Frequently Asked Questions

You can start flight training at any age, but there are minimum age requirements for different licenses:

• Student Pilot Certificate: 16 years old
• Private Pilot License: 17 years old
• Commercial Pilot License: 18 years old

Many students begin training before they're eligible for their license so they can build hours and experience. There's no upper age limit as long as you can pass the required medical exam.

While not required for your first few lessons or a discovery flight, you'll need to obtain an FAA medical certificate before you can fly solo. For private pilot training, a 3rd class medical certificate is required, which is valid for 60 months if you're under 40, or 24 months if you're 40 or older.

I recommend getting your medical certificate early in your training to ensure there are no medical issues that might prevent you from obtaining your pilot license. I can recommend local aviation medical examiners (AMEs) who can perform the examination.

The FAA requires a minimum of 40 flight hours for a private pilot license, including at least 20 hours with an instructor and 10 hours of solo flight. However, the national average is closer to 60-70 hours.

The total time depends on several factors:

• How frequently you fly (2-3 times per week is ideal)
• Weather conditions and cancellations
• Your natural aptitude and study habits
• Previous experience with aviation

Most students training 2-3 times per week can complete their private pilot license in 4-8 months. If you fly less frequently, it may take longer.

The total cost varies based on how many flight hours you need to become proficient. Based on the national average of 60-70 hours, you can expect the following approximate costs:

• Flight instruction: $3,900-$4,550 (60-70 hours at $65/hour)
• Aircraft rental: $7,800-$11,550 (60-70 hours at $130-$165/hour depending on aircraft)
• Ground school materials and books: $200-$400
• FAA knowledge test: $175
• FAA checkride fee: $500-$700
• Medical certificate: $100-$200

Total estimated cost: $12,675-$17,575

Remember that you pay as you go for most expenses, so the cost is spread out over your training period. I'm happy to discuss financing options and ways to potentially reduce costs.

A discovery flight is a perfect introduction to flying and typically lasts 30-60 minutes. Here's what to expect:

1. Brief ground instruction about basic flight principles
2. Introduction to the aircraft and a pre-flight inspection
3. Explanation of the instruments and controls
4. Takeoff performed by me as your instructor
5. Once at a safe altitude, you'll have the opportunity to handle the controls and experience flying the aircraft yourself
6. A scenic flight around the local area
7. Landing performed by me as your instructor
8. Post-flight discussion about the experience and next steps if you're interested in continuing training

The discovery flight is a low-pressure introduction to flying and a chance to see if pursuing a pilot license is right for you. It also counts toward your required training time if you decide to continue.

You'll need some basic equipment and materials for your flight training, including:

• Pilot logbook to record your flight time
• Sectional charts for the local area
• FAA Flight Training Handbook and Airplane Flying Handbook
• E6B flight computer (physical or app version)
• Plotter for flight planning
• Headset (can be rented initially, but recommended to purchase your own)
• iPad or tablet with aviation apps (optional but increasingly common)

I can provide recommendations for specific products and where to purchase them. Some students prefer digital options for charts and flight planning, while others prefer physical materials.

Weather is a significant factor in flight training, and safety always comes first. If weather conditions aren't suitable for the planned lesson, we have several options:

• Reschedule the flight portion for another day
• Use the scheduled time for ground instruction instead
• Practice procedures in the aircraft while remaining on the ground
• Review flight plans, charts, or other theoretical aspects of flying

There's no charge for weather cancellations if we cannot conduct any portion of the lesson. However, I try to make the most of scheduled time by pivoting to ground instruction when possible, which is an essential part of your training.

Yes, observers are welcome during both ground and flight portions of your training, with some considerations:

• For flight lessons, weight and balance calculations must account for all passengers
• During critical learning phases (first solo, checkride preparation), it's often better to fly without observers
• Observers should understand they are there to observe only and not participate in the instruction
• For complex maneuvers or when specific weight limitations apply, observers may need to stay on the ground

Having family or friends observe can be a great way to share your progress and passion for aviation. Just let me know in advance if you'd like to bring someone along so we can plan accordingly.

I provide training under FAA Part 61 regulations, which offers several advantages:

• Flexibility: Training can be tailored to your schedule and learning pace without a rigid syllabus
• Personalization: Lessons can be adapted to focus on areas where you need more practice
• Location: Training at Grimes Field offers a less congested airspace compared to busy flight schools

Part 141 schools follow a structured, FAA-approved curriculum and may have slightly lower minimum hours requirements but typically offer less flexibility. Part 61 training is ideal for most private students, especially those training part-time while balancing other commitments.

Scheduling lessons is simple and flexible:

• Contact me directly via phone or email to set up your initial lessons
• For ongoing training, we typically schedule your next lesson at the conclusion of each session
• You can use the contact form on this website to request specific dates and times
• I offer morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend slots to accommodate various schedules
• Regular scheduling (2-3 lessons per week) is recommended for optimal progress

I understand that work, family, and other commitments can impact your availability, and I strive to be as accommodating as possible. Just give at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations when possible.