How Do I Learn to Fly ?

To pilot an aircraft in the United States and to carry passengers, a person is required to hold a pilot certificate.  This is a federal license issued by the United States Government and administrated and regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is part of the US Dept of Transportation.   The Private Pilot certificate is the most common, but  a Sport Pilot category has been added recently which allows faster training but more restricted use.  To carry passengers for hire, further training to obtain a commercial pilot certificate is required.  A good source of information is the FAA website (Become A Pilot) or the AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilot's Association) (Website links below right)

COST OF FLIGHT TRAINING

Due to numerous inquiries as to the cost of flight training, we will attempt to give a basic overview here as to what can be expected over the period required to earn a private pilot certificate.  There are several flight instructors who presently fly with our Club members.   Although not members of the Club themselves, our insurance and policies allow any certified flight instructor to fly with any of our members.   These instructors charge from $35.00 -$50.00 per hour.     It should be noted that time spent on the ground before getting into the airplane may also be charged at that rate.   Additionally the student Club member would be billed for the amount of time spent flying  the aircraft (time the engine is running) at the going hourly rate which includes all fuel, oil etc.  Our recommendation is to fly our Cessna 150.   It is an ideal trainer and you will progress quickly to be able to solo fly the airplane after approval by your instructor.   A minimum of 40 hours of training is required before you would be eligible to take the private pilot flight test (check ride).   However most students have accrued 50 - 60 hours or more.  Some of this would be solo and the instructor will not have to be paid for that portion. The more often that you can fly, the less time it will take you.  Also remember that a written exam is required before you can attempt the check ride.  This is done at a computer testing facility and the charges can vary.  Your instructor will prepare you for this exam and/or you can also perform self study. 

A medical exam and certificate is required before you can solo the aircraft.   Several physicians in the Utica - Syracuse area are certified to give the exam.   Any condition that could potentially render you unconscious, such as epilepsy, heart attack, diabetes, could be reason to be disqualified.   As long as you have normal vision close to 20/20 (corrected with glