Joseph Virostek, a senior at Mahoning County Career and Technical Center and student pilot at T&G, dreams of someday Rocketing into Space. [Click photo for full story]

AOPA has announced that applications will be accepted starting Feb. 1 for three scholarship programs, two to help student pilots in training earn their initial pilot certificate, and a new scholarship program to help certificated pilots achieve an advanced certificate or rating.

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Q. Is it difficult to fly an aircraft?
A. No. It is not particularly difficult. As a beginning student pilot, you will
do most of the actual flying (handling the controls of the aircraft).
Q. When may I begin to fly?
A. Immediately. However, you will need to apply for certain certificates,
as described in this guide, in preparation for solo flight.
Q. Is flying safe?
A. A well-built and maintained aircraft, flown by a competent and prudent
pilot, makes flying as safe or safer than many other forms of transportation.
Q. If engine failure occurs, what will happen?
A. Modern aircraft engines are very reliable, and complete engine failure
is a rare occurrence. If the improbable does happen, you will not “fall out
of the sky.” Just do what the instructor had you practice during lessons--
select a good landing area and land.

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​Q. What are the eligibility requirements for a student pilot?
A. The specific aeronautical experience requirements are outlined in 14
CFR part 61. For the student pilot certificate requirements, refer to subpart
C section 83.
Q. Where can I obtain my ground and flight school training?
A. Most airport operators can furnish this information, or you may contact
the nearest FSDO.
Q. Is there a set number of flight instructional hours I will receive before
I solo?
A. No. The instructor will not allow you to solo until you have learned to
perform certain maneuvers. These maneuvers include safe takeoffs and
landings. You must be able to maintain positive control of the aircraft at
all times and to use good judgment.
Q. What should I know about Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations
(14 CFR) prior to my first solo?
A. Your flight instructor will determine that you are familiar with
appropriate portions of 14 CFR part 61, the general and visual flight rules
of 14 CFR part 91, and will administer and grade a pre-solo written test
prior to solo endorsement. The pre-solo written test will also include
questions on the flight characteristics and operational limitations of the
make and model aircraft to be flown.
Q. What does an appropriate logbook endorsement for solo mean?
A. It means a verification by an authorized flight instructor showing that
on the date specified, the student was given dual instruction and found
competent to make solo flights.
Q. When is the first solo endorsement required?
A. A student pilot must have a first solo endorsement dated within 90 days
prior to any solo flight.
Q. What is the difference between a recreational pilot certificate and a
private pilot certificate?
A. The recreational pilot has fewer privileges than the private pilot. The
holder of a recreational pilot certificate is allowed to fly an aircraft within
50 nautical miles from the airport where instruction was received and
cannot operate in airspace where communications with air traffic control
are required. Since qualification training in these areas is not required, a
person should be able to obtain a recreational pilot certificate in fewer
flight hours than required for a private pilot certificate. All privileges and
limitations of the recreational pilot certificate are listed in 14 CFR part
61, section 101.
Q. Does a student pilot automatically have the privilege of cross-country
flying after soloing?
A. No. An instructor must have reviewed the pilot’s preflight planning and
preparation for solo cross-country flight and determine that the flight can
be made safely under the known circumstances and conditions. The
instructor must endorse the student pilot’s logbook prior to each cross-country
flight, stating the pilot is considered competent to make the flight.
Under certain conditions, an instructor may authorize repeated solo flights
over a given route.
Q. As a student pilot, am I permitted to carry passengers prior to receipt
of my recreational pilot certificate or private pilot certificate?
A. No.
Q. Must I have a Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
radiotelephone operator’s permit to operate an aircraft radio transmitter?
A. No.
Q. For the purpose of obtaining an additional certificate or rating, may
the holder of a recreational pilot certificate act as pilot in command on
flights: (1) between sunset and sunrise; and (2) in airspace which requires
communication with air traffic control?
A. Yes, provided an authorized flight instructor has given the recreational
pilot the required ground and flight training in these areas, and endorsed
the pilot’s logbook. The recreational pilot will be required to carry the
logbook with the required endorsements on such flights.
Q. How can the holder of a sport or recreational pilot certificate ensure
that no inadvertent entry is made into airspace requiring communication
with air traffic control?
A. The pilot must select readily identifiable landmarks that are well beyond
the boundaries of the airspace requiring communication with air traffic
control. During training, instruction in identification of airspace requiring
communication with air traffic control will be provided.

