~ ABOUT LEARNING TO FLY ~
Welcome to the world of flying! You no doubt have questions about learning to fly. We hope we can answer your questions below. If you have additional questions and/or decide to share in the excitement and challenge of flying, please don't hesitate to call or email us.
3. What are the steps in learning to fly?
4. What does a first solo consist of?
7. Do I have to go to ground school?
10. What is the best time of year to learn?
12. How do I learn to fly in clouds?
1. How long will it take me to learn to fly?
The FAA requires at least 40 hours of training time ( a minimum of 20 hours with an instructor and at least 10-20 hours by yourself). The national average is closer to 60 hours. If you are able to fly 2 or 3 times per week, 1 hour at a time, it should take approximately 3-4 months. [top]
The total cost of learning to fly varies from one individual to the next. Much depends on how quickly you develop flying skills during your training. You can check the aircraft rental rates and instructor rates to get a basic idea. Based on the FAA required training hours and block rates, you should count on a minimum of $5,000. Keep in mind that, unlike other types of education, you need not take out a big loan to pay for all of your training up front. You can pay as you go, one lesson at a time. [top]
3. What are the steps in learning to fly?
Once you begin flying lessons, you will work toward your first solo, solo in the practice area, cross-country solo, and finally, the flight exam. [top]
4. What does a first solo consist of?
When your instructor decides you are ready, he/she will ask you for your medical/student license and your logbook, endorse them both, AND YOU'RE OFF! On first solo, you will probably be instructed to make 3 takeoffs and (obviously)3 landings. [top]
You will probably make your first solo flight after 10-15 hours of training. Everyone is different and your instructor will decide when you are ready. [top]
Ground school is classroom training which covers aircraft operation and systems, navigation, Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), weather and other subjects too complex to learn while you're up there flying around. [top]
7. Do I have to go to ground school?
No. As long as you learn the necessary information, you can study at home or one-on-one with your instructor. When you have your instructor's recommendation, you can take the written test. [top]
The FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test consists of 60 multiple choice questions concerning flight operations, regulations, navigation, communication and weather. You must pass the test with a 70% or better score in order to take the flight test. The test is computer based and administered at designated testing centers. There are several testing centers in the area. Your instructor will sign you off to take the written test when he/she feels you are properly prepared. [top]
The flight test (also know as the practical test or checkride) is an examination by an FAA designated examiner which includes an oral question and answer session, flight planning and finally a demonstration of your flying skills during an actual flight. You must accumulate the required flight hours, have the proper endorsements from your instructor and pass the written test in order to take the flight test. When you pass the flight test, that's it, YOU ARE AN FAA CERTIFICATED PILOT!! [top]
10. What is the best time of year to learn?
Each season has its advantages -- summer provides long days; fall and winter allow improved flight performance due to cool air; spring combines a little of both advantages. WHENEVER you get the urge to take flight, it is probably the right time. [top]
Your training will include 3 hours of night flying with your instructor, including one night cross-country of over 100 nautical miles (NM) total distance and 10 night takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop at an airport. After you have your license, providing you haven't any restrictions, you will be able to fly at night whenever you want as long as you are on our schedule. [top]
12. How do I learn to fly in clouds?
In order to fly in clouds, you must learn to fly by reference to the flight instruments only and acquire an "Instrument Rating". Once you've earned your private license, you can start building your cross-country time. To get your instrument rating, you will need at least 50 hours pilot-in-command cross-country time plus accumulate a total of at least 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time and pass another written exam and practical flight test. [top]
13. What kind of airplane will I learn on?
Currently we have available Cessna 152's (2-seaters), Cessna 172's (4-seaters) and a Piper Cherokee. Check here for a detailed list of our rental aircraft. [top]
14. What are the physical/medical requirements?
Before your first solo, you have to pass a medical exam given by an FAA-designated physician. There are some conditions that might prevent you from passing this exam such as certain heart problems, high blood pressure (if not on an approved medicine), or severe vision problems. However, even if you have a physical handicap, medical certificates can be issued in many cases. Operating limitations may be imposed depending upon the nature of the disability. If you have any doubt about your physical eligibility, it would be wise to check with the flight physician BEFORE investing in flight lessons. [top]