How and where can I get a student pilot certificate?

An aviation medical examiner (AME) typically gives you a student pilot certificate to fill out as part of the medical exam. Your flight instructor will likely refer you to a local AME, or you can find an examiner online searchable by city and state. A student pilot certificate is valid for 24 or 60 calendar months and a third class medical could be valid for up to 24 or 60 months, depending on your age at the time of your AME visit.

What are the vision, hearing, and general medical health requirements that must be met in order to be a pilot?

Your vision must be at least 20/40 for near and distant vision with or without corrective lenses, and you must be able to perceive those colors necessary for the safe pilot performance.

How old do I have to be before I can start taking flying lessons?

You don’t have to be a particular age before you can begin to take flying lessons. That said, however, you do have to be at least 16 years old before you can solo an airplane and 17 before you can be issued a pilot certificate. Therefore, it may not be particularly efficient from the standpoint of cost and flight hours to begin lessons too early.

What are the requirements to become a private pilot?

• Be 17 years old, but training may start at any age
• Pass an FAA Medical exam
• Complete a minimum of 40 hours of flight time that includes:
  • 20 hours with an instructor (dual instruction) of which
    • 3 hours is cross-country navigation (flights to an airport at least 50 miles from the departure point)
    • 3 hours of night flight
    • 3 hours of simulated instrument flight simulating
    • 3 hours final test prep
  • 10 hours of solo flight to include 5 hours of cross-country navigation flights and 3 take off and landings at a controlled towered airport
  • Additional 10 hours to either dual or solo to complete the 40 hours
• Pass the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test, which is completed on-line
• Pass the FAA Private Pilot Practical Test, which is given by a designated FAA examiner

What’s the best way to get started?

Start by taking one of our Intro Flights. During this flight your flight instructor will demonstrate how to prepare for a flight and operate the airplane systems. You will be at the controls for takeoff and in-flight, and assist in the landing. The introductory flight lesson will give you a taste of the fun and excitement of learning to fly. Once you start, your instructor will ensure that your training is efficient, thorough and fun.

How long does it take to earn the private pilot license?

To master the skills necessary to be a safe pilot, most students take longer than the 40 hours required by the FAA. With a reasonable effort, you could get your license in 50-to-60 hours of instruction. The national completion time average, however, is about 70 hours and 6 to 7 months.

How often should I fly?

The more often you fly, the faster you'll earn your license. Also, flying frequently avoids having to review previously learned skills that become "rusty" through lack of practice. We recommend taking lessons at least 2-to-3 times per week until you solo and one lesson per week thereafter.

What special skills are needed for all this?

Learning to fly, while challenging, does not require any special skills or ability other than a strong desire to do it. If you have the motivation to learn, then you are ready to begin flying. Flying does not involve math skills beyond basic high school math.

What is the average cost for obtaining the private pilot license?

The total cost depends on which airplane you fly and how many hours it takes you to complete the FAA requirements. Airplane rental charges are incurred only while the engine is running, and an hourly rate is charged for ground and flight instructor training. We have several pricing plans. Many students pay as they go, others choose to purchase their flight lessons using our block plan. For more info on pricing, please see our price sheet.

Is it safe?

Everything we do involves some level of risk and flying is no exception. When flown by well-trained competent pilots, light airplanes are a safe and efficient means of transportation. The mechanical reliability of light airplanes is excellent – the systems are simple and time-tested.

What can I do as a private pilot?

You may carry passengers (but not get paid for it) in a single engine airplane, day or night, in visual flying conditions. An airplane allows you to turn weekends into full, two-day vacations, eliminating long car rides and traffic jams.

What other licenses and ratings can I earn?

After the private license, you can work on your Instrument Rating, which allows you to fly in low visibility weather conditions. With this new skill you may fly in a greater variety of weather conditions, thereby increasing the usefulness of your private pilot license. You can also earn a Multi-Engine rating, and fly airplanes with more than one engine. To purse a career as a professional pilot, you can earn a Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot certificates. If you like to teach, the Certified Flight Instructor ratings allow you to teach others how to fly.

This sounds like something I’d like to do! When can I start?

Call us at 304-277-1660 to schedule your introductory flight lesson and meet the flight instructor.

Learning to fly will be one of the most enjoyable experiences of your life. Training to become a pilot is a challenging but realistic goal. People of all walks of life have become pilots, and their accomplishment sets them apart from others. You can be one too and like them enjoy years of enjoyment. Learning to fly can lead you to new social and career opportunities or even a new career path. But most importantly, flying is fun! Come find out yourself!