Private Pilot Flight Training Outline

STAGE I – PRE SOLO

In your first phase of training, you will learn the basics. You will learn how to:

• preflight the airplane
• work the radios, and communicate with air traffic control
• maintain a heading
• bank and turn the airplane
• perform climbs and descents
• practice emergency procedures
• perform take off’s and landings
  

Once you have become proficient in these areas, you will be ready for your first supervised solo.
Average 20-25 hours.

 

STAGE II – CROSS COUNTRY

In this phase, you’ll really start to see how to use the airplane to go places. A cross country is defined as a flight greater than 50 nautical miles from the airport from where the flight originated. You’ll learn how to:

• navigate by the use of instruments and a flight map
• plan a flight taking into account winds, fuel consumption, and weight

You will fly 1 or 2 small cross countries with your CFI. You will then be signed off to fly 2 solo cross countries. You will also complete your required night flying. By the end of this phase, you will be ready to take the FAA knowledge exam, which we administer at our ISP location. You will get the results to this exam immediately.

 

STAGE III – FLIGHT TEST PREP

In this phase, your CFI will review all maneuvers and skills which you have learned in Stages 1 and 2. During this stage, you will sharpen your skills to the guidelines of the  FAA Practical Test Standards (PTS). Your CFI will review material found in the FAA Oral Exam Guide in preparation of your practical flight test.

After each stage is completed, you will have a “Prog Check”. This flight is done with our Assistant Chief Pilot. He will fly with you while you perform all the maneuvers you have recently reviewed with your flight instructor. Don’t worry, it’s not a test but more of an evaluation. After the flight he will let your CFI know which areas may need additional training.

The FAA requires that you have a minimum of 40 hours logged in order to qualify for your Private Pilot Certificate. Keep in mind, the average is about 70 hours.  The time it takes depends greatly on your frequency of lessons. Generally, the more you fly, the faster you’ll get your license. The average cost for obtaining your private pilot certificate is about $10,000. We also offer two different clubs and weekly specials to help reduce the cost of your training.