I’m sure you have a lot of questions about flight training as there is a lot to learn. To schedule a time to meet with your instructor, or for further questions call Jamie at 858.414.9155
Commonly asked questions:
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What are the requirements?
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What does it cost?
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How long does it take to earn my Pilots License?
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What training materials will I need?
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Choosing your Flight Instructor
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What will I learn?
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Flying Clubs Vs. Flight Schools
What are the requirements?
-Be at least 17 years of age (to be eligible for a Private Pilotís license, but any age to learn)
-Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
– Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor and receive all required training
– Pass a written test
– Log at least 40 hours of flight time
-10 hours of solo, of which 5 hours are cross country time
-10 take off and landings at night, one night cross country
-3 hours with reference to instruments only
What does it cost?
There are many factors that affect the cost of earning your pilot’s license. The time you have to devote and how quickly you learn will directly affect the amount of money it will cost you. The national average of hours to earn a Private Pilot’s license is 60-70 hours. Considering they hourly rental of the plane, time with your flight instructor and supplies, it will cost you around $8-10,000 dollars. You may see quotes much lower but they are very unrealistic and are most likely being based on the minimum flight time of 40 hours, not including ground lessons, books or supplies.
How long does it take to earn my Pilots license?
Learning to fly depends on many factors and is not the same for any one person. The amount of time you have to devote to your flight training and your aptitude to learning will have the greatest influence on the time it takes to earn your Pilots license.
Flying 2-3 times a week is a good amount of time and will most likely take about 5-6 months to complete your training. The more often you fly, the less time it will take. If you fly less than that, it might take around 7-9 months to complete your training and it may cost more depending on how rusty you get between flights. It could end up taking a year or more if you spread out your training and do not fly consistently. If you have the time to commit and can fly 4-5 times a week you could get earn your Private Pilot’s license in as little as 2-3 months.
What training materials will I need?
There are a few books and study materials you will need, as well as a few other items that you will use during your flight training. A headset is a must and something that is comfortable and has good sound is very important. You will want to hear what you instructor is saying and you don’t want your headset to give you a headache halfway through your flight. These can be rented for $5 a day but are not good quality, and you will soon want your own set.
There are many different training books and supplies to choose from. However, there are some that are better than others. For a complete list of training materials that are the most recommended visit Flight Training Materials checklist.
What will I learn?
Flight training is more than just learning to take off and land the airplane. You will learn many other flight maneuvers, learning how to fly the plane in many different configurations and at different air speeds. Navigation and flight planning are a big part of learning to fly as well as learning about the aircraft systems and instruments. In addition you will learn about aerodynamics, weather, airspace, loading the plane (weight and balance), regulations and more. Get ready to fill your knowledge bank and become a “flying nerd”. Private Pilot Syllabus
Choosing your Flight Instructor
Learning to fly is a very exciting and challenging endeavor and it is very important to find a good instructor. Below are a few things to consider when choosing a Flight Instructor:
Motivation: It is important to determine your flight instructors motivation to instruct. Many flight instructors are only teaching to build their flight time so they can get other flying jobs. Most flight schools hire their students upon graduation and the instructors many times don’t have important skills and experience.
There are also many flight schools and instructors that are instructing to make money only, and will sometimes take advantage of the student by dragging out their flight training. This happens more times than it should, so it is very important to get advice from people at the airport that have experienced this.
Experience: There are many skills and techniques a Flight Instructor gains with many hours of dual given instruction. A Flight Instructor should have the ability to understand and meet the needs of each individual student. The techniques acquired during many hours of flight instruction will greatly increase your ability to learn quickly and proficiently. You should ask your instructor how much dual given flight time they have and how long they have been flying.
Attitude: Most importantly, find a Flight Instructor with a good attitude who works well with people. A positive attitude and approach towards flying is one of the most important aspects of finding a good Instructor. The last thing you want is to have a Flight Instructor with a bad attitude or lack of judgement. Be careful of the “macho guy”, as this can be a very hazardous attitude to have.
Flying Clubs Vs. Flight Schools
What is a flying club? Most people know what a Flight School is but many don’t know what it means to fly out of a flying club. Members of a flying club, including student pilots, flight instructors and rated pilots, can rent planes and give flight instruction and even take the planes out on flying trips. Most of the time you will find more experienced Flight Instructors at a local airport that teach through flying clubs and these Instructors are generally career instructors, where as Flight Schools employ newly rated flight instructors that are only instructing to build flight hours. For more information on Flying Clubs vs. Flight schools click here.
