The Flight Training Syllabus Explained: From Pre-Solo to Checkride

So, you want to become a pilot, but where do you actually start?

For many aspiring aviators, the dream of flying feels thrilling… until they look at the syllabus and feel overwhelmed. What happens first? What comes after soloing? How do you know you're ready for the checkride?

At JulAir Flight Training, we believe that flight training should be clear, structured, and inspiring - not confusing. That’s why we’ve broken down every step of the process, from your first lesson in the cockpit to the moment you earn your Private Pilot Certificate.

Let’s walk through the full flight training syllabus, with detailed explanations of what you’ll learn, when you’ll learn it, and how each phase prepares you for the next.

Phase 1: Pre-Solo Flight Training

Hours: Approx. 0–15 Goal: Build fundamental skills and confidence to fly solo.

This is where your pilot journey truly takes flight.

During the Pre-Solo phase, you’ll train one-on-one with your Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) to master the basic building blocks of safe flying. This includes:

• Aircraft Familiarization: You’ll learn how to perform pre-flight inspections, understand the aircraft’s control surfaces, read instruments, and start the engine safely. You’ll also get comfortable using checklists—the pilot’s best friend.

• Fundamental Maneuvers: You'll practice straight-and-level flight, turns, climbs, and descents—all crucial for controlling the aircraft smoothly.

• Takeoffs and Landings: You’ll spend a lot of time in the traffic pattern learning how to manage airspeed, descent rate, and alignment with the runway. Landing well is an art, and this is where you start painting the picture.

• Radio Communications: You'll start speaking with air traffic control (ATC), learning how to request taxi clearance, announce positions in the pattern, and respond professionally on the radio.

• Emergency Procedures: Even early in your training, you'll rehearse how to handle engine failures, electrical issues, and off-airport landings—so you're prepared for the unexpected.

  
  

Major Milestone: Your First Solo Flight

Once your instructor sees that you're consistently flying safely and managing the aircraft on your own, you'll receive a solo endorsement. Then, in a moment you’ll never forget, you'll take to the skies alone, just you and the airplane. It’s a rite of passage for every pilot.

Phase 2: Post-Solo & Cross-Country Flight Training

Hours: Approx. 15–40 Goal: Gain experience, explore further, and prepare for real-world flying.

Now that you’ve flown solo, it’s time to expand your horizons, literally.

This phase focuses on applying your skills in a variety of scenarios and broadening your competence in different environments:

• Advanced Maneuvers: You’ll refine skills like slow flight, power-on and power-off stalls, and steep turns. These are all part of the FAA checkride requirements and help you understand how the airplane handles near its limits.

• Cross-Country Flight Planning: You'll learn to plan flights using aeronautical charts, fuel calculations, weather forecasts, and checkpoints. These lessons simulate what it’s like to plan real-world trips as a private pilot.

• Dual Cross-Country Flights: With your instructor, you’ll fly to new airports that are at least 50 nautical miles away. You’ll learn how to navigate, read VORs or GPS, file a flight plan, and communicate with multiple control towers.

• Night Flying: The FAA requires at least 3 hours of night flight for a Private Pilot License. You’ll learn how to land in low visibility, use aircraft lighting, and maintain situational awareness after dark.

• Solo Cross-Country Flights: You'll demonstrate your independence by flying longer distances alone. One of these flights must cover at least 150 nautical miles with full-stop landings at three different airports.

  
  

Key Outcome: You begin logging required solo time and cross-country hours to meet the FAA minimums. You’re not just learning anymore, you’re flying like a pilot.

Phase 3: Checkride Preparation

Hours: Approx. 35–55 Goal: Refine your knowledge and practice for the FAA Practical Exam.

This is where things get serious, but exciting.

By this stage, you’ve logged dozens of hours and flown across the region. Now it’s time to put it all together and prepare for the final exam, the checkride.

Here’s what you’ll focus on:

• Mock Checkrides: Your instructor will simulate the oral and flight portions of the checkride so you know exactly what to expect. This includes answering FAA-style questions and demonstrating maneuvers under pressure.

• ACS Standards Review: You’ll go through the FAA's Airman Certification Standards line by line, ensuring that you meet or exceed the requirements in each performance area.

• Emergency Scenarios: You’ll rehearse engine failures, emergency descents, lost procedures, and in-flight decision-making so these responses become second nature.

• Fine-Tuning Skills: You’ll revisit maneuvers like ground reference patterns, soft-field landings, short-field takeoffs, and more. Precision and consistency matter most at this stage.

  
  

Milestone: Instructor Endorsement for the Checkride

Once your CFI confirms you're ready, you’ll be endorsed to take your checkride—a proud and validating moment for every student.

Phase 4: The Checkride

Goal: Pass your FAA Practical Test and earn your Private Pilot Certificate.

This is the final step, and the most rewarding.

The checkride is administered by a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and consists of two parts:

1. Oral Exam (1–2 hours)

You’ll sit down with the examiner and answer questions on:

• Weather interpretation and forecasts (METARs, TAFs, etc.)

• Airspace classes and VFR rules

• Aircraft performance and weight-and-balance

• Risk management and aeronautical decision-making

• Emergency procedures, regulations, and navigation

2. Flight Test (1.5–2 hours)

You’ll fly a complete mission with the DPE, demonstrating:

• Pre-flight inspection and briefing

• Takeoff, landing, and ground handling techniques

• All required maneuvers to PTS/ACS standards

• Emergency simulations

• Navigational skills, both pilotage and dead reckoning

If you pass both parts, you’ll hear the magical words: “Congratulations, you’re now a Private Pilot.”

Why JulAir Flight Training Makes a Difference

At JulAir, we don’t just teach you to fly—we train you to think, act, and succeed as a true aviator.

• Clear Milestone Tracking: You always know what’s next and how close you are.

• Integrated Ground School: We reinforce theory with real-world practice.

• Scenario-Based Training: Learn to fly and think like a pilot under real conditions.

• Dedicated Checkride Prep: We don’t leave anything to chance.

Final Thoughts: Your Journey Starts Here

Learning to fly is one of the most empowering journeys you’ll ever take. From your first shaky takeoff to the confidence of passing your checkride, every flight shapes you into the pilot you’re becoming.

And with JulAir Flight Training by your side, you’ll never fly blind.

Are you ready to start your journey? 

Book your Discovery Flight now or chat with an admissions coach to take the first step toward your wings.