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Complete A to Z Training
Q. Is there an age limit for learning to fly? (What about max age?)
A. There is no age limit to begin training with a certified flight instructor, however Federal Aviation Regulations require an individual to be at least 16 years of age to operate an aircraft solo and 17 years of age to obtain a private pilot certificate. There is no maximum age for obtaining a private pilot certificate. Once a person earns their private pilot certificate they may exercise the privileges of that certificate as long as they continue to get a medical certificate and a biannual flight review.
Q. What written tests and flight tests are required to obtain my private pilot rating?
A. Student pilots have to pass a pre-solo written exam before solo, a Private Pilot written exam (FAA) and a practical exam (flight test).
Q. Is a medical examination required to get my Private Pilot Rating? (And where do I take it?)
A. You must take and pass at least a third class medical examination from an FAA medical examiner before you can obtain a Private Pilot Rating, (Refer to a phone book or contact your flight school).
Q. How many hours do I have to fly before I fly solo?
A. There is no requirement for hours before solo. This is based on the judgment of your flight instructor.
Q. What is the average length of time needed to obtain a Private Pilot License?
A. On average it takes about five months. You must complete a minimum of 40 hours of flight instruction (the national average is 75) and study to pass the written and oral exams.
Q. What is the average cost of obtaining a Private Pilot License?
A. The cost varies by location and the type of aircraft used in training, but the average cost is between $6000 and $8000. Our program offers easy pay-as-you-go lessons which enable you to learn at your own pace.
Q. Am I required to have special insurance to be a pilot?
A. No, but some insurance companies do specialize in insurance for pilots.
Q. Can I learn to fly in my own plane?
A. Yes.
Q. Do I have to be a pilot to purchase a plane?
A. No, anyone can purchase an airplane.
Q. What are the benefits of flying?
A. Many people are thrilled by flight and get their license as a hobby, but the benefits of flying go MUCH further than that. As a pilot, you can fly to one of the thousands of airports in the United States on your own schedule. You don’t have to wait in long lines or go through extensive security searches. You don’t have to arrive at the airport 2 hours before your flight or worry that you may not make your connecting flight. In recent years, airline operations have become exasperating. When you fly yourself you are in charge of the schedule!
Q. How safe is flying?
A. Many people consider flying dangerous, mostly because they do not understand it. In reality, flying is safer than driving! Modern aircraft engines very rarely suffer a mechanical failure. A large part of the Private Pilot training curriculum focuses on dealing with emergencies and mechanical failure, in the event one should occur. One advantage to flying is, unlike being on the road, you do not have to worry about being hit by a sleeping or intoxicated driver. With innovative technologies like GPS (global positioning system), weather tracking radar, communications and the world's most sophisticated airspace, today's general aviation is one of the safest methods of transportation.