top of page
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started?
Start your aviation pursuit with a Discovery Flight. This is a chance for someone with no aviation knowledge to get a chance to fly an aircraft with an instructor to help answer questions and show you the first steps into the world of aviation. This is how most pilots find their calling.
How much does it cost?
Prices range depending on what aircraft you are flying and where in the country you are doing your training. The average price for Orbital Flight Training is lower than national average and ranges from $12,000 to $15,000 for a Private Pilot Certificate. This is projected off of an aircraft cost of $150 per hour and instructor cost of about $75 per hour. A minimum of 40 hours of training is required per the FAA. The National average is 50 to 70 hours to obtain a Private Pilot Certificate.
What do lessons consist of?
Having no past experience in aviation is routine and is what we often expect. Getting up to speed can seem daunting but is made simple by our flight training staff. Lessons consist of typical two hour blocks of time that students choose to fit their needs. During this time, operations to get familiar with aviation will include: preflight operations, flight operations consisting of in-air maneuvers to get more comfortable with the aircraft, and post flight operations. Flight training should feel rewarding and fun. Think of going flying with a friend who wants to help you learn and you will be on the right track in terms of what to expect from our staff.
How long will it take?
Time of completion of a Private Pilot Certificate is completely up to you. While there is a minimum of 40 hours of flight time and certain requirements to check off, the rate at which this is tackled is up to you. On average, most students are balancing work and/or school during training. We recommend two lessons per week in order to keep up on your flying skills and stay consistently growing in your abilities. This usually lands the time to completion around the four to six month time frame. Adding additional lessons per week and managing ground courses effectively can drastically shorten this time frame.
What can I do with a Private Pilot Certificate?
A Private Pilot Certificate allows an individual to operate an aircraft anywhere in the United States for pleasure or personal business. This certificate is known as a "License to Learn" as there is still much to master on your own.
How do I become an Airline Pilot?
It all starts with a Discovery Flight. Almost every airline pilot you have flown with started with a Discovery Flight on their pursuit of the first step, a Private Pilot Certificate. After completion of the Private Pilot Certificate, what follows is the Instrument Certificate, Commercial Certificate, and optional Certified Flight Instructor Certificate. These are the steps that will take you to ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) or what is more commonly known as an airline pilot.
bottom of page