Aviation Education

Below is a current list of some of our most popular questions & answers that prospective students have asked us about over the years.

What is a Discovery Flight?
A Discovery Flight is a flight of approximately 30-40 minutes, intended to familiarize you with the airplane, the airport, and with the flying environment. During most Discovery Flights, the student sits in the left seat, and the instructor allows the student to fly for a majority of the flight. Interested? Schedule a Discovery Flight!

What are the basic requirements to become a pilot?
The answer to this question has many parts:
• You must be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English Language.
• You must submit to a physical and hold at least a Third class FAA medical certificate.
• You must be 16 years old to obtain your student pilot license and to solo.
• You must to be 17 years old to obtain your private pilot license
•Your total flying time must be at least 40 hours.
• Of the 40 hours at least 10 hours must be solo flight time
• Of the 10 hours solo at least 5 hours must be cross-country (flying from one airport to another at least 50 nautical miles away)
• You must pass the FAA Private Pilot written exam.
• You must pass the Private Pilot Oral and Practical (Flying) Exam.

Is there an age limit for obtaining a Private Pilot rating?
The Federal Aviation Regulations require an individual to be at least 16 years of age to operate an aircraft solo, and 17 years of age to obtain a Private Pilot certificate. There is not an age limitation on beginning flight lessons with a certified flight instructor. There is no maximum age for acquiring a private pilot certificate. Once someone gets this certificate, they may exercise the privileges of that certificate as long as they continue to get a medical certificate and a biannual flight review.

What is a medical certificate / student license?