What Do You Need to Study to Become a Pilot?

Becoming a pilot takes a high level of commitment to training. Before future pilots obtain licenses and ratings needed to begin their career, they must complete written exams, known as knowledge tests. These knowledge tests follow ground training and instructor endorsements. 

Studying is required of every pilot so they can accumulate expert-level understanding of operating an aircraft in any situation, as well as what to do before and after landing. Through studying, pilots can pass the knowledge tests and training needed to begin a career in aviation.  

FAA Knowledge Requirements for Pilots

All pilots are required to pass the FAA written exam with a score of at least 70%. The knowledge test is required for all pilots who have completed ground training and received an instructor endorsement. 

In addition to the ground training and endorsement, pilots must meet other requirements necessary for operating an aircraft:

• Be a minimum age of 17 for Private Pilot License or 18 for a Commercial Pilot License
• Hold at least a third-class medical certificate
• Be proficient in the English language

The topics to study depend on which knowledge test is being taken. Pilots are required to take multiple knowledge tests the further they advance through training to become a commercial pilot. There is a written FAA exam for each certificate and rating that a student requires, including one for a PPL, CPL, ATP, and Instrument Rating. 

Aerodynamics and Principles of Flight

Principles of Flight (Basic Aerodynamics) focus on the Four Forces: weight, lift, thrust, and drag. Students must understand each of the Four Forces, as well as how lift is generated, which requires studying Newton’s Laws and Bernoulli’s Principle. Through mastering an understanding of the Four Forces, pilots also learn how an aircraft performs in different flight conditions. This includes stalls, spins, control, and the effects of airspeed and altitude.

Aerodynamics and the Principles of Flight are core concepts covered on the FAA Private Pilot exam, which is the first written exam students take during flight training. Passing the written test brings them closer to obtaining a Private Pilot License, the prerequisite certificate needed to join one of PEA’s professional pilot programs. 

Aircraft Systems and Performance

Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 of the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge are two areas student pilots can study to understand aircraft systems and aircraft performance. This is also covered in the Private Pilot knowledge test. Students should study the FAA’s Airmen Certification Standards (ACS) and gain a strong understanding of why things work in an aircraft. 

Student pilots should understand how each of the aircraft systems function:

• Engine
• Propellers
• Landing gear
• Brakes
• Pneumatics
• Fuel systems
• Hydraulics
• Generators
• Batteries
• DC/AC power
• Load management
• Flight instruments and navigation communication
• Oxygen systems
• Pressurization
• Ice/rain protection

Pilots must have a high level of expertise when it comes to understanding how aircrafts function. Ground school prepares student pilots to study each of the above concepts and more, followed by flight training, where students can put their knowledge and studying through hands-on practice. 

Aviation Weather and Meteorology

Weather plays a critical role in flight safety and decision-making. Student pilots must have comprehensive knowledge of meteorological principles, weather patterns, and how atmospheric conditions impact aircraft performance. This includes understanding weather systems, fronts, air masses, and pressure systems that influence flying conditions. 

Student pilots should study weather theory including cloud formation, precipitation types, fog, icing, conditions, and thunderstorm development. Through ground school, they learn:

• How to read and interpret METARs (Meteorological Aerodrone Reports)
• TAFs (Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts)
• Weather charts
• Radar imagery
• Satellite data

Understanding weather patterns and how it impacts the aircraft is essential for both pre-flight planning and in-flight decision making. The FAA requires pilots to demonstrate proficiency in obtaining weather briefings, identifying hazardous weather conditions, and making go/no-go decisions based on the current weather and impending weather. 

Navigation and Flight Planning

Navigation is a fundamental skill that every pilot must master. Student pilots learn both traditional pilotage and dead reckoning techniques, as well as modern electronic navigation using GPS and advanced avionics. They study charts and navigation publications, including sectional charts, en route charts, and approach plates.

Flight planning involves calculating fuel requirements, determining optimal routes, identifying suitable alternate airports, and computing weight and balance. Pilots must understand how to use navigation aids including VORs, NDBs, and GPS waypoints. They learn to account for wind correction angles, ground speed calculations, and estimated time en route.

Cross-country flight planning requires pilots to research airspace restrictions, temporary flight restrictions, NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen), and airport facilities along the route. Students practice creating comprehensive flight plans that include contingency planning for weather changes, mechanical issues, or other unexpected situations that may arise during flight.

FAA Regulations and Airspace Rules

Knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) is mandatory for all pilots. Part 61 and Part 141 programs cover all regulations for pilots. Student pilots must thoroughly understand regulations governing pilot privileges and limitations, medical certificate requirements, currency requirements, and aircraft maintenance standards.

Airspace classification is a critical area of study. The National Airspace System includes Class A, B, C, D, E, and G airspace, each with specific entry requirements, equipment mandates, and communication procedures. Pilots must know the differences between controlled and uncontrolled airspace, special use airspace including restricted areas and military operations areas, and temporary flight restrictions.

Additional regulatory topics include right-of-way rules, minimum safe altitudes, speed restrictions, formation flight requirements, and regulations specific to different types of operations. Understanding these rules ensures pilots operate safely and legally within the aviation system.

Communication and Radio Procedures

Effective communication is essential for flight safety. Student pilots learn standardized radio phraseology used to communicate with air traffic control, flight service stations, and other aircraft. This includes proper procedures for obtaining clearances, making position reports, and responding to air traffic controller instructions.

Pilots study the phonetic alphabet, standard aviation terminology, and protocols for different phases of flight from taxi to landing. They learn how to make radio calls at towered and non-towered airports, request flight following services, and declare emergencies when necessary.

Human Factors and Aeronautical Decision-Making

The study of human factors addresses how physiological and psychological elements affect pilot performance. Students learn about hypoxia, hyperventilation, spatial disorientation, and vision limitations. Understanding these factors helps pilots recognize when their judgment or physical abilities may be compromised.

Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM) training focuses on risk assessment and management. Pilots study decision-making models including the DECIDE model and learn to identify and mitigate hazards. They explore concepts like hazardous attitudes, situational awareness, and cockpit resource management.

The IMSAFE checklist helps pilots assess their fitness for flight by evaluating illness, medication, stress, alcohol, fatigue, and eating. Students also learn about the effects of altitude, dehydration, and fatigue on performance. Understanding human limitations and developing strong decision-making skills are as important as technical flying abilities

How Much Studying Is Required to Become a Pilot?

The amount of studying required depends on each individual student, their training program, and their study and learning habits. A certain level of ground school must be completed before pilots take the written exam. For a PPL, most students complete 30-40 hours of ground school, in addition to the time they spend studying. This typically spans several months worth of consistent effort to master the material before taking the FAA knowledge test. 

As pilots progress through training towards more advanced certificates, such as the CPL and ATP, study requirements may increase. Commercial pilot training, for example, requires more complex aircraft systems, advanced meteorology, and commercial regulations. Students training to obtain an ATP license must demonstrate the highest level of aeronautical knowledge. 

Successful pilot candidates typically dedicate several hours per week to studying outside of formal ground school. The investment in extensive studying ensures that pilots have the knowledge basis necessary for safe, proficient flying throughout their career in aviation.