Frequently Asked Questions

We often hear this question come up from prospective students. For a part 61 school, the FAA regulates that you have a minimum of 40 hours of flight training. A part 141 school, on the other hand, will require 35 hours of training to qualify for your practical (flight) test. However, most students will require a little more training to be fully prepared. Many factors go into this such as study habits, frequency of flight, and individual learning styles. But we find most students will be ready in the 60-hour timeframe if they train regularly. 

The differences are described in the FAA Regulation Manual (FAR) if you desire a more formalized description. Part 141 schools have a dedicated, FAA-certified curriculum and schedule for which testing and evaluation take place. These schools require an instructor to teach and document every aspect of your training. Part 61 schools allow the students to study ground material independently. Both programs will allow you to earn a license to fly. We find part 61 is beneficial for students to train at their leisure as many of our students are employed and/or have families. Part 141 programs are best suited for students who can fly full-time and can commit to training daily. 

In the early phases of training, most lessons are about 2 hours. Actual flight training works out to a little more than an hour, with the rest of the time being dedicated to ground discussions with your instructor. The more advanced students will usually progress to 3-hour training blocks. 

Student pilots are not legally allowed to have passengers when they fly solo. Passengers are allowed during student flights if the CFI is present and agrees ahead of time to the additional passengers. Once you are a licensed pilot you may take passengers provided you are current and within the W&B limits of the aircraft.

The simple answer is, weather permitting, day one! At first, your instructor will perform complicated tasks while showing you how to perform them. After a short time, you will notice your instructor is helping less and less. By the end of your training, you will be the primary operator of the aircraft.

The coolest thing in the world, flying airplanes!! (within the limits of the license of course). Many people will fly friends and family around for sightseeing or take short trips for one-hundred-dollar hamburgers. However, many students will seek additional training to gain more ratings or licenses. Want to test your skills after becoming certified? Take a tailwheel lesson with Josh and, if you are feeling really brave, ask for a spin. 

We have some videos explaining on how you can begin the process!

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