Pilot Certificates and Ratings

Private Pilot Certificate

Earning a private pilot certificate is your first step up the aviation ladder. As a private pilot, you can fly virtually anywhere under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and take passengers along for the adventure. During your training for a private pilot certificate at Galvin Flying Services, you will learn the fundamentals of aircraft control, navigation and communication, weather, and the aviation regulations. To complete your training, you must pass both a computer-based knowledge test on those topics and a practical test (flight check) with an FAA-designated examiner.

Instrument Rating

For most pilots, adding an instrument rating is the logical next step after earning the private pilot certificate. About half of all pilots in the U.S. have an instrument rating, and it is especially valuable here on Boeing Field in Seattle. During training for an instrument rating, you’ll learn how to fly without visual references, how to use the air-traffic control system under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), and expand your knowledge of aviation weather reports and forecasts.

Commercial

If you plan to fly professionally, become a flight instructor, or if you want to hone your flying skills and knowledge, earning a commercial pilot certificate at Galvin Flying Services is the next step after you complete the private pilot and instrument rating courses. During your training, you’ll add to your knowledge about aerodynamics, aircraft performance, weather, navigation, and other subjects. You’ll also master advanced flight maneuvers and earn the endorsement to fly complex aircraft (with retractable landing gear and constant-speed propellers).

Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)

Certification as an Airline Transport Pilot essentially signifies that you have earned a PhD in aviation. The ATP certificate is required if you want to be the captain of an airliner, and it is often necessary to fly as a corporate pilot.

Multi-engine

The multi-engine rating is essential for aspiring professional pilots and private pilots who want to step up to more capable traveling machines. Galvin Flying Services provides multi-engine training in the Diamond DA42 on Boeing Field, a next-generation twin equipped with the Garmin G1000 integrated avionics system. Flying Galvin’s Twin Star is also great preparation pilots who plan to fly today’s high-tech “glass cockpit” airliners and business jets.

Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Training

Earning the certified flight instructor certificate is among the most challenging undertakings in aviation. If you want to become flight instructor, you’ll find a staff of experienced instructors and mentors at Galvin Flying Services, plus the latest in flight training devices, computer-assisted training, and a fleet of modern aircraft that give you the experience and confidence to work with the latest technology.

Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII) Training

Most flight instructors add an instrument rating to their CFI certificates. Training focuses on developing your ability to fly and teach while operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). The flight training devices available at Galvin Flying Services make mastering IFR skills more efficient and effective, and flying our fleet of modern aircraft provides you with valuable experience using and teaching in glass cockpits.

Ready to fly? Book your aircraft here on Flight Schedule Pro or call our front desk directly at 206.763.9706!