FAQs

Will I actually learn to fly in this program?

After completing the aviation pathway, you will have the knowledge necessary to pass a simulated Private Pilot checkride. The simulated checkride includes successful passing of all maneuvers required in the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) on our FAA approved flight simulators. You also will learn the knowledge necessary to pass the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test. Should you choose to begin taking flying lessons, you will be able to get into a real airplane with an instructor and you'll already know and understand the airplane, aerodynamics, maneuvers, radio calls, flight planning and airspace and airport operations.

Do simulator hours count toward my Private Pilot Certificate?

Many of our simulators are FAA approved, meaning students can earn 2.5 hours (with an instructor) toward their minimum 40 hours of flight time required to earn a Private Pilot Certificate. They will fly many more hours than 2.5 our our simulators during their time in the pathway. The knowledge gained while using the simulators are invaluable. They may choose to log their time for their own records, however only 2.5 hours may be used toward the Private Pilot Certificate.

What is a Private Pilot Certificate (Airplane Single Engine Land, ASEL)?

A Private Pilot Certificate or Private Pilot License for airplanes is available to students 17 and older. It allows the holder to fly him/herself, as well as other people in the day or night in a single engine airplane. The pilot must remain in VFR conditions (Visual Flight Rules), which means they must not fly in the clouds. They must have a visual reference to the ground at all times. They may not fly for hire, however they can split the cost of fuel and plane rental with other occupants (pro-rata share). A student can begin training at any time for their PPL, but they can't solo the airplane until age 16. They may earn their license at 17.

What do I need to do to earn a Private Pilot Certificate?

Here's a link that's explains the information below in more detail, along with areas of aeronautical knowledge.

According to FAR 61.109, to earn a Private Pilot Certificate, one must have:

40 hours of flight time that includes at least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instuctor and 10 hours of solo flight training in the areas of operation listed in FAR 61.107(b)(1) of this part, and the training must include at least -
1. 3 hours of cross-country flight training in a single-engine airplane.
2. 3 hours of night flight training in a single-engine airplane that includes -
  - One cross-country flight of over 100 nautical miles total distance; and
  - 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport.
3. 3 hours of flight training in a single-engine airplane on the control and maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments, including straings and level flight, constant airspeed climbs and descents, turnst to a heading, recovery from unusal flight attitudes, radio communications, and the use of naviatagion systems/facilites and radar services appropriate the instrument flight;
4. 3 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor in a single-engine airplane in preparation for the practical test, which must have been performed within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test; and
5. 10 hours of solo flight time in a single-engine airplane, consisting of at least-
  - 5 hours of solo cross-country time;
  - One solo cross country flight of 150 nautical miles total distance, with full-stop landings at three points, and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of more than 50 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations; and
  - Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffice pattern _ at an airport with an operating control tower.

What is a Medical?

All pilots, student or otherwise must hold an FAA Medical Certificate. The exam must be performed by an FAA Medical Doctor, not your family physician. They come in three different classes, - 1st, 2nd and 3rd. For most students, a 3rd class will suffice, however if a student wants to fly commercially (gets paid), or flight instruct, they must possess a 2nd class medical certificate. If they wish to fly for the airlines, they must possess a 1st class medical certificate.

How do I start flying for real?

You may want to take an "introductory flight" first at your local flight school. They typically cost around $99 and you get to sit in the pilot seat (left seat). The instructor sits in the right seat. You will get to taxi the airplane and you'll get to actually fly the airplane once in the air for a short time. The total time in the airplane is around a half hour. It is a great way to try flying for real to see if you really like it. If you do, then the flight school will discuss the program with you, including time, costs and expectations.

How much does it cost to get my Private Pilot Certificate?

It depends on your ability, time, study skills, dedication and motivation. The better all of that is, the less it will cost. Generally speaking, $12,000 is a ballpark amount for a Private Pilot Certificate, however that amount can vary greatly up or down depending on the items listed above.

Is the aviation industry a good one to get into now?

This may very well be the greatest time in history to get into a career in aviation. There is a tremendous pilot shortage, mechanic shortage and flight crew shortage. Pilot hiring and starting salaries for many regional airlines have jumped 50-90% recently! They needs pilots to meet demand and to replace retiring pilots.

How do I get to the airlines?

To fly for the airlines, one must start as a student pilot, earn a Private Pilot Certificate, an instrument rating, a Commercial Pilot Certificate, Multi Engine, and ultimately an ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) Certificate. With certain exceptions, one needs 1500 hours minimum to qualify for the ATP. Each certificate or rating requires a written exam plus a practical test which includes both an oral portion and a flying portion. In order to acquire the 1500 hours, many people earn flight instructor certificates, (CFI, CFII, MEI) which allow the instructor to earn money and hours while providing instruction to students.

Do I need to go to college to fly professionally?

Further eduction, including a college degree is never a bad idea. Most airlines do not require a college degree. Many prefer one, but ultimately, they want a pilot to have qualifying flight experience, hours and certificates for their company. If a college degree is required, most airlines don't care what the degree is in. It doesn't have to be in aviation or aerospace. Some carriers do require a college degree. Do your research.

How is the Aviators Club different from the classes?

The Aviators Club is an extra curricular club available to Liberty Creek High School students. Members don't have to be in the Aviation class/pathway to be in the club. The club is largely student run and focuses on aviation topics chosen by students. Mr. Peterson is the advisor for the club.