Where do I learn to fly?

Flying Start Aero obviously wants to be the place where you learn to fly, but we encourage you to evaluate other schools and pick one that can best meet your needs. Considering that you will have your pilot certificate for the rest of your life, it is important where you get that certificate. It is important for you to be comfortable and able to communicate with your instructor. It is important to get your training in a type of aircraft that you intend to fly later and one that is suited for the environment in which you train. Consider training with a flight school that is open 7 days a week so that you can fly when it is convenient for you. Our instructors are not just pilots, but experienced communicators and teachers. Before you pick a flight school, make sure you stop by Flying Start Aero and give us a chance to show you why we think that we have the best flight school you could possibly select for your flight training.

How many hours of training do I need before getting a private pilot license?

The Federal Aviation Administration requires that you have a minimum of 40 hours total flight time with 20 of those hours being with a Certified Flight Instructor. This of course is a minimum and each individual learns at a different pace. The national average for a person to get a private pilot's certificate is 70 hours. Flying Start Aero's twelve year average is 54 hours.

How long will it take?

It depends on how often you take lessons. Some people can do it in as little as 2 months, while others may take 12 months or more. The average is 5 months.

How much will it cost?

It depends on how quickly you learn. With everything included from ground zero to your certificate, it costs anywhere between $10,000 and $12,000. You don't pay this amount up front. You pay as you learn. Average lessons cost about $250. You need just $250 to start your training and then every time you take a lesson you pay about $250, depending on the type and length of the lesson. Some lessons, such as long trips to distant airports, may cost several hundred dollars. The bottom line is you pay as you go. Flying Start Aero offers block rate purchase incentives, which save students hundreds of dollars.

When will I solo?

You will solo after you pass a third-class medical, a pre-solo written exam, and your instructor and you are confident that you are able to fly safely by yourself. On the average this happens after 16 hours of flight training.

Do I have to take ground school, before I begin flying?

No. Flight training starts immediately. Ground school does not need to be classroom formal. It can be self-study or with an instructor. Our instructor will provide you with the necessary ground training before and after each of your flight lessons. Our free videos, computerized test preps and workbooks ensure you of passing the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Written Exam.

Do I need any special education?

No. Anyone with any amount of education can learn to fly and get a private pilot certificate.

Can I become a pilot if I wear glasses?

Yes. 20/20 vision is not necessary, as long as your vision is correctable with glasses or contact lenses to the point where you are able to drive a car.

What if I have a medical condition?

Only severe medical conditions will prevent you from becoming a pilot. Please call Flying Start Aero if you have a question about any particular medical conditions. We will put you in contact with an Aviation Medical Examiner, who will be able to assess your situation.

If you have any other questions, please call us at 775-783-UFLY (8359).