Determine if you have any disqualifying medical conditions. The Federal Aviation Administration lists the conditions in Title 14 CFR Part 67.
Find an Aviation Medical Examiner. The FAA has a list of examiners that can be searched by location or by the examiner's name.
Apply for a Third Class flight physical. The examiner's office will provide you with FAA form 8500-8, which includes questions related to your medical history.
Choose a location. Many communities have more than one general aviation airport within an hour's drive. An airport with a lower cost flight school may require a longer commute but significant savings. Balance the choice between cost and convenience.
Find the available flight schools. Most general aviation airports have one or more flight schools. A searchable database is available online at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association website. Another option is to visit or call the manager of the airport of your choice to get a list of local flight schools.
Compare the training aircraft. Some flight schools have older aircraft, which typically rent for lower hourly rates. Schools with newer aircraft tend to benefit with newer technology such as GPS and computerized cockpits. The age of the aircraft is not an indication of their safety or the quality of the school's training.
Compare the number of training aircraft. Flight schools with fewer aircraft may have less flexible schedules.
Purchase the FAA handbooks. The most important study materials include the "Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge," "Airman's Information Manual," "Airplane Flying Handbook" and "Private Pilot Practical Test Standards." All of these books are available for free as a download at the FAA website, and they are available in print at many flight schools and bookstores.
Purchase headsets for the airplane. Headsets help you communicate better in the aircraft and reduce fatigue by cancelling out the noise of the engine. Many flight schools sell headsets, and they are available online at many pilot shops, such as Sporty's Pilot Shop.
Purchase an E6B. The E6B is a flight computer that pilots use for a variety of flight planning functions.
Purchase the flight planning materials. You will need an operating manual for the airplane, maps and books used by pilots before and during flight. Most of the materials you will need will be available at the flight school.
