Table of Contents
- How old do I have to be to learn to fly?
- How much does it cost to learn to fly?
- How long will it take to get my license?
- How can I pay for my flight training?
- How do I get started?
- What aircraft will be used for my training?
How old do I have to be to learn to fly?
There is no age limit on when a student may begin taking lessons, although there are restrictions on when that student may solo and take his/her checkride. To answer the question, you must be 16 years-old the day you solo, and the applicant must be 17 years-old the day of his Private Pilot checkride.
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How much does it cost to learn to fly?
It is virtually impossible to get a straight answer to this question from anyone. The reason for this is that there are so many variables involved in the equation. That is the bad news. The good news is that there is a definitive number out there. The Federal Aviation Administration requires that an applicant for the Private Pilot Certificate must log a MINIMUM of 40 flight-hours, at least 20 with an instructor and at least 10 solo. So if we rent an airplane at $55/hr. and an instructor at $30/hr, it will cost AT LEAST $2800 ($2200 for the 40 flight-hours, $600 for the 20 hours with the instructor). In all reality, you will take more than 40 hours of flying, even if it's just by an hour, and you should plan on about 40 hours with the instructor because of briefing and debriefing before and after flights. Then add to that a headset ($100+), books ($120+), the ground-school course ($0-90), the written-exam ($75), and the examiner's fee ($200) for the checkride and add that to the total (about $485). In 2004, Pascal (news), spent approximately $3300 and more recently, Brad spent $3772.50. Just bear in mind that each student learns at his/her own pace and will spend different amounts on learning to fly.
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How long will it take to get my license?
This is also almost entirely dependant on the student, with added variables such as weather and aircraft down-time and schedule. If you study hard, and fly at least three times a week, you will be able to complete training in as little as 2-3 months.
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How can I pay for my flight training?
When you decide to learn to fly, to become a pilot, it isn't always practical to have all the money on-hand to pay for all your training and supplies, so many people pay as they go. FINANCING IS AVAILABLE, if you wish to go that route. Being able to train three days a week, from start to finish will guarantee that you will spend less money, start-to-finish, on your flight training. Contact us if you are interested in financing your training. Otherwise, you will receive an invoice once a month for the flying you've done over the previous 30 days, and you will pay your flight instructor separately.
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How do I get started?
At the top of the page is a button labeled "Start". Click on that and follow the instructions.
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What aircraft will be used for my training?
For your private pilot license, you will use the Cessna 152, unless you require a larger aircraft. Instrument pilots should plan on using the Warrior, unless you wish to use the smaller C-152.
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