Frequently Asked Questions
Coming soon
Q: What is the process of learning to
fly?
A: Flying is a complex and challenging task. It requires dedication
and a course of study. There are many Home Study Courses available,
online as well as classes at local Community Colleges. Many Schools
offer accelerated classes that take as little as a weekend to
complete. Check my links for a listing of the various ground schools
available in the San Diego Area.
You must take and pass a Physical examination with a doctor certified through the FAA and be issued a "Student Pilot/Medical Certificate.
Upon Completion of a Ground School You must take and pass A written test. You Begin your course of actual Flight Training with an Introductory flight. This flight is a simple flight of 1 hour or less. The flight is short in duration but in most cases a lot of material is presented including your first lesson.
Your first few hours will consist of learning to control the aircraft in the air and on the ground, using visual cues as well as basic aircraft instruments. Flying the aircraft straight and lever, turning, climbs and descents. a Curriculum that includes flying with reference to the ground , emergency procedures, Take Offs and Landings.
Once you have mastered your flying abilities to a point acceptable to your instructor, you will be given a short written test on the aircraft, airport, airspace Emergency Procedures, and General Information that pertain to solo flight in the aircraft and area you will fly in. Next comes Your Solo. This will be a moment that will remain with you the rest of your life. Very few people ever reach this point, it's a special time to know you have flown an airplane solo.
The remainder of your courses depend upon the Licensing you intent to attain. Check My Links for links to the actual FAA Rules that dictate Training requirements in Part 61 of the CFR14 The regulations governing aviation.
Q: How Much Will it Cost to Learn to
Fly?
A: This is a tough question to answer, because it depends so much on
the individual. The FAA Mandates a training curriculum that dictates
a minimum number of hours of flight training and the competition of
a ground school. 40 Hours of flight training being the minimum
flight time expectable to qualify for the examination for Private
Pilot.
In San Diego, due to complex airspace and terrain most candidates complete the course with an average of around 70 hours of flight time.
Current Aircraft costs for trainers run between $85-$275 her hour of measured "hobbs" time, depending on the complexity, age and type of aircraft. A typical Cessna 172 runs about $90 per hour. Instruction costs between $45 and $65 per hour.
Q: I am a Pilot but Want to get my Instrument Rating
A:Your Instrument rating is one of the most challenging yet satisfying Rating you will attain. During your training you will be given a choice to work from a Flight Simulator for part of your training (to save money as well as to see more Instrument conditions in a shorter time) as well as actual aircraft real time approaches in real clouds as well as "hood" time. The goal in any training it so make your training as effective and efficient as possible, with no compromise to safety. As an Instructor I prefer to have My students complete a ground school and pass the FAA's mandated written examination prior to actual flight. This greatly reduces your flight time. If you have a home simulator you can also practice various phases on instrument flying, while not able to log that time the training can cut your time greatly in the actual airplane.
Q: I am on a budget can I complete the course in the minimum flight time?
A:It is possible to complete the training in the minimum I have had 3 students complete the course and pass the "Check Ride" with less than 45 hours, 1 at 40.5 hours. These pilots worked VERY Flew 2-3 times a week and came to every lesson prepared. Due to the airspace a more reasonable expectation would be around 50 hours for a dedicated student, who is well prepared for each lesson and has a reasonable ability to learn the mechanics of flying.
Q: I am in the US on a Visa and want to
Learn to fly
A: Since 9/11 Many things have changed. The Following 2 links will
help you to determine if you qualify to train in the US and how to
do so. Feel free to call me to answer any questions you may have.
Alien Registration through TSA (Transportation Safety
Administration
Regulatory and Certification
Policy (AOPA)