Student Pilot Certificate Training Process

Stop dreaming about it and start flying.  Our $49 introductory "Discovery Flight" will let you experience first hand the exciting world of flight.  You will be given the opportunity to get your hands on the controls and see what becoming a pilot is all about.  You will also have the opportunity to ask and get answers to all your questions concerning the time required, the cost, the level of effort - you've got questions, we've got answers.

Most are surprised at how easy it is to begin flying lessons.  It is very easy to get started.  Just schedule a Discovery Flight lesson, and give it a try.  It is that simple.

If you like it, the next step after the Discovery Flight is to enter the first phase of training.  This phase will prepare you to solo the airplane.  Your will learn how to takeoff and land, how to fly basic training maneuvers and how to find your way around the local area.  After you have mastered these skills and your have proven your ability and knowledge to your instructor, you will be allowed to fly the airplane solo in the local area.  Before your solo, you must have obtained a simple medical examination and medical certificate from a local aviation medical doctor.  Your medical certificate is also your student pilot's license.  It usually takes about 10 to 15 hours of flying time to development the skills required for solo flight.  Expect to spend about $1000 to $1500 dollars to complete this phase.

The next phase is the "cross-country" phase, where you learn how to fly a trip, first with your instructor, and later, solo.  You will learn and apply many skills during this phase including fundamentals of aviation weather, methods of navigation, communications procedures, flight planning and fuel requirements, weight and balance calculations, FAA rules and regulations, and how to handle abnormal or emergency situations.  This is a fun phase because you are using the airplane to go places just like you will be able to do once you are a private pilot.

Along the way, you will also be studying and completing your ground school course.  This prepares you for the FAA knowledge test which is a computer administered, multiple-choice test.  Completion of the knowledge test and the cross-country phase readies you for the final phase.

The final phase is the preparation for taking the practical test or check ride.  This is where you demonstrate your skills and knowledge as a pilot to an examiner who will issue your private pilot's certificate.  This is where all the training comes together.  Complete this and you have joined the ranks of private pilot.

See the private pilot page for additional information and a cost estimate for the entire private pilot certificate course.