FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What can I expect during a flight lesson?

Although every flight lesson is exciting and unique, there are some things you can count on each time. A flight lesson usually lasts anywhere from one hour to one and a half hours, depending on the lesson. Your lesson begins with a thorough pre flight of the aircraft, a pre flight discussion of the lesson with your flight instructor, the flight itself, and a post flight briefing. You should plan to block off two hours on your flying days. Plan to fly at least once a week.

How long does it take to get my license?

The short answer is, “it depends”. It can take six months or up to a year. There are factors that might impact the length of your flight training. Some of these factors are: skill level and ability, frequency of flights, weather, finances, and level of commitment. The more consistently you fly the more economical your flight training. Minimizing the time between lessons increases your potential to make consistent progress.

How many hours do I need before I can get my license?

Under CFAR part 61, you are required to have a minimum of 40 hours total flight time. Thirty hours are with a flight instructor, 10 hours are on your own soloing. Keep in mind, this FAA requirement was instituted over 50 years ago!! Flight training has drastically changed since then. Realistically, you should plan on about 60 - 80 hours, which is the national average.

After I get my license can I carry passengers?

Of course! However, you cannot carry passengers for hire. For example, if your co-workers wanted to pay you specifically for the purpose of flying them to a work related conference, then this would constitute a violation of the FAA Code of Federal Regulations. You are only allowed to carry passengers for pleasure.

After I get my license can I fly at night?

Absolutely, and flying at night is one of the most enjoyable times to fly. The air is usually smoother and there is less traffic.

Is flying safe?

Flying is as safe as the pilot flying the airplane.

What is an FAA “checkride”?

Your FAA checkride is the culmination of all your flight training. This is when you take your practical test with an FAA examiner to become an official, bonafide private pilot. The test will consist of a two hour oral exam and a two hour flight exam. When you pass, the examiner will issue a temporary airman flight certificate right there on the spot. Your temporary airman flight certificate allows you to exercise the rights and privileges of a private pilot until you receive your permanent license from the FAA.

Do I need to take ground training before I start flight training?

You can take ground training at anytime. Preferably, you should take ground training concurrent with your flight training. This allows you to apply what is learned on the ground in the flight environment.

What are the requirements to get my Private Pilot license?

1) Be at least 17 years old, able to read, write, and speak the English language
2) Pass an FAA written exam
3) Pass a medical exam performed by an authorized Aviation Medical Examiner
4) Meet all the aeronautical knowledge and flight experience requirements outlined in Federal Aviation Regulation part 61.105 and 61.107. (www.faa.gov)
5) Pass an FAA practical test, also known as a “checkride”.

I’ve had some medical problems in the past. Will I still be able to get my license?

Only the FAA Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) can answer that question. The FAA imposes limits on individuals with a past history of cardiovascular, neurological, and mental disorders. However, there are circumstances where an individual can receive a special issuance or a statement of demonstrated ability if required. Federal Aviation Regulation Part 67 outlines the Medical Standards and Certifications for pilots. This information can be found on www.faa.gov. If there is any doubt, contact your nearest AME prior to starting your flight training. Even though the FAA has historically imposed somewhat restrictive standards on airmen medical certificates, recently they have relaxed many of the rules with respect to medical certification. Many of your medical questions may be answered by visiting the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s website: www.aopa.org. Don’t let any medical issues discourage the start to your training. Check it out first!!

How do I pay for my flight training?

It’s easy. We accept all major credit cards, cash, check or you can set up an account whereby we deduct your flight training expenses per lesson, and invoice you when an additional deposit is needed. We also participate in the Pilot Financing Program. For more information on pilot financing please visit www.pilotfinance.com.

How do I choose a good flight instructor?

First, choose a flight instructor who is certificated through the FAA. He/she should be credentialed as a CFI (certificated flight instructor) CFII or MEI.

Second, interview a few flight instructors before making a decision. Ask about their flying experiences, their approach to training, why they chose to be a flight instructor, length of time flying and their success rate. Are they enthusiastic and professional? Many flight instructors are only building time to move on to the airlines and may have very little teaching experience. Others have chosen flight instructing as a career.

Third, chose a flight instructor who can adapt to your learning style. Good flight instructors recognize that everyone learns differently. He/she will be able to alter their style of teaching to meet your needs.

Finally, choose someone you like and feel you could trust. Learning to fly is a wonderful and challenging experience. Your flight instructor should share your enthusiasm and be committed to your success!

I enjoyed my introductory flight but I feel a little nervous about flying, does this mean I shouldn’t fly?

It is perfectly normal to feel somewhat anxious about flying. Even seasoned pilots have some level of anxiety. In fact, many professionals believe that a certain level of anxiety actually increases your situational awareness and can be considered an added safety measure. If it gets too overwhelming, talk to your flight instructor. There could be several reasons why you are feeling the way you do.

Quite often, as you progress through your training, any concerns may be put to rest simply because you are learning more about the airplane and it’s capabilities as well as becoming more comfortable in the flight environment.

There is so much going on when I fly, how am I going to learn all this?

The first few hours usually takes the most getting used to. Flying requires a unique set of skills performed in a rather unnatural environment. As pilots, we learn to evaluate and visualize our position in space, interpret the instruments and make decisions, all while flying the aircraft.

When you are first starting, the amount of information to absorb can overload your sensory system. This may lead to a feeling of being overwhelmed. Not too worry. As you progress through your training, your mind begins to adapt to this new experience by establishing memory pathways. Soon, you will automatically focus on the important stimulus and be able to filter out the less important. This will help you to feel more in control and less overwhelmed.

I work full time, how much time do I need to devote to training?

Many of our students are either working full time or are full time students. The advantage of learning to fly in a Part 61 environment is that we can tailor the training to your learning style and schedule. A good rule of thumb is to fly at least once per week and devote approximately 2 hours per week to studying.

What is the difference between a Part 61 flight school and a Part 141 flight school?

According to the Federal Aviation Regulations, a part 141 flight school has a syllabus and/or training curriculum approved by the FAA. The flight training requirements are similar to Part 61 with the exception of the total flight time required and your cross country requirements. Under part 141 the total time required for your license is 35 hours, and your solo cross country flight is required to be 100 nm. Under part 61 your total time required is 40 hours and your solo cross country is 150 nm.

I started my private pilot training under Part 61 and I want to train at a Part 141 flight school. How much of my training credit can I transfer?

According to FAR 141.77 paragraph 2: “…The credit given that student for the previous pilot experience and knowledge shall not exceed more than 25% of the curriculum requirements and must be based upon a proficiency test or knowledge test or both conducted by the receiving pilot school.”

I don’t understand what my flight instructor is telling me to do.

This is a very important issue to address right away. Safe flying depends on clear precise and understandable communication between you and your flight instructor. If at any time you are uncertain about what he/she is asking you to do, stop and request a clearer explanation before attempting any maneuver or procedure. In fact, you should have a clear understanding of the lesson and the maneuvers you will learn before ever leaving the ground. Most good flight instructors know that teaching takes place on the ground and not in the air.

What should I do if I don’t feel comfortable with my flight instructor?

Your flight instructor may not be aware that something is bothering you. Since your flight instructor has come to know you and your skill level, perhaps trying to work it out first is a good idea. It may be something as fixable as a communication or teaching issue. If you do not feel comfortable doing this, talk to the chief fight instructor or flight school manager about your concerns. Changing to a different instructor is usually an option.