How long does it take to get my private pilot
certificate?
The Federal Aviation regulations (under part 61) require a minimum
of 40 hours total flight time before you can become a licensed
pilot. However, this minimum flight time was based on requirements
established over 20 years ago. Since then, flying has become slightly
more complex. Today, the average time to get your certificate,
is approximately 60-70 hours. The length of time it takes to achieve
your license depends on how often you fly and your skill level.
In most cases, the more frequently you fly the more economical your training.
A shorter length of time between flight lessons allows you to
build your skills more quickly.
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How much does it cost?
Your financial investment in flight lessons will vary depending
on the type of aircraft flown and the frequency of your lessons.
An average flight lesson lasts approximately 1.0-1.3 hours. At
Colonial Air, our Cessna 172’s ranging in price from $120.00 to $140.00 per hour. We also have a 172RG which rents for $140.00.
All aircraft rental rates include fuel and oil.
The Instructor fees are as follows. The rate for our instructor is $45.00 per hour.
Overall, your total investment for flight training for a Private Pilot's Licence is approximately
$10,000 - $13,000.
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How do I choose a good flight instructor?
First, choose a flight instructor who is certificated through
the FAA. He/she should be credentialed as a CFI (certificated
flight instructor) CFII or MEI.
Second, interview a few flight instructors before making a decision.
Ask about their flying experiences, their approach to training,
why they chose to be a flight instructor, length of time flying
and their success rate. Are they enthusiastic and professional?
Many flight instructors are only building time to move on to the
airlines and may have very little teaching experience. Others
have chosen flight instructing as a career.
Third, chose a flight instructor who can adapt to your learning
style. Good flight instructors recognize that everyone learns
differently. He/she will be able to alter their style of teaching
to meet your needs.
Finally, choose someone you like and feel you could trust. Learning
to fly is a wonderful and challenging experience. Your flight
instructor should share your enthusiasm and be committed to your
success!
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I enjoyed my introductory flight but I feel
a little nervous about flying, does this mean I shouldn’t
fly?
It is perfectly normal to feel somewhat anxious about flying.
Even seasoned pilots have some level of anxiety. In fact, many
professionals believe that a certain level of anxiety actually
increases your situational awareness and can be considered an
added safety measure. If it gets too overwhelming, talk to your
flight instructor. There could be several reasons why you are
feeling the way you do.
Quite often, as you progress through your training, any concerns
may be put to rest simply because you are learning more about
the airplane and it’s capabilities as well as becoming more
comfortable in the flight environment.
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There is so much going on when I fly, how
am I going to learn all this?
The first few hours usually takes the most getting used to. Flying
requires a unique set of skills performed in a rather unnatural
environment. As pilots, we learn to evaluate and visualize our
position in space, interpret the instruments and make decisions,
all while flying the aircraft.
When you are first starting, the amount of information to absorb
can overload your sensory system. This may lead to a feeling of
being overwhelmed. Not too worry. As you progress through your
training, your mind begins to adapt to this new experience by
establishing memory pathways. Soon, you will automatically focus
on the important stimulus and be able to filter out the less important.
This will help you to feel more in control and less overwhelmed.
I work full time, how much time do I need
to devote to training?
Many of our students are either working full time or are full
time students. The advantage of learning to fly in a Part 61 environment
is that we can tailor the training to your learning style and
schedule. A good rule of thumb is to fly at least once per week
and devote approximately 2 hours per week to studying.
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What is the difference between a Part 61
flight school and a Part 141 flight school?
According to the Federal Aviation Regulations, a part 141 flight
school has a syllabus and/or training curriculum approved by the
FAA. The flight training requirements are similar to Part 61 with
the exception of the total flight time required and your cross
country requirements. Under part 141 the total time required for
your license is 35 hours, and your solo cross country flight is
required to be 100 nm. Under part 61 your total time required
is 40 hours and your solo cross country is 150 nm.
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I started my private pilot training under
Part 61 and I want to train at a part 141 flight school. How much
of my training credit can I transfer?
According to FAR 141.77 paragraph 2: “…The credit
given that student for the previous pilot experience and knowledge
shall not exceed more than 25% of the curriculum requirements
and must be based upon a proficiency test or knowledge test or
both conducted by the receiving pilot school.”
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I don’t understand what my flight instructor
is telling me to do.
This is a very important issue to address right away. Safe flying
depends on clear precise and understandable communication between
you and your flight instructor. If at any time you are uncertain
about what he/she is asking you to do, stop and request a clearer
explanation before attempting any maneuver or procedure. In fact,
you should have a clear understanding of the lesson and the maneuvers
you will learn before ever leaving the ground. Most good flight
instructors know that teaching takes place on the ground and not
in the air.
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What should I do if I don’t feel comfortable
with my flight instructor?
Your flight instructor may not be aware that something is bothering
you. Since your flight instructor has come to know you and your
skill level, perhaps trying to work it out first is a good idea.
It may be something as fixable as a communication or teaching
issue. If you do not feel comfortable doing this, talk to the
flight school manager about your concerns.
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What do I need to get my private pilot license?
According to CFR Part 61 the following aeronautical knowledge
and flight requirements must be met.
You must either be a US Citizen with proof of citizenship on file (Passport or birth certificate and photo ID) or have TSA approval before beginning flight training. You must be able to read write, speak and understand the English
language. In order to receive your license you must be 17 years
of age. In order to act as pilot in command of the aircraft (solo)
you need to be at least 16 years of age. Prior to acting as pilot
in command you must obtain at least a Third Class Medical Certificate
from a qualified aviation medical examiner.
Under Part CFR Part 61 you will need 40 hours of total flight
time of which 30 hours is dual training with your flight instructor
and 10 hours of solo; where you are the pilot in command and the
sole manipulator of the flight controls. Of the 30 hours dual
training, 10 hours must be devoted to pre solo flight training.
Pre solo flight training is where you learn how to fly the airplane.
All the skills you are required to learn prior to your first solo
are listed in CFR 61-87. The remaining 20 hours consists of cross
country preparation, simulated instrument flight, practical test
preparation, night flight, take offs and landings.
You must also pass an FAA written exam and an FAA practical exam,
usually known as a “check ride”. Your practical flight
test is taken with an authorized examiner. Prior to taking your
check ride you will have received an endorsement from your instructor
stating that you are proficient and have been prepared accordingly
to take your flight test.
For more information on the specific requirements, please refer
to the Federal Aviaition
Administration web site.
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