Signed school enrollment and rental agreement
RequiredBefore lesson 1Sets the rental, cancellation and billing terms between you and the school.
Front desk can print a copy if you prefer paper.
Private Pilot Starter Checklist
Everything a new student needs before the first lesson — assigned by an instructor, tracked by the student. This is a training and equipment checklist, not an aircraft operating or emergency checklist.
Private Pilot Starter Checklist
Everything a new student needs before the first lesson and through the first solo.
6 / 15 complete
Required school documents
Identity documents
Government photo ID and proof of citizenship or TSA approval
RequiredBefore lesson 1Flight training providers must verify identity and citizenship before instruction begins.
Medical and certification
Student pilot certificate application (IACRA)
RequiredBefore first soloRequired before solo flight; start early because processing takes time.
FAA medical certificate (class 3 or higher)
RequiredBefore first soloRequired before solo flight. Schedule with an aviation medical examiner well ahead of time.
Books and references
Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
RequiredBefore lesson 1Primary knowledge reference for the written test and oral exam.
Free in the Aero Center training library — no purchase needed.
Airplane Flying Handbook
RequiredBefore lesson 3Maneuver descriptions that match your lesson plans.
Free in the Aero Center training library.
Equipment
Aviation headset
RequiredBefore lesson 1You need a headset for every lesson; school loaners are limited.
Typical price $375–$1,199
Two loaner headsets available at dispatch
View-limiting device
RecommendedStage 2Needed for the required hood time in the private certificate.
Typical price $28–$42
Loaners available
Manual E6B or electronic flight calculator
RequiredBefore lesson 5Used for wind, fuel and weight-and-balance problems on the written test.
Typical price $32–$109
Classroom set available during ground school
Pilot logbook
RequiredBefore lesson 1Your permanent record of flight time and endorsements.
Typical price $18–$32
Kneeboard
RecommendedBefore lesson 4Keeps your nav log, checklist and clearances readable in flight.
Typical price $34–$55
Flashlight with a red lens
RequiredBefore night lessonsRequired for night flight and helpful for every evening preflight.
Typical price $14–$28
Fuel tester
RequiredBefore lesson 1You sample fuel on every preflight; school testers wander off.
Typical price $16–$30
Available at dispatch
Charts and subscriptions
Current sectional chart or electronic flight bag subscription
RequiredStage 2Required for cross-country planning and for the practical test.
Typical price $12 paper · $100+/yr EFB
Organization-specific
Skyline ramp badge and gate code briefing
RequiredBefore first soloRequired for unescorted ramp access at KPAO.
Book a 15-minute briefing with the front desk.
Add an item for your students
School admins, club managers and independent instructors can add, rename, reorder, hide or remove items on this checklist.
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Assigned checklists
Jordan Alvarez
6/15 · 40%
Private Pilot Starter Checklist · assigned by Maya Reyes on 02 Sep 2026 · due Before first solo
Priya Haddad
12/15 · 80%
Private Pilot Starter Checklist · assigned by Maya Reyes on 28 Aug 2026 · due Before first solo
Sam Okafor
2/4 · 50%
Instrument rating starter checklist · assigned by Daniel Park on 09 Sep 2026 · due Stage 1