​Q. When do I need a student pilot certificate?
A. Prior to solo flight.
Q. How do I obtain a student pilot certificate?
A. Student pilot certificates may be issued by an FAA Inspector or an FAA Designated
Pilot Examiner. Upon your request, a combination medical
certificate and student pilot certificate will be issued by an FAA-Authorized
Aviation Medical Examiner upon the satisfactory completion of your
physical examination. Applicants who fail to meet certain requirements or
who have physical disabilities, which might limit, but not prevent, their
acting as pilots should contact their local FSDO.
Q. How long are my student pilot and medical certificates valid?
A. The student pilot certificate will expire at the end of the 24th month
after the month in which it was issued. The third-class medical certificate
will expire at the end of the 36th month after the month in which it was
issued. A medical certificate issued after the age of 40, expires at the end
of the 24th month in which it was issued.
Q. Can my student pilot certificate be renewed?
A. No, but a new student pilot certificate may be issued by an:
(1) FAA-Authorized Aviation Medical Examiner, upon completion of the
required examination; or
(2) FAA Inspector or FAA-Designated Pilot Examiner if you already hold
a valid medical certificate or if you are not required to hold a medical
certificate.
Q. If my original student pilot certificate has been endorsed for solo, do
I lose this endorsement on my new certificate?
A. The endorsements are still valid, but are not transferred to the new
certificate. Retain the old certificate as a record of these endorsements.
Q. Should my flight instructor endorse my student pilot certificate
before or after my first solo flight?
A. The endorsement on the student pilot certificate certifying that the holder
is competent to solo must be made by the flight instructor prior to the first
solo flight.
Q. If I solo in more than one make and model aircraft, must I have an
endorsement for each on my student pilot certificate?
A. Yes. Your flight instructor must make this endorsement prior to the first
solo flight in each make and model aircraft.
Q. Does the endorsement to solo permit me to make solo cross-country
flights?
A. No. Your flight instructor must specifically endorse your student pilot
certificate to permit cross-country flights.
Q. Must I carry my student pilot certificate when I am piloting an
aircraft in solo flight?
A. Yes. The certificate should be in your physical possession or readily
accessible.
Q. Is there a charge for the student pilot certificate?
A. When the student pilot certificate is issued by a FSDO there is no charge.
An FAA-Designated Pilot Examiner is allowed to charge a reasonable fee
for issuing Student Pilot Certificates, and processing the necessary reports.
The FAA-Authorized Aviation Medical Examiner will charge a fee for the
physical examination in connection with issuing the combination medical
and student pilot certificate.
Q. When do I need a medical certificate?
A. Except for sport pilot applicants, you will need a medical certificate
prior to solo flight if you are operating an airplane, helicopter, gyroplane,
or airship. It is suggested you obtain your medical certificate prior to
beginning flight training. This will assure you are aware of any condition
that could prevent you from obtaining a medical certificate prior to making
a financial investment in flight training.
Q. If required, how do I get a medical certificate?
A. By passing a physical examination administered by a doctor who is an
FAA-Authorized Aviation Medical Examiner.
Q. Where do I get my medical certificate?
A. From any FAA-Authorized Aviation Medical Examiner. There are
numerous doctors who are FAA-Authorized Aviation Medical Examiners.
Q. Where can I get a list of FAA-Authorized Aviation Medical
Examiners?
A. The FAA lists a directory on the Internet on the Civil Aeromedical
Institute’s web site.
www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/
Q. When required, what class of medical certificate must a student
pilot have?
A. Third-class, although any class will suffice. Medical certificates are
designated as first-class, second-class, or third-class. Generally, the firstclass
is designed for the airline transport pilot; the second-class for the
commercial pilot; and the third-class for the student, recreational, and
private pilot.
Q. If I have a physical disability, is there any provision for obtaining a
medical certificate?
A. Yes. Medical certificates can be issued in many cases where physical
disabilities are involved. Depending upon the certificate held and the nature
of the disability, operating limitations may be imposed. If you have any
questions, contact an FAA-Authorized Aviation Medical Examiner prior
to beginning flight training.
Q. Must I have my medical certificate, when I am piloting an aircraft
in solo flight?
A. Yes. The certificate should be in your physical possession or readily
accessible.

