Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions Answered
General Flight Training
Common questions about getting started with flight training.
To begin flight training, you must be at least 16 years old for a sport pilot license or 17 for a private pilot license, be able to read, speak, write, and understand English, and hold a valid FAA medical certificate. We'll help guide you through obtaining your medical certificate if you don't already have one.
The time varies depending on the license type and your schedule. For a Private Pilot License (PPL), most students complete training in 3-6 months with consistent training 2-3 times per week. Our accelerated programs can get you certified even faster with intensive daily training.
Flight training costs vary based on the type of license and training frequency. We offer competitive rates with transparent pricing. Contact us for detailed pricing information and financing options. We also offer package deals that can help reduce overall costs.
No previous flying experience is required! We welcome complete beginners and design our training programs to take you from zero experience to certified pilot. Many of our students start with a discovery flight to get their first taste of flying.
We primarily train in Cessna 172 aircraft, which are ideal for training due to their forgiving flight characteristics and modern avionics. We also have a Piper Cherokee for multi-engine training and a Cirrus SR22T for advanced training. All our aircraft are well-maintained and equipped with modern instrumentation.
Absolutely! Many of our students train part-time while maintaining their current jobs. We offer flexible scheduling including early morning, evening, and weekend slots. Training 2-3 times per week is typically sufficient for steady progress toward your license.
Our ground school covers all the knowledge areas required for your written exam, including aerodynamics, weather, navigation, federal aviation regulations, aircraft systems, and flight planning. We provide comprehensive study materials and one-on-one instruction as needed.
Yes! We provide comprehensive ground school instruction and study materials to prepare you for the FAA written exam. Our instructors will work with you until you're confident and ready to pass. We also help schedule your exam at approved testing centers.
Discovery Flights
Questions about your first flying experience.
A discovery flight is an introductory flight lesson where you'll actually take the controls of the aircraft with one of our certified flight instructors. It's designed to give you a real taste of what it's like to fly and is often the first step many people take toward earning their pilot's license.
Our discovery flights typically last about 1 hour, which includes a pre-flight briefing, 30-45 minutes of actual flight time where you'll get to control the aircraft, and a post-flight discussion about training options.
You'll start with a brief ground session where your instructor explains basic aircraft controls and safety procedures. Then you'll do a pre-flight inspection together before taking off. Once airborne, you'll actually take the controls and experience the thrill of flying over the beautiful Ogden area and surrounding mountains.
No experience is necessary! Just bring a valid photo ID and dress comfortably. Your instructor will guide you through everything step by step. We recommend avoiding heavy meals before flying and wearing closed-toe shoes.
Depending on the aircraft and weight considerations, we may be able to accommodate one additional passenger. Please let us know when booking if you'd like to bring someone along, and we'll check if it's possible for your specific flight.
Safety is our top priority. If weather conditions aren't suitable for flying, we'll reschedule your discovery flight at no charge. We'll contact you in advance if we need to reschedule due to weather.
Yes! If you decide to pursue flight training with us, the time from your discovery flight can be logged toward your pilot's license requirements, making it both an introduction and a head start on your training.
Private Pilot License
Information about earning your Private Pilot License.
With a Private Pilot License, you can fly single-engine aircraft for personal or recreational purposes, carry passengers (friends and family), fly cross-country to other airports, and rent aircraft from flight schools. You cannot fly for compensation or hire, but you can share expenses with passengers.
The FAA requires a minimum of 40 flight hours for a Private Pilot License, including at least 20 hours of flight training with an instructor and 10 hours of solo flight time. Most students actually need 60-80 hours total to be fully proficient and pass the checkride.
The checkride consists of two parts: an oral exam and a practical flight test with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). The oral exam covers aeronautical knowledge, and the flight test demonstrates your flying skills and decision-making abilities. We thoroughly prepare all our students for both portions.
Yes! Night flying training is included in the Private Pilot curriculum. You'll receive training in night flying procedures, including night takeoffs, landings, and navigation. This opens up more flying opportunities and flexibility in your travel plans.
Instrument Rating
Questions about instrument flight training.
An Instrument Rating (IR) allows you to fly in clouds and low visibility conditions using only the aircraft's instruments for navigation and control. This greatly increases your flying capabilities and safety margins, allowing you to fly in weather that would ground visual flight rule (VFR) pilots.
While not required for all flying, an Instrument Rating significantly increases your safety and capabilities as a pilot. It allows you to fly in marginal weather, provides better training in precision flying, and is required for most commercial pilot jobs.
Most students complete their Instrument Rating in 3-6 months with regular training. Our accelerated 14-day program can get you certified much faster with intensive daily training. The minimum requirement is 40 hours of instrument time.
VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flying relies on the pilot's ability to see and avoid obstacles and other aircraft. IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) flying uses instruments and air traffic control for navigation and separation, allowing flight in clouds and poor visibility conditions.
Commercial Pilot License
Information about commercial pilot training and career opportunities.
A Commercial Pilot License allows you to fly for compensation or hire. This opens up career opportunities such as flight instruction, charter flights, aerial photography, banner towing, pipeline patrol, and many other commercial aviation jobs. It's also a required step toward becoming an airline pilot.
You must be at least 18 years old, hold a Private Pilot License and Instrument Rating, have at least 250 hours of flight time with specific experience requirements, pass a written exam, and complete a checkride with an FAA examiner.
The timeline depends on your current experience and how quickly you can build the required 250 hours. The actual training for commercial maneuvers and procedures typically takes 2-4 months with regular training sessions.
Commercial pilot training focuses on precision flying, advanced maneuvers, and higher standards of performance. You'll learn commercial maneuvers like chandelles, lazy eights, and steep spirals, along with more precise aircraft control and decision-making skills.
Flight Instructor Training
Questions about becoming a Certified Flight Instructor.
A CFI teaches student pilots how to fly, provides flight instruction for various certificates and ratings, endorses students for checkrides, and helps maintain flying proficiency for licensed pilots. It's a rewarding career that allows you to share your passion for aviation while building flight hours.
Becoming a CFI allows you to build flight hours while earning money doing what you love. It's excellent preparation for airline careers, as teaching flying makes you a better pilot. You'll also enjoy the satisfaction of helping others achieve their aviation dreams.
You must hold a Commercial Pilot License with Instrument Rating, have at least 250 hours of flight time, pass the CFI written exams (FOI and CFI), and complete a comprehensive checkride that tests both your flying skills and teaching ability.
CFI training typically takes 2-4 months, depending on your preparation and training frequency. The training focuses heavily on teaching techniques, learning to fly from the right seat, and mastering all the maneuvers you'll need to teach students.
Accelerated Programs
Information about our intensive training programs.
Our accelerated programs are intensive training courses designed to get you certified in the shortest possible time. Instead of training 2-3 times per week over several months, you'll train daily for 10-14 days to complete your certification.
Accelerated programs are perfect for motivated students who can dedicate full-time to training, those with time constraints, career changers entering aviation, or pilots looking to quickly add ratings. They require full commitment but offer the fastest path to certification.
While the daily cost is higher due to intensive training, accelerated programs often cost the same or less overall because they're more efficient. You'll use fewer total flight hours and complete training faster, potentially saving money compared to traditional part-time training.
We have an excellent success rate, but if additional training is needed, we'll provide it at no extra charge until you're ready to pass. Our instructors work closely with each student to ensure thorough preparation before the checkride.
For out-of-town students, we can provide recommendations for local hotels and extended stay accommodations. Many students find it convenient to stay nearby during their intensive training period.
Still Have Questions?
Our experienced team is here to help you with any questions about flight training, career opportunities, or our programs.
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