Expert: Jeff Davis - 6/23/2006

Question
I'm almost 16 years old and I want to start learning to fly and eventualy earn a private pilot certificate. The reason I want to learn to fly at a young age is because I want to have a career in aviation. I can't start my flight lessons until next year because I havn't saved up enough money yet. I was wondering if I could now start studying for the written test from a home study course and take my written test before my flight lessons since the test is good for 2 years. Can you take the written test before flight lessons or do I need permission from a instructer to do so.

Thanks

Eric

Answer
Thanks for the question, Eric.  Sorry for the late reply, I was on vacation and neglected to enter my vacation dates on the AllExperts page.  Unless you complete a formal ground school, you do need an instructor's sign-off to take the written test.  I would recommend waiting until you begin flying before taking the test anyway.  The course materials make a lot more sense if you have experience in the airplane, plus the knowledge gained is more useful if it's relevant and appplicable right away.  You can accomplish your goal by studying for the written test first and doing the flight training later, but it will be better if you do the two together.  The same will apply later if you decide to get more advanced ratings.  Good luck with your training, and again, sorry for the late response.