​Q. What is the age requirement to take the sport pilot, recreational pilot,
or private pilot knowledge test?
A. An applicant must be at least 15 years of age to take the test, although
applicants for the balloon or glider tests must be 14 years of age. Prior to
taking the knowledge test, an applicant shall be asked to present a birth
certificate or other official documentation as evidence of meeting the age
requirement.
2. Q. What aircraft can I fly as a sport pilot?
A. You are limited to flying an aircraft that meets the definition of a lightsport
aircraft (LSA). An LSA is any certificated aircraft that meets the
following performance parameters:
1,320 pounds Maximum Gross Weight (1,430 pounds for seaplanes)
45 knots (51 mph) Max Landing Configuration Stall
120 knots (138 mph) Max. Straight & Level
Single or Two seat Aircraft
Fixed Pitch or Ground Adjustable Propeller
Fixed Landing Gear (except for amphibious aircraft)
Q. What are the restrictions on a sport pilot?
A. Sport pilots cannot make flights:
• at night;
• in controlled airspace unless you receive training and a logbook
endorsement;
• outside the U.S. without advance permission from that country(ies);
• for the purpose of sight-seeing with passengers for charity fundraisers;
• above 10,000' MSL;
• when the flight or surface visibility is less than 3 statute miles;
• unless you can see the surface of the Earth for flight reference;
• in LSA with a maximum speed in level flight with maximum
continuous power (Vh) of greater than 87 knots (100 mph), unless you
receive training and a logbook endorsement;
• if the operating limitations issued with the aircraft do not permit that
activity;
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• contrary to any limitation listed on the pilot’s certificate, U.S. driver’s
license, FAA medical certificate, or logbook endorsement(s); and
• while carrying a passenger or property for compensation or hire (no
commercial operations).
Q. How should I prepare for the knowledge test?
A. To adequately prepare for the knowledge test, your instructor should
review with you:
(1) 14 CFR part 61, section 97 (if preparing for the recreational pilot
knowledge test);
(2) 14 CFR part 61, section 105 (if preparing for the private pilot knowledge
test); or
(3) 14 CFR part 61, section 309 (if preparing for the sport pilot knowledge
test).
The regulations require an applicant to have logged ground training from
an authorized instructor, or to present evidence of having satisfactorily
completed a course of instruction or home-study course in the knowledge
areas appropriate to the category and class aircraft for the rating sought.
Q. What document or documents must I present prior to taking a
knowledge test?
A. An applicant for a knowledge test must present appropriate personal
identification. The identification must include a photograph of the
applicant, the applicant’s signature, and the applicant’s actual residential
address (if different from the mailing address). This information may be
presented in more than one form. The applicant must also present one of
the following:
(1) A certificate of graduation from an FAA-approved pilot school or pilot
training course appropriate to the certificate or rating sought, or a
statement of accomplishment from the school certifying the satisfactory
completion of the ground-school portion of such a course.
(2) A written statement or logbook endorsement from an FAA-Certificated
Ground or Flight Instructor, certifying that the applicant has satisfactorily
completed an applicable ground training or home-study course and is
prepared for the knowledge test.
(3) A certificate of graduation or statement of accomplishment from a
ground-school course appropriate to the certificate or rating sought
conducted by an agency, such as a high school, college, adult education
program, the Civil Air Patrol, or an ROTC Flight Training Program.
(4) A certificate of graduation from a home-study course developed by the
aeronautical enterprise providing the study material. The certificate of
graduation must correspond to the FAA knowledge test for the certificate
or rating sought. The aeronautical enterprise providing the course of study
must also supply a comprehensive knowledge test, which can be scored as
evidence that the student has completed the course of study. When the
student satisfactorily completes the knowledge test, it is sent to the course
provider for scoring by an FAA-Certificated Ground or Flight Instructor.
The instructor personally evaluates the test and attests to the student’s
knowledge of the subjects presented in the course. Upon satisfactory
completion, a graduation certificate is sent to the student.
(5) In the event of retesting after a failure, the applicant must present the
unsatisfactory Airman Test Report. If the applicant elects to retest for a
higher score, the satisfactory Airman Test Report must be surrendered to
the test administrator.
Q. If I fail the knowledge test, is there any way to determine the areas in
which I need additional work, so I can study for a retest?
A. Yes. You will receive an Airman Test Report from the testing center. The
test report will contain your test score and will also list topic and content
descriptions for the areas in which you were deficient.
Q. If I pass the knowledge test, will I receive the same information
concerning areas in which I need additional work as I would if I failed the
test?
A. Yes. (Refer to the previous answer.)
Q. How long is a satisfactorily completed knowledge test valid?
A. 2 years. A satisfactorily completed knowledge test expires at the end of
the day of the 24th month after the month in which it was taken. If a practical
test is not satisfactorily completed during that period, another knowledge
test must be taken.

