Frequently Asked Questions

The best first step is a Discovery Flight — a one-hour introductory flight where you actually take the controls alongside a CFI. After your discovery flight, your instructor will walk you through the path to your certificate and answer any questions about the training process.

No experience is required. We welcome complete beginners. Your first lesson (or discovery flight) starts from scratch — your instructor will walk you through everything from the pre-flight inspection to your first takeoff.

A discovery flight is a one-hour introductory flight for $139. You sit in the left seat with an instructor, perform a pre-flight inspection, taxi to the runway, take off, and fly over Harford County. It's the best way to decide if flying is for you — and it counts as your first hour of training toward your certificate.

The FAA minimum is 40 flight hours, but the national average is 65–70 hours. With regular lessons (2–3 per week), most students complete their private pilot training in 12–18 months. Consistent practice significantly accelerates your progress.

There is no minimum age to begin flight training. You must be at least 16 years old to solo an airplane, and 17 years old to take your private pilot checkride. For sport pilot, the solo minimum is 16 and the certificate minimum is also 16.

For private pilot training, yes — you'll need at least a 3rd Class FAA Medical from an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). For sport pilot training, a valid driver's license is sufficient (no FAA medical required). Contact an AME early to address any medical concerns before investing in training.

Yes. Corrective lenses are allowed for all FAA medical classes. You'll just need to meet the vision standards with your correction in place, and your medical will note "must wear corrective lenses."

Yes, with TSA approval. Non-US citizens must complete TSA Flight Training Candidate Vetting through the Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP) before beginning flight training at a US flight school. Contact us for details.

Estimate approximately $11,000–$14,000 for a private pilot certificate, depending on how quickly you progress. This includes aircraft rental, CFI fees, ground school, written test, and checkride. Training costs are paid as you go — there's no large upfront commitment.

Yes — the Sport Pilot Certificate requires only 20 hours (vs. 40 for private pilot) and costs approximately $5,500. The trade-off is more limited privileges: you can carry one passenger, fly only during the day, and are limited to light sport aircraft. No FAA medical is required — a driver's license qualifies.

Flying 2–3 times per week is ideal for consistent progress. Flying less than once per week significantly slows learning because students spend time re-learning material between sessions. Consistency is the single biggest factor in how quickly you earn your certificate.

Block time discounts are available on aircraft rental. Ask at the front desk for current block time rates. CFI fees are billed per lesson.

Ground school is not required by the FAA, but it is strongly recommended. Our 10-week ground school course covers aerodynamics, navigation, weather, regulations, and FAA exam preparation. Many students find that ground school significantly improves their in-flight learning and helps them pass the written test faster.

Yes. While consistency with a single instructor is beneficial for training continuity, you're free to fly with any of our CFIs. Just let us know at the front desk and we'll make arrangements.

Weather cancellations are a normal part of flight training. We'll reschedule at no charge. Your CFI may suggest using cancelled flight time for ground instruction instead, which also counts toward your certificate requirements.

Yes. Once you're a certificated pilot, you can rent our Cessna 172s (and other aircraft after checkout flights) for personal trips. We just need a current checkout flight in each aircraft type, proof of renters insurance, and a valid medical and biennial flight review.