Learn to Fly FAQs
There's really nothing quite like learning to fly. It provides a sense of freedom, accomplishment, and mastery. Flight training challenges your mind as you learn the basics of aerodynamics, weather, weight and balance, flight planning, regulations and the national airspace system. Flying will also challenge your coordination skills as you learn to control your aircraft in three dimensions and make perfect landings while correcting for winds. Learning to fly imparts a new appreciation for geography as you begin to navigate by pilotage, dead reckoning, and instruments. Your perception of the world changes forever as you view the terrain features from above. Flying can be rapid and direct transportation to a remote vacation or distant jobsite. It can be taking your friends for some sightseeing and photography, or taking an important client to check out a parcel of real estate from the air. You might take off to do some exciting aerobatics or just to enjoy a sunny day in the sky. Ask any pilot about their first solo flight and you are likely to get a smile and an earful of enthusiasm.
- What is the first step to becoming a pilot?
- Is it hard to learn to fly?
- How much time does it take to get your pilot's license?
- How much does it cost?
- What's the difference between schools who offer instruction under Part 141 versus Part 61?
- What are the specific requirements?
- How many lessons do I have to take before I solo?
- Is flying safe?
- If engine failure occurs, what will happen?
- Where can I get a list of FAA-authorized aviation medical examiners?
- Where can I get more information about flying?
Q: What is the first step to becoming a pilot?
A: First go for an introductory flight and see how
much fun and excitement flying provides. During this flight you will
go up with an instructor who will let you take the controls and see
how easy flying can be.
Q: Is it hard to learn to fly?
A: No. Men and women of all ages and abilities have
learned to fly. It's fun, and from the beginning of your training, you
get to do most of the actual flying! On the practical side, while flying
is not a difficult skill to learn, you must be willing to stick with
it until you meet all the requirements.
Q: How much time does it take to get your pilot's
license?
A: Everyone learns at a different pace, but most people
will earn their pilot certificate between 40 and 80 hours of flying time.
The average is 70 hours. The more often you fly the less time and
money it will take to earn your pilot certificate. Flying 4-5 times
per week will usually result in as little as 40 hours, compared to the
national average of 70.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: It depends on how quickly you learn and how often
you fly. However, most people will spend between $6,000 and $8,000
to get their private pilot certificate. Rental rates for aircraft typically
used for flight instruction cost about $100 per hour. Instructors typically
charge between $50 and $60 per hour for flight instruction.
Q: What’s the difference between schools who offer
instruction under Part 141 versus Part 61?
A: Mostly money. You will spend more money getting
your certificate or rating with a Part 141 school because of the highly
regimented, inflexible and structured FAA required curriculum. This
means money spent on ground instruction regardless of whether you need
it. Even if you study the material on your own or go to ground
school, a Part 141 school is required to have an instructor “teach” it
to you anyway. Extra money also goes into paying for the required
phase checks, even though you probably won’t get much out of them. Many
Part 141 schools advertise that they are approved by the FAA to recommend
private pilots for their checkride in 35 hours as opposed to 40 for Part
61 students. While this is true, very few students achieve this
for the above reasons, and the additional time and money spent on ground
instruction more than offsets any reduction in required flight hours. Part
61 on the other hand can offer any curriculum it chooses so long as the
students receive the same instruction and are trained to the same standards. One
thing is certain. If you value your time and money, choose a Part
61 curriculum.
Q: What are the specific requirements?
A: Here what you will need to accomplish
- Pass a simple FAA medical exam.
- About 20 hours of ground instruction to learn the theory and FAA rules.
- Approximately 30-50 hours of flight instruction with an instructor.
- Approximately 20-30 hours of solo flight time while you are learning and building your skills.
- Pass an FAA multiple-choice exam.
- Take a checkride with an FAA designated pilot examiner. The checkride will include oral questions to test your knowledge, preparation of a cross-country flight plan, and a flying test to demonstrate your proficiency in the required maneuvers.
Q: How many lessons do I have to take before I solo?
A: It depends on you and the curriculum taught. The
sequence I teach puts the solo portion later in the training which contributes to a more experienced pilot
at the solo stage. Typically, this will occur around 10-15 hours. Also,
before you can solo, you'll have to pass a medical exam from an FAA
registered medical examiner. After passing the physical, the physician
will issue a certificate which serves as a student pilot certificate.
Q: Is flying safe?
A: Yes. A well-built and well-maintained aircraft
flown by a competent and prudent pilot is as safe as other forms of
transportation. Studies of aircraft accidents have shown that unprepared
or imprudent pilots cause 90% of aviation accidents. Airplanes have
many redundant systems and rarely fail. Learning how to be a competent
and careful pilot is the best formula for safe flying. Flying, like
driving can be done safely or dangerously. The choice is a usually
a human one.
Q: If engine failure occurs, what will happen?
A: Modern aircraft engines are reliable and failure
rarely occurs. However, your lessons will cover what to do in this
situation, including selecting a good landing area and how to land
safely.
Q: Where can I get a list of FAA-authorized aviation
medical examiners?
A: The FAA publishes a directory that lists them
by name and address. You can get a copy from any FAA Flight Standards
District Office, air traffic control facility, or flight service station.
Airport managers and some aviation businesses may also be able to supply
this information. You will find a list of FAA medical examiners in
your area here. ame.cami.jccbi.gov.
Q: Where can I get more information about flying?
A: There are many good sources on the internet. A
rich source of information is the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
at aopa.org.