Homestead Aviation - Getting Started

  • Learning to fly is an exciting and enjoyable adventure but it can be a bit overwhelming in the beginning. Your flight instructor will be your guide throughout your training experience but some understanding of the requirements will hopefully make getting started a bit easier.
  • Each time you fly with your instructor, he will document your training in a pilot logbook. This logbook will become your personal flight log and after you become a licensed pilot you can continue to make your own entries each time you fly. You will need this logbook for your first flight with your instructor so acquiring one is a good first step as you prepare for your lessons. Several choices are available online and at local fixed base operators (FBO’s) found on many airports and if you prefer, your instructor will recommend one he likes. During your training our instructor will supply you with an aviation headset to use when you fly with him, but at some point you will need to acquire a headset that meets your needs.
  • Your first solo is both an exciting event and your first goal in learning to fly. Three requirements must be met before you can take this first step: your flight instructor must pronounce you ready to solo by placing his endorsement in your logbook, you must have a valid Student Pilot License and you must have a Medical Certificate. Like a drivers license, both the Student Pilot License and the Medical Certificate must be carried with you whenever you make a solo flight..
  • A Student Pilot’s License is acquired by filling out and submitting an application form but the Medical Certificate requires a visit to an Aviation Examiner (AME) for a relatively simple medical exam. The exam includes hearing and vision tests, a review of your medical history and any medications you are currently taking. After successfully completing your exam the AME will issue your Medical Certificate. The Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) advertises a three week wait to receive your Student Pilot’s License after your application is received but setting up an appointment with an AME can often take even longer. We highly recommend that you make obtaining both the student license and the medical a priority to avoid delaying your first solo flight.

    • Applying for the Student Pilot’s License

  • You can apply for a Student Pilot’s license several ways but the easiest and often fastest way is to create a log-in at the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) and complete the application online.

    • Applying for the Medical Certificate

  • There are two steps for applying for a Medical Certificate. Start by contacting a local AME and making appointment. There are currently two in Lincoln NE.

    Linsey Dawn Haden MD
    7441 O St. Suite 300
    Lincoln, NE 68510
    Ph(402) 488-7400
    Todd Edward Johnson MD
    8101 O Street, suite 302
    Lincoln, NE
    Ph (402) 858-1510

    There are at least three AME’s in Omaha and others in various Nebraska locations. Use this link to access the FAA’s AME database to locate them.

    Once you have made an appointment create a log-in at MedXpress and complete the FAA application for a medical certificate - Form 8500-8. The reference number generated by the website upon form submission is required by the AME for your examination. We recommend discussing the process with your instructor for further details before submitting your form. When the form is complete and submitted, it's a good idea to save a copy, and have it available when you go to your examination.

    As a Private Pilot you will need a 3rd class Medical Certificate and the Fee has been reported to be a little over $200 for the examination in Lincoln. 1st and 2nd Class Medical certificates are available and required for commercial pilots. If you are considering a career in aviation we recommend applying for a higher class of Medical Certificate.

    A number of more detailed guides on getting started and applying for licenses and certificates are available online. We liked the one at the Pilot Institute.

    See Also

    How do I get a Medical Certificate and what to expect during the AME examination - Federal Aviation Administration
    Become a Pilot - Federal Aviation Administration
    eCFR :: 14 CFR 61.89 -- General limitations. (FAR 61.89) - Student pilot license privileges and restrictions