How do I know that I can learn to fly?

Somewhere there is someone just like you who recently became a pilot. Although the average student pilot is 32 years old, anyone 16 years old or older can learn to fly an airplane.  People from every occupation and every geographic location in the nation are pilots.  Learning to fly is not difficult. Some exceptions exist, but generally speaking everybody who is able to drive a car is able to fly an airplane. That of course does not mean that everybody will be a safe pilot. Safety in flying depends mainly on the personality, character and most of all, the  attitude of the pilot. The most common barrier that people interested in flying face is their realization that they indeed CAN become pilots. Some people think that every pilot has to possess some "magical qualities", which certainly is not true. If you should decide to become a pilot and give it a try, you have a great chance that you will return home with a pilot certificate.

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What are the age restrictions?

There is no maximum age limit for a person to hold a pilot certificate. However, the person must hold a valid medical certificate of appropriate class. The minimum age to start the flight training is 16 years. At this age the student can fly the aircraft solo, but he/she needs to be at least 17 years of age at the time of the final exam to be able to obtain a private pilot certificate. The minimum age for commercial pilots and instructors is 18 years; and the minimum age for an Airline Transport Pilot is 23 years.

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What are the requirements?

There are three basic requirements for learning to fly powered airplanes in the United States. First, you have to be at least 16 years old. Second, you have to be in good health. And third, you have to be able to read, speak and understand English. You can apply for a student pilot certificate if you are at least 16 years old. When you're 17, you can apply for a private pilot certificate. There is no maximum age limit because it's health and not age that determines a person's ability to fly well.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires everyone who wants to become a pilot or continue to be a pilot to pass a routine medical exam every two years. This requirement ensures that pilots do not have medical problems that could interfere with their ability to fly safely. Allowances are made for many physical limitations. For example, glasses and contact lenses are perfectly acceptable. The physical exam can be obtained anytime from one of many FAA-designated physicians. If you're planning to learn to fly, it's advisable to complete the physical exam early in your flight training to assure that you qualify.

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How can I obtain a medical certificate?

The exam is not rigorous. An average healthy person will pass it without any problems. International students, especially from Europe, are encouraged to obtain aviation medical certificate from the Aviation Medical Institution of their home country. You will be sure that when you return from United States as a certified pilot, you will be able to fly at home. Most European countries have more demanding rules for issuing aviation medical certificates. Your vision must be normal (20/20 or 20/30)--if you wear glasses or contact lenses they must correct your vision to normal and you must be able to distinguish red and green colors. You shouldn't have a nose or throat condition that would be aggravated by flying, you must have proper balance, and you must be able to hear a whispered voice from 3 feet. Mental/neurological problems, such as psychosis, alcoholism, epilepsy, or any unexplained loss of consciousness or serious medical conditions such as heart attack or chronic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, or any debilitating illness are disqualifying conditions. If you do have a problem, it's not the end of your flying career. Depending on the problem, your medical certificate will be withheld until further testing is done. Your Aviation Medical Examiner will be able to help you in such cases, and if you and your medical examiner can prove to the FAA that your condition will not make you unsafe to pilot an airplane, there's a good chance you'll get your medical certificate. 

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What about allergies and asthma?

Allergies will not disqualify you from obtaining a pilot medical certificate, unless you are on permanent medication that could affect your flying. Even if you are on permanent medication, the doctor will determine whether it could pose any hazard to the safety of flight and may issue a medical certificate.

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How difficult is it?

As with any other skill you master, flying is learned step by step. It's a fascinating experience. But it's not particularly difficult. It can be learned by practically anyone who is willing to invest some time and effort.

Pilot training has two aspects: ground training and flight training. Ground training takes place on the ground. It covers flight rules and regulations, airplane systems, flight planning, navigation, radio procedures, and weather. During flight training, you learn to fly by actually controlling the airplane yourself. Under the supervision of a certificated flight instructor, you learn how to take off, land and fly cross-country (from your home airport to another airport and then back again).

Millions of people have learned to fly. By the time you're ready for your private pilot certificate, you'll be secure in the knowledge that you're a safe and competent pilot.

Airborne Systems uses Cessna's ground training program.  Click here to see the CDI demo. 

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What are the required supplies I need to buy?

All the supplies you need to buy are available at Airborne Systems.  They are included in your Cessna Multimedia Training System kit.

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What is the first step?

Deciding to learn to fly is obviously the first step and often the most difficult one. Before you make the big decision to take flying lessons, you may want to experience flying in a small plane. Once you've viewed your community from the perspective of a general aviation aircraft and felt the sensation of flight, you'll know whether piloting is for you.

To arrange for a flight in a small plane, contact the Airborne Systems  for your introductory flight.  Because we are a Cessna Pilot Center we can offer this flight for $99.

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How long will it take?

Most people receive their private pilot certificate after about 55 hours of flight time, including time spent with an instructor aboard (dual time) and time spent flying alone (solo time). Training will include some night flying, some instrument flying (flying solely by reference to the airplane's instruments), and some cross-country flying. The minimum time required by federal regulation is 35 (Part 141) or 40 (Part 61) hours of flight time, depending on the type of program you choose.

You can fly in the early morning, during the day or on weekends. Scheduling your flying and the amount of time needed to accumulate the required flight time is up to you and your instructor. Usually two to three hours flying time per week is a good learning rate, with more hours during weeks when cross-country flights are made. Statistics indicate that the average student pilot completes the requirements for a private pilot certificate in four to six months. Depending on the schedule and number of hours spent flying, some people will complete it sooner and others will take longer.  The time you choose to make your flights or ground lessons is up to you.  Our instructors are flexible.  A typical scheduled training session is one to three hours.  One hour spent in ground training and two hours spent in the airplane.

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What is the difference between Part 61 and 141?

All flight training in the United States is based on minimum standards specified in the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs).  The basic standards including eligibility requirements to become a student and certificated pilot, and flight instruction minimums are the same for all flight schools.  A flight school can choose to be certified under FAR Part 141,  "Pilot Schools."  In addition to specifying minimum qualifications and requirements for school's personnel and facilities, Part 141 provides for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval of the school's training curriculum.  The school is subject to FAA inspection, and must meet minimum performance levels in terms of preparing students for FAA check rides.  Also, a Part 141 school may recommend students for a check ride with just 35 instructional hours rather than the minimum of 40 required under Part 61. This translates into cost savings by going to a Part 141 accredited school.  Airborne Systems is FAA certified under FAR Part 141 operations.

Under Part 141, private pilot graduates can immediately start their instrument rating without having to build the required 50 hours of cross-country time that is needed under Part 61.

 No special designation or certification is needed to operate as a flight school under Part 61.  

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What will my first flight be like?

Your instructor will introduce you to the general aviation airplane you'll learn to fly. You'll be briefed on the instruments, controls, and equipment in the plane and on what to watch for when you're flying. After this preflight briefing, the two of you will take off. When aloft, and under the close supervision of your instructor, you'll take control of the airplane. It will be unlike anything you've experienced before. Soon you'll feel the exhilaration--impatient for the next flight.

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What kind of tests will I take?

No test is required for a student pilot certificate. But before a private license is issued, you must pass two tests. One is a written FAA examination. You'll have to work out the questions dealing with a hypothetical flight for this exam. But don't worry; you'll have learned all of this before from planning the cross-country flights you made as part of your training program.

Following this exam is a practical examination of your flying ability. Here you take a designated FAA examiner for a checkride to demonstrate your ability to maneuver the airplane safely and confidently. You'll have practiced the maneuvers many times before, and your flight instructor will have prepared you thoroughly.

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How much does it cost? 

Flight training costs vary. Fuel prices, maintenance and insurance costs are but a few of the variables. You can expect to pay between $8,000 and $10,000 for a good private-pilot flight training program. We offer finance packages that allow low monthly payments spread over several years through Salle Mae and Pilot Finance Inc.

Compared to the costs of training in other business skills, becoming a licensed private pilot is a good value. Prorated over a lifetime, it's probably one of the best bargains you'll ever find. The cost of becoming a pilot is a solid investment in your future.

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Is flying safe?

General aviation airplanes are built to rigid federal specifications, and they are constantly checked and rechecked to make sure they are mechanically and structurally safe. People who fly are safety conscious. As the pilot-in-command of an airplane, you're also in command of most variables that affect flying safety. Safety is the most important word in the general aviation vocabulary.

Your flight instructor will emphasize training you to operate the airplane safely. Flying as pilot-in-command of the airplane puts you in charge. A well-built and well-maintained airplane in the hands of a competent, prudent, and well-trained pilot makes flying safer than many other forms of transportation.

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What happens after I get my pilot's license?

You'll never be quite the same person you were before. You'll have access to a whole new world of personal freedom. You'll think of travel in terms of hours, not miles. You'll know what it means to make your own schedules, go your own way... far above the crowds, the congestion, the hassle, and the annoyances of ordinary transportation.

You'll find a new sense of personal fulfillment in your ever growing flying skills. You'll push the old boundaries of your life forward and you'll have the opportunity to plan, seek, and find new experiences that will enrich your life in countless ways. You'll gain greater self-reliance and confidence.

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Is there an advantage to being an instructor for my first job as a pilot?

Yes there is. There is no better way to keep knowledge fresh in your mind than to use it. As an instructor, you will be teaching others how to fly of course, but you will also be teaching the rules and regulations that go along with flying. This knowledge is important no matter what type of flying you are doing. It is especially important if you want a career with a major air carrier.

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If I have a foreign pilot certificate is it valid in the USA?

Effective July 23, 2002, persons applying for a certificate issued on the basis of a foreign license under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 61, Section 61.75, special purpose pilot authorizations under Section 61.77, using a pilot certificate issued under Section 61.75 to apply for a commercial pilot certificate under Section 61.123 (h), applying for an airline transport pilot certificate issued under Section 61.153 (d) (3), and applying for a certificate issued on the basis of a foreign license under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 63, Sections 63.23 and 63.42, must have the validity and currency of the foreign license and medical certificate or endorsement verified by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) that issued those certificates, before making application for an FAA certificate or authorization.

Please submit the required information using the optional form. The form can be downloaded at: http://registry.faa.gov/airmen.asp#Verify. Send the completed form with the preferred documents to the Airmen Certification Branch, AFS-760, PO BOX 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0082 or for a quicker response, fax the form and documents to (405) 954-9922.  The pre-application documents cannot be sent electronically.

A person who is applying for a U.S. pilot certificate/rating on the basis of a foreign pilot license must apply for that pilot certificate at least 90 days before arriving at the designated FAA Flight Standards District Office where the applicant intends to receive the U.S. pilot certificate.  This initial application step is the responsibility of the applicant.

The information submitted to the Airmen Certification Branch by the applicant must include the following information:

1. The name and date of birth of the applicant.
2. The address where the person wishes to have the verification of the authenticity letter, issued by the FAA’s Airmen Certification Branch, AFS-760, mailed to.
3. The certificate number and ratings on the foreign license.
4. The country of issuance of the person’s foreign pilot license.
5. The location of the FAA Flight Standards District Office where the person intends to make application for his or her U.S. pilot certificate.
6. A statement that his or her foreign pilot license is not under an order of suspension or revocation.

NOTE: The Airmen Certification Branch would prefer to have a copy of the foreign license and medical certificate or endorsement included with all requests for verification of authenticity of the foreign license.
 

When verification is received from the Civil Aviation Authority, you will receive written notification that a copy has been forwarded to the Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) you designated in your request.  The verification is valid for 6 calendar months.  You may make application for a U.S. pilot certificate at the designated FSDO during that period.

 

In addition to the procedures stated under Verification of Authenticity of Foreign license, Rating and Medical Certification above, airmen from the United Kingdom should note the following additional steps that are required by the United Kingdom CAA to complete this verification process.  Please visit the UK CAA web site at http://www.caa.co.uk/srg/licensing/whatsnew.asp. The additional forms are required prior to the UK CAA providing any requested information to the Airmen Certification Branch, AFS-760.

Please note: The Verification of Authenticity of Foreign license, Rating and Medical Certification form must be submitted directly to the FAA, Airmen Certification Branch, AFS-760 not to the UK CAA.  The information required by the UK CAA must be submitted directly to the UK CAA and not to the FAA, Airmen Certification Branch, AFS-760.

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Will I need transportation while I am training?

Yes. Our airport does not have any residential areas within walking distance. Short-term students may want to rent a car as this gives the most flexibility. For long term students purchasing a used car is the most cost-effective method of transportation, particularly if shared with another student. Most of the accommodation are located within 5-7 miles of the airport; so cycling may also be an option for physically fit students.

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If you hold a valid FAA pilot certificate (at least a private pilot) and a medical certificate, you can rent airplanes at any flight school throughout the United States. Every flight school will require that you get checked out by one of their flight instructors (required by their insurance company). This means you will spend approximately 1 hour on the ground while the instructor makes sure you are familiar with aviation regulations, maps, local airspace and aircraft operations. Then you will fly with the instructor for approximately 1 hour performing takeoffs/landings and flight maneuvers like stalls, steep turns, slow flight and emergency procedures to make sure you can fly the airplane safely. Schools will charge you for both the instructor and the airplane. Instructor rates are approximately $45.00/hour. You will need to get checked out by an instructor in every make and model of aircraft (C-172, C-182T, Piper Warrior, etc...) you intend to fly at each flight school. Should you want to rent an airplane for a few days or even a week or two for a long trip, it usually is possible.  However, the flight schools will require you to put a minimum number of flight hours on the airplane every day (usually 3-4 hours).

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What are the Steps to Flight Training?
Practical part - flying:
American rules and regulations precisely define what minimum flight experience you will need to become a certified pilot. For example, for private pilots it is a minimum of 40 flight hours, which consist of at least 30 hours with an instructor, 10 solo flight hours, etc. Not everyone is able to learn all the required skills within this prescribed minimum. When your flight training is intensive (you fly several times a week), you can usually complete the course within the minimum prescribed flight hours. However, if you fly less frequently (some people can not fly more than once a week or once every two weeks), you most probably need some extra flight hours, since you will spend a lot of time reviewing already forgotten techniques.