The first step in this process is to fill out an application for a student pilot certificate on IACRA.  The email you received from the Air Force makes this process fairly simple.  After this, to complete the process of getting your certificate you will need to go to your nearest local airport WITH A FLIGHT SCHOOL and meet with a designated pilot examiner (DPE) or certified flight instructor (CFI) to complete your application.  To start the process, call the local flight school, and say:

"I need a designated pilot examiner or certified flight instructor to sign off on my student pilot certificate."

After this, they will most likely tell you the next time one of these people is available.  When you go to the flight school, make sure you take with you:

• Photo ID

• Your IACRA Username and Password

• FTN Number

• Application ID Number

• Printed IACRA Student Pilot Certificate Application

Once you arrive, the DPE or CFI will only take a few minutes to complete your application, at which point the certificate will appear virtually on IACRA in a few hours.

North Allegheny Only:

Directions to access the local flight academy, High Flight Academy

High Flight Academy:

475 Airport Rd, Butler, PA 16002

Phone: (724) 481-1359

Directions:

If you plug "High Flight Academy" into google maps, the GPS will take you to Pittsburgh Butler Regional Airport, and you arrive on the red line depicted on the map, at which point you will park in the parking lot shown.  To access High Flight, you will have to walk through a gate, circled in blue, and follow the yellow line depicted on the map to enter High Flight (yes, you do have to walk in front of the hangar, just make sure no planes are in operation before doing so).  From there, simply walk to the front desk and ask for the DPE/CFI that is currently available.