Private Pilot  

Learning to fly is your first step toward a rewarding hobby or new career.  You are about to embark on a journey of adventure, exploration, and discovery.  Throughout history, men and women have dreamed of achieving the freedom and exhilaration of flight.  Since 1994, Airborne Systems has trained hundreds of pilots who began with the same dream.  Once you've completed your training, you'll have the knowledge and skills to safely fly to favorite destinations too far to drive in a single afternoon.

Prerequisite: You must be 16 years old to hold a student pilot certificate.  The certificate is attained by passing a medical exam given by an FAA-designated physician.  The ability to read, understand and speak English is also required.

Time Frame: The length of your training depends on many factors. First, you need to determine if you want to study full time or if you prefer a part time schedule. Good study habits and the willingness to prepare for each lesson will improve your ability to get your license quickly and inexpensively.  Familiarization with flight training theory before you begin your training will also help. The average full time student  course lasts between 4 and 6 weeks.  Part time students who train two times a week should complete their training in 4 to 6 months.

Curriculum:  Airborne Systems utilizes the Cessna Multimedia Training System--the best in the industry!  This CD-ROM based system features individual Labs (flight theory lessons) taught by John and Martha King, Rod Machado and other aviation training pioneers.  The Labs are integrated with Flight Lessons that preview your flights, offering you a pilot's eye view of the maneuvers you'll learn with your instructor.  You'll be able to check your progress--Flight and Labs--throughout your training.  The multimedia course also comes equipped with questions you will need to know to pass your written exam.  The flying portion of your training consists of a minimum of 30 hours flight time with an instructor and 10 hours flight training alone which is known as "Solo". Here you practice what you've learned with your instructor.  When you are ready, you will perform all flight maneuvers to a designated examiner on your Check Ride.

Cost: Average costs including all study materials, flight instruction, ground instruction and exam fees range from $9,500  to $10,500. You can minimize your expense by buying the Cessna Multimedia Training System  before you arrive for training.  By viewing the information on the CD-ROM you will have an understanding which will become quite valuable when you begin your training. The lower cost is representative of a well prepared student who finishes with 40 hours of  flight time.  The upper cost is a student who prolongs their training over a few month period and finishes with 45-50 hours of flight time.