilot Supply List
Are you prepared for flight school? Here is a short list to help you stay on the right track towards a successful career:
- Pilot logbook
- Non-polarized sunglasses (for flight training)
- Flight bag for when you begin to use more gear and to help carry sectional charts
- The FAA’s Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK)
- Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)
- The FAA’s Airman Certification Standards
- Airplane Flying Handbook (AFH)
Other Tips to Prepare for Flight School
Being prepared for each day of flight school goes beyond supplies and gear. Mental preparation is just as important, as well as preparing yourself to dedicate the time needed for a successful flight school experience.
Before flight school begins, you should ensure that you will have the time set aside beyond the training hours to study and prepare for all stage checks, checkrides, and FAA written exams. Flight school frequently tests the knowledge of all student pilots to assess their progress and whether they are on track to obtain their licenses and certifications.
Do I Need Supplies for My First Day of Training?
Whether in a Part 141 or Part 61 program, it is not essential to bring supplies on the first day of training, unless specified by a flight school administrator during enrollment. The first day of training is meant to introduce and prepare students for everything they should expect during their training, both on the ground and in the air.
If you have any questions about how to prepare for flight school, contact us today.