Prepare for Takeoff at American Winds!
Find resources for ground school, medical certification, VA benefits and more right here.Regulatory & Accreditation Resources
Students training at American Winds must understand and follow all licensing, accrediting and approving guidelines or standards for a variety of governmental and private agencies. This list of links is provided for your convenience – but YOU are responsible for seeking out and adhering to all requirements for the certifications you are pursuing:
- FAA – Federal Aviation Administration
- ACCET – Accrediting Council of Continuing Education and Training
- SOBCCS – State of Ohio Board of Career Colleges and Schools
- VA Benefits – U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs and Ohio Department of Veterans Services
- SEVIS – Student & Exchange Visitor Information System
- TSA – Transportation Security Administration
- University Affiliates – Liberty University and Walsh University
Still have questions?
Books & Supplies
Your main source of information for training at American Winds is our Academic Catalog. We’ll point you to specific pages of the catalog for each resource section to help you find what you need more quickly.
As with any educational or vocational training program, your pilot training at American Winds requires a variety of materials. You’ll need to purchase most of the books and supplies necessary for your courses, and you may do so online or at the American Winds Pilot Shop (which maintains a very limited inventory).
Electronic and hard-copy materials are both acceptable, though most aviation books are not available in digital formats. You may also check for needed books at your local library, and some aviation handbooks and manuals are available to download for free from the FAA. You’ll retain and use your books and supplies throughout your flight training journey.
Books
Required books vary by course. At the beginning of each course, the instructor will specify which books you will need on the course syllabus. Refer to the American Winds Academic Catalog, beginning on Page 103, for an extensive list of aviation books and the courses they’re associated with to search for the best deals.
Supplies
All American Winds students need a smartphone and iPad or laptop computer with internet connection. At the beginning of each course, the instructor will distribute an academic syllabus listing additional supplies needed for that course.
More detailed information about supplies begins on page 129 of our Academic Catalog.
The FAA’s Airmen Certification Standards (ACS) and Practical Test Standards (PTS) pages offer a complete list of aviation supplies for each certificate and rating. It is up to the individual student to decide which items they need. For online purchases, one of our favorite sources is PilotMall.com.
Typical supplies for pilot training include:
- VFR and IFR charts for flight routes
- Flight bag
- Kneeboard
- Small notepad and writing instrument to document flight notes
- Aircraft Checklists and Navigational Flight Planning Logs, Dispatch Sheets and a Maneuvers/ SOP Manual – all available for purchase at American Winds
- Pilot logbook
- Logbook case (optional)
- Headset and Ear Seals
- Sharpies Highlighters
- ASA Flight Computer or E6B Metal Flight Computer
- ASA VFR Ultimate Rotating Plotter
- Sunglasses (optional)
- Flashlight with Colored Filters
- Fuel Gauge
- GATS Jar and Fuel Stick
*Note that other supplies may be necessary for specific courses or flight training components. Refer to the American Winds Academic Catalog or your flight instructor for more complete information on supplies. All supplies outlined in red boxes in the catalog are mandatory for all students.
Uniforms & Apparel
All students are required to dress in a professional manner during instruction and flight training. Find detailed information about pilot apparel expectations on page 130 of the Academic Catalog. Check out the professional pilot apparel available at PilotMall.com before searching for other alternatives.
Uniform requirements include:
- Black or navy dress pants
- Comfortable black dress shoes
- Belt (men)
- White aviator shirt, short- or long-sleeved
- Necktie (optional)
- Epaulets (optional)
Renter’s Insurance
All students and pilots entering the American Winds hangar must be covered by a valid aircraft renters insurance policy. Find more information about this type of insurance on page 142 of the Academic Catalog.
This type of insurance helps protect both you and American Winds from loss due to:
- Physical damage to the aircraft
- Bodily injury to the aircraft occupants
- Environmental, legal defense and third-party property damage or bodily injury
Here’s what you need to know:
- Students need $80,000 coverage for unowned aircraft in our fleet – except for those students flying the Apache, which requires $100,000 coverage for the unowned aircraft.
- Students are required to provide coverage for all bodily injury and property damage. The insurance provider that you select for your coverage will provide you with bodily injury and property damage liability limits and rates.
- Students must provide a copy of their current insurance policy to the Admissions Department. You may drop it off in person or email it directly to [email protected].
- It is the student’s responsibility to assure that there is no lapse in coverage. Should there be a lapse in coverage, the student will be held financially responsible for any and all damages incurred to all property and individuals impacted.
- Most policies are valid for one year, and rates will vary by insurance provider.
- The cost of these policies is highest early in training, then reduces as you progress through your flight training and gain experience. That’s because aircraft renters insurance policies are affected by:
- The pilot’s qualifications (certificates & ratings)
- The pilot’s flight experience (total time, hours in type, etc.)
- The type of airplane being flown
- The value of the aircraft
Medical Certification
The FAA’s Office of Aerospace Medicine regulates airman medical certification standards under FAR Part 67 – Airman Medical Standards. They offer online forms and information about medical certification that you may find helpful.
Find detailed information about medical certification on page 116 of the Academic Catalog.
As a qualification for obtaining your pilot’s license, you must undergo regular examinations by a designated medical professional who can issue the appropriate FAA Medical Certificate. Find an Aviation Medical Examiner who is authorized by the FAA to perform your medical exam.
American Winds has an extensive drug and alcohol policy – outlined on pages 166-167 of our Academic Catalog – and reserves the right to test students and employees under that policy and in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations.
What Happens During a Medical Examination?
Your vision and color vision are checked, along with your blood pressure, heart health and breathing.
A urine sample is taken to test kidney function and check for protein, as well as screen for any other imbalances that can be detected in urine.
The examiner reviews your medical history with you, including current medications, family history and any concerns they may have. Learn more medical facts for pilots from the FAA.
If all requirements are met, you will receive your medical certificate upon completion of the exam. DO NOT LOSE this certificate, as it is extremely difficult to replace.
What Do I Do With My Medical Certificate?
Bring the hard-copy certificate to the American Winds admissions office so that it can be added to your FSP account. Each time you get an FAA Medical Certificate, you must bring the current iteration to American Winds to keep your account up to date.
Carry your medical certificate and pilot’s license with you every time you fly.
Your Pilot Career Takes Off Here
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