This page is dedicated to answering some of the most common questions asked by perspective students.

How long will it take?

The best answer I can give you is "it depends."

There are a number of variables which affect the time line, and are explained more thoroughly on my Time and Money page.

How much will this cost?

Because of advertising, you'll probably be quoted somewhere in the ballpark of $5700, but the reality of flight training is that it will cost you nearly $10,000!  I explain the reason why on this page. 

What kind of supplies should I expect to buy?

There are a number of supplies a student can be expected to purchase. I've listed them on a separate page, here.

What are the requirements for certification?

For information regarding the training requirements which need to be satisfied prior to applying for a Private Pilot Certificate, please visit my Private Pilot Requirements page.

How often should I fly?

Generally speaking, the more often you fly the greater your skill retention over time. Some of the more motivated students I work with fly as much as 3 to 4 times per week. Any more than that, however, and there isn't usually enough time between flights for those students to continue pace with their ground studying.

If you are a motivated student who wants to fly 4 or more times per week, then you may consider an accelerated program listed at the bottom of my Beginning Training page.

The typical student is recommended to schedule 2 times per week for 2 hour flight blocks.  I have found in training students that 2 times per week is a good goal, but I extend that flight block to 3 hours.  In my case it allows for a half-hour pre-flight discussion regarding the upcoming flight and any previous flight questions that still need to be addressed, as well as a 2 hour flight and half-hour post flight discussion about the flight and what is coming up in the next flight.

The decision lays in your hands, with the guidance of your instructor.

What type of airplane should I fly?

Here's one of those age old debates:

"Piper, Cessna, Diamond, or...?" 

"High wing or Low wing?"

And the answer is...whatever you want.

Most of the training aircraft utilized are very similar. With the exception of Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA), all of the trainers are fairly uniform.

The introduction of TAA influences training only to the effect of asking whether they wanted to reference information by way of computer screen or analogue gauges.  I generally only encourage TAA for those who want to make a career in aviation or are looking into new aircraft ownership.

High wing or Low wing? There are advantages to each one. A high wing aircraft (wings located near the top of the body of the aircraft) offers shade on a hot day.  The low wing aircraft allows you to check the fuel quantity without having to climb up the side of the aircraft.

Yes, I jest.  I make light of the situation because of the fact that it honestly does not matter.  It is a matter of preference of what you think you'd like.  Check them all out, then decide.

Piper, Cessna, or Diamond? Again, it honestly does not matter.  These aren't even the only types of planes you can train in, just more of the common ones.  Training aircraft are fairly uniform in scope and equipment. Check out each type of aircraft and decide what feels most comfortable for you.

What is a typical lesson like?

A Typical lesson block usually lasts for between 2 and 3 hours. I tend to lean to 3 hours for the flexibility it offers.

Please visit my page describing a Typical Lesson for details about the flight block.

Can I fly in the clouds?

Not yet.

In order to fly in the clouds, you must be an Instrument rated pilot. Many students, after obtaining the Private Pilot Certificate will continue training for the Instrument rating.

I recommend continuing that training for safety alone. It will also increase your flight skills as well as introduce you more completely to the Air Traffic control (ATC) environment.

You are required to have a minimum of 3 hours of training by reference to the instruments, which is generally simulated by wearing a view limiting device. The device is like wearing a pair of sunglasses so you can't look outside.

If a student shows a high level of competency scanning the instruments under simulated conditions, I will generally take them up for the last hour under actual conditions (in the clouds). The rules are different, but the experience is fantastic.

Talk to your instructor about going up when the clouds are out. It's enlightening.