So, you want to learn to fly ...

The entry-level license is called "Private Pilot - Single Engine Land". Normally referred to as a Private. The Private allows you to fly yourself, friends and family to any of the 5,300 airports in the United States.

The flights are limited to Visual Flight Rules or VFR. Under VFR you can fly day and night, but can't fly in the clouds and must have visibility of three miles or greater. More than 90% of all flying is done VFR, so this is a very useful license.

What will it take?

The basic requirements:

Able to speak, read and write the English language.

Pass an FAA Third Class medical exam.

Although you can legally fly with and instructor at any age, you cannot fly solo (unaccompanied in the airplane) under the age of 16 and cannot receive a license under the age of 17.

If you've met the basic requirements, then you're ready to start flight training.

The flight requirements:

The FAA requires that you have a minimum of 40 hours of flying time before you can apply for your license. At least 20 of the 40 hours must be flown with an instructor (this is called "Dual"). At least 10 of the 40 hours must be flown on cross-country trips. Cross country means that you fly at least 50 miles from your home airport and demonstrate that you can successfully navigate.

The academic requriements:

You must pass the FAA Private Pilot written exam with a score of 70% or better. We offer ground school training where you will be prepared to take this exam.

It doesn't matter whether you fly first, take the exam first, or do them both at the same time.

The last step in receiving your license is your Check Ride with an FAA Designated Examiner. The Check Ride will consist of an oral exam where you must demonstrate your knowledge of flight and the rules that govern it, then you will go flying with the examiner and demonstrate your ability to safety control the aircraft.

After you have completed our flight-training program, you will be well prepared and will approach the Check Ride with confidence. It's our job to make sure you succeed!

What will it cost?

Although the FAA requires a minimum of 40 flying hours, it normally takes more. The national average is between 65 and 80 hours. There are a number of factors that will play into your flight training. The more frequently you fly, the fresher the information will be and you will spend less time reviewing. If you fly three times a week, you will become a competent pilot in fewer flight hours than you would if you only fly once or twice a week. Not everyone has a schedule that will permit them to fly that often though.

The primary cost of getting a license is in the aircraft rental and the instruction. Airplanes are rented by the hour. Actually they are rented by the tenth of an hour and you only pay for the plane while the engine is running. There are other costs, but they are minor. Since each pilot will fly a different number of hours to get his or her license, there is no set cost. Normally a license will cost between $4,500 and $6,500.

How long will it take?

There are a few odd cases where someone has taken their vacation and devoted it entirely to getting their license and received it in two weeks or less. The typical student flies once or twice a week and usually gets their license within six months. It can be done in less; it's up to you.

How do I pay for it?

You don't need to have it all up front. You pay as you go.

Marshall Aviation Center
1243 Kalamazoo Ave.
Marshall, MI  49068
Phone: (269) 789-1177
Fax: (269) 789-1113
info@marshallaviationcenter.com