HOW TO BEGIN YOUR PILOT TRAINING

1. Once you begin your pilot training, purchase a local sectional chart, an Airport/Facility Directory, and a copy of your airplane's POH.
2. Talk to our flight instructors about flight lessons. We have included a list of some questions you should ask below. Keep in mind that there are no perfect answers. The objective of these questions is to gain insight into the flight instructor's personality.
   1. "How long have you been instructing?"
   2. "Do you instruct full- or part-time?" This information concerns availability only. Part-time does not imply less proficiency or less availability. Ask to see their syllabus.
   3. "How long does your average student take to solo?" Note that the flight instructor who solos his/her students in the least amount of time may not be the best instructor.
   4. "How many total hours of solo and dual flight do your typical students require?"
   5. "What percent of your students require more than 40 total hours?" (Probably 100%.) "How much more?" A national average of 55+ flight hr. is often quoted.
   6. "Do you recommend a Part 141 program? Why?"
   7. "What is the rental cost for your training aircraft, solo and dual?"
   8. "Where do you recommend that I take my pilot knowledge and practical tests, and what are the estimated costs?"
   9. "Where do you recommend that I take my medical examination?"
   10. "What are the flight instructors' schedules and the schedule of available aircraft?"
   11. "Do you have an introductory flight for a nominal fee, e.g., $80.00? May I take it with no further obligation?"
3. Once you have made a preliminary choice of flight instructor and/or FBO, you need to sit down with your flight instructor and map out a schedule of
   1. When and how often you will fly
   2. When you will take the FAA pilot knowledge test
   3. When you should plan to take your practical test
   4. When and how payments will be made for your instruction
4. Review, revise, and update the total cost to obtain your certificate.
5. Take your medical exam to receive your combined medical/student pilot certificate.
6. Consider purchasing an airplane (by yourself or through joint ownership) or joining a flying club. Frequently, sharing expenses through joint ownership can significantly reduce the cost of flying. Note, however, that insurance for student pilots and flight instruction is very expensive. Thus, unless there are other student pilots already using the airplane, the incremental insurance costs will probably be prohibitive.
   1. Inquire about local flying clubs. Learn about their services, costs, etc.
   2. Take several lessons prior to investing in any aircraft.
7. Pass the pilot knowledge (written) test and the practical (flight) test. Enjoy flying -- safely!

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Updated :   12/30/2008