Want to take flying lessons?
If you want to learn to fly, there are a lot of questions that probably have. How much does it cost? How long will it take? Do I need to own an airplane? Am I too old or too young? Am I healthy enough? Can I wear glasses? How long does it take to solo? I can answer all of these questions, but I need more information. Why do you want to fly? What are your goals? What is your medical history?
These questions help me get a better idea of how I can appropriately answer your questions.
STEP NUMBER ONE: you should take an introductory flight lesson. This will allow us to sit down, face to face, and go over the process and your options.
These questions help me get a better idea of how I can appropriately answer your questions.
STEP NUMBER ONE: you should take an introductory flight lesson. This will allow us to sit down, face to face, and go over the process and your options.
Let's have a chat
The pages on my website contain much helpful information to someone interested in learning to fly, however, your best bet is to call me. Let's chat about this --- I hope to alleviate your concerns and get you started on the right path!
What is the process?
In order to get your pilot certificate, you have to pass three tests: knowledge test, oral exam, practical test.
The knowledge test is a written exam containing 60 multiple choice questions. The content in the test is learned through ground school and self-study. You will purchase the Sporty's Learn to Fly course and watch their training videos. That course will prepare you for the knowledge exam, as well as the oral and practical test.
When you purchase any Sporty's Course, please enter my referral code in the check out: FLT9530
This course will count as your ground training. I will not spend very much time at a whiteboard teaching lessons. The Sporty's course does that. I will help fill in the blanks and work on your weak areas.
When you first start flight training, your number one goal is to PASS THE KNOWLEDGE EXAM.
While you are studying for the written test, I will give you flight training for up to 10 hours, then it will pause until the written test is complete. It is very important that you study and pass the test prior to getting very deep in flight training so that you understand many of the fundamental concepts up front.
During your training, we will follow my syllabus, lesson plans, and standard training outline, tailored to each student.
For more information, contact me.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
The average cost to learn to fly and get your private pilot certificate with me is between $20,000 and $13,000. This depends on many factors, and everyone is different. Could be more, could be less. If you catch on quickly, fly a lot, and study hard, it could be less. If you take a while to learn, don't fly much, and barely study, it will cost more.
How long does it take?
The average time it takes to get your pilot certificate is 3-6 months. This is usually the case for the average working member of society that spends several hours a week home studying and goes to flying lessons 2-3 times per week.
Do I need to own an airplane?
No, but it helps. I will provide the training aircraft unless you own your own. The average cost to fly your own single engine Piper or Cessna at least 300 hours a year comes out to around $75/hour after all expenses are paid and reserves are met. The average rental cost in the area for an equivalent aircraft is about $150/hour. In the long run, it is more efficient to own over rent, but you have to fly over about 150 hours per year to make it worth the trouble.
What are the age requirements?
You have to be 17 to get your pilot certificate, but you can solo at 16. The youngest I recommend to start lessons is 15, though it can be done earlier. There is no upper age limit to learning to fly, but medical concerns exist. More info here: https://www.flyingmag.com/training/learn-fly/flight-school-age-limits-flying/
The average cost to learn to fly and get your private pilot certificate with me is between $20,000 and $13,000. This depends on many factors, and everyone is different. Could be more, could be less. If you catch on quickly, fly a lot, and study hard, it could be less. If you take a while to learn, don't fly much, and barely study, it will cost more.
How long does it take?
The average time it takes to get your pilot certificate is 3-6 months. This is usually the case for the average working member of society that spends several hours a week home studying and goes to flying lessons 2-3 times per week.
Do I need to own an airplane?
No, but it helps. I will provide the training aircraft unless you own your own. The average cost to fly your own single engine Piper or Cessna at least 300 hours a year comes out to around $75/hour after all expenses are paid and reserves are met. The average rental cost in the area for an equivalent aircraft is about $150/hour. In the long run, it is more efficient to own over rent, but you have to fly over about 150 hours per year to make it worth the trouble.
What are the age requirements?
You have to be 17 to get your pilot certificate, but you can solo at 16. The youngest I recommend to start lessons is 15, though it can be done earlier. There is no upper age limit to learning to fly, but medical concerns exist. More info here: https://www.flyingmag.com/training/learn-fly/flight-school-age-limits-flying/
Things to read and study
The AOPA has a lot of great information on learning to fly. I recommend the study material linked below:
https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/cfis/flight-instructor-resources/cfi-resources
Prior to your next flight, review the appropriate videos covering at least the following topics:
Introduction to Flight
Basic Aerodynamics
Flight Controls
Flight Instruments
Aircraft Systems
Straight and Level Flight
Climbs and Descents
Turns (normal and steep)
Climbing and descending turns
Slow flight
Ground reference maneuvers
Airspeed changes and slow flight
Airport Layout, Markings and Signs
Fly8MA Flying 101 Start to Finish: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnjaM9eVs4pvHFgcSAkepEbWwQpGtbY5c
ERAU PACE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-5QlDZlK74GrL0fb6V_FZSLX86V9A7j4
Private Pilot Tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdu8cMWoatm19rjgUl05Y8lSzlOUCTXp1
Aviation Safety and Training Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql6F9RFbjMA&list=PLCCF3D4E62537914E
https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/cfis/flight-instructor-resources/cfi-resources
Prior to your next flight, review the appropriate videos covering at least the following topics:
Introduction to Flight
Basic Aerodynamics
Flight Controls
Flight Instruments
Aircraft Systems
Straight and Level Flight
Climbs and Descents
Turns (normal and steep)
Climbing and descending turns
Slow flight
Ground reference maneuvers
Airspeed changes and slow flight
Airport Layout, Markings and Signs
Fly8MA Flying 101 Start to Finish: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnjaM9eVs4pvHFgcSAkepEbWwQpGtbY5c
ERAU PACE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-5QlDZlK74GrL0fb6V_FZSLX86V9A7j4
Private Pilot Tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdu8cMWoatm19rjgUl05Y8lSzlOUCTXp1
Aviation Safety and Training Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql6F9RFbjMA&list=PLCCF3D4E62537914E