​Q. Prior to taking the practical test, what aeronautical experience must I
have?
A. The specific aeronautical experience requirements are outlined in 14
CFR part 61.
(1) 14 CFR 61, subpart J, section 313 for the sport pilot certificate
requirements.
(2) 14 CFR part 61, subpart D, section 99 for the recreational pilot
certificate requirements.
(3) 14 CFR part 61, subpart E, section 109 for the private pilot certificate
requirements.
Q. Must I provide the aircraft for my practical test?
A. Yes. An applicant must provide an airworthy aircraft with equipment
relevant to the AREAS OF OPERATION required for the practical test.
Q. What papers and documents must I present prior to my practical test?
A. The applicant will be asked to present:
(1) FAA Form 8710-1(8710.11 for sport pilot applicants), Application for
an Airman Certificate and/or Rating, with the flight instructor’s
recommendation;
(2) an Airman Test Report with a satisfactory grade;
(3) a medical certificate (not required for glider or balloon), and a student
pilot certificate endorsed by a flight instructor for solo, solo cross-country
(airplane and rotorcraft), and for the make and model aircraft to be used
for the practical test. (Drivers license or medical certificate for sport pilot
applicants);
(4) the pilot log book records; and
(5) a graduation certificate from an FAA-approved school (if applicable).
The applicant will be asked to produce and explain the:
(1) aircraft’s registration certificate;
(2) aircraft’s airworthiness certificate;
(3) aircraft’s operating limitations or FAA-approved aircraft flight manual
(if required);
(4) aircraft equipment list;
(5) required weight and balance data;
(6) maintenance records; and
(7) applicable Airworthiness Directives.
Q. What pilot maneuvers are required on the practical test, and how will
my performance of these operations be evaluated?
A. If a detailed explanation of the required pilot maneuvers and
performance standards is desired, refer to either the sport pilot, recreational
pilot, or private pilot practical test standards. The practical test standards
may be downloaded free of charge from the Regulatory Support Division’s
web site http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/
afs/afs600 or purchased from the Superintendent of Documents or U.S.
Government Printing Office bookstores. Refer to pages 6 and 7, of this
guide, for directions
Q. What is the minimum age requirement for a sport pilot certificate,
recreational pilot certificate, or private pilot certificate?
A. An applicant must be 17 years of age. Although, applicants for the private
pilot glider or free balloon rating may be 16 years of age.
Q. When can I take the sport pilot, recreational pilot, or private pilot
practical test?
A. 14 CFR part 61 establishes the ground school and flight experience
requirements for the recreational pilot certificate and private pilot
certificate. However, your flight instructor can best determine when your
qualified for the practical test. Your instructor should take you through a
practice practical test.
Q. Where can I take the practical test?
A. Due to the varied responsibilities of the FSDOs, practical tests are
given by pilot examiners designated by FSDOs. You should schedule your
practical test by an appointment to avoid conflicts and wasted time. A list
of examiner names can be obtained from your local FSDO.
 
Q. Is there any charge for taking the practical test?
A. Since an FAA-Designated Pilot Examiner serves without pay from the
government for conducting practical tests and processing the necessary
reports, the FAA-Designated Pilot Examiner is allowed to charge a
reasonable fee. However, there is no charge for the practical test when
conducted by an FAA Inspector.
Q. May I exercise the privileges of my pilot certificate immediately
after passing my practical test or must I wait until I receive the actual pilot
certificate?
A. Yes. After satisfactory completion of the private pilot practical test, the
examiner will issue you a temporary airman certificate. This is a valid
certificate that authorizes you to exercise the privileges of a private pilot
with appropriate ratings and/or limitations. This is an interim certificate
issued subject to the approval of the Federal Aviation Administration
pending the issuance of your permanent certificate. You normally will
receive your permanent certificate within 120 days.
Q. Is there a charge for the pilot certificate?
A. No. There is no charge for any original certificate issued by the FAA.
However, fees will be charged by the FAA-Authorized Aviation Medical
Examiner for the medical examination and by the FAA-Designated Pilot
Examiner for conducting the practical test. The FAA does charge to replace
any pilot or medical certificate.

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We at T&G are excited to announce that we are expanding to Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport as of June 1! Please help us spread the word! We are looking for both flight instructors and students to kick things off. We will base 2 Cessna 152s, 2 Cessna 172s, Piper Warrior, and a Beechcraft Bonanza at YNG. We can reposition more/different aircraft to accommodate demand.
We look forward to expanding the aviation community in the Youngstown-Warren area!

Cuba is a different world totally frozen in the 1950s. The Flying Club took 3 airplanes and 16 people and visited with the Cuban Aviation Club, toured around the country, and met a lot of great people. It's hard to believe it's only a 40 minute flight from Key West in a Bonanza!

Comes with pedals and yoke. Only used a few times and are still almost new. Lynn is selling for $115. Email [email protected] if interested.