The FAA has created a set of regulations for flight schools training the next generation of American pilots. Before a student can fly solo, he must earn a student pilot certification. A student pilot certification is issued to people over the age of 16 who complete a physical examination and a written test and training with an FAA-appointed Aviation Medical Examiner. Once a student pilot certification is earned, a flight student can continue with additional pilot training. Additional training may allow students to earn a medical pilot certification, a recreational certification or clock additional flying hours. Student pilot certificate holders require additional classes to earn the privilege to carry passengers and conduct cross-country flights, according to the FAA.
Gulf Coast Aviation is a NOLA-based flight school that is approved by the FAA to train pilots. Courses available at Gulf Coast Aviation include private pilot courses, instrument pilot courses, commercial pilot courses and multi-engine racing courses. The private pilot courses at Gulf Coast Aviation train pilots to fly day or night, in favorable weather. Private pilots are allowed to carry non-paying passengers. Students must pass a written aviation test, obtain clearance from a FAA Aviation Medical Examiner, log 40 hours of flight time and pass a skills test. Instrument pilot courses teach students to fly through clouds and other minor weather situations. In addition to the requirements for a private pilot, an additional 40 hours of flight time is required. Commercial pilot courses train pilots to fly for commercial airlines and require 250 hours of flight time in addition to physical, written and skills examinations. Multi-engine racing courses can be added to other pilot license courses and require about eight hours of additional training. At Gulf Coast Aviation, students have the option of taking classes in a solo, dual or group setting.
The Flight Academy of New Orleans offers NOLA-area students the opportunity to earn a private pilot's license, instrument pilot's certification, commercial pilot certification and a multi-engine racing requirement. The coursework is the same as that required by Gulf Coast Aviation school and the FAA. Flight Academy of New Orleans differs from Gulf Coast because the school also offers pilot instructor courses. After earning a pilot's license, students have the opportunity to continue their education at Flight Academy and learn to teach new students. The Certified Flight Instructor course prepares commercial pilots for life as a flight instructor. Students must complete 130 hours of classroom instruction and 15 hours of flight instruction. The Certified Instrument Instructor allows students to earn training to teach students to use flight instruments. Instructor students must complete 40 hours of classroom training and 15 hours of flight instruction.
Air Reldan is another NOLA-area flight school. This school offers everything for the curious student, from a demo flight highlighting the skills necessary to become a pilot to a private pilot course. Students can also complete 10 hours of classroom coursework towards becoming a pilot at the school or online. This 10-hour course teaches students about flight planning, instrument usage, pre-flight checks, cockpit procedures and post-flight checks. Students at Air Reldan may also continue their education by working towards a commercial license after earning a private pilot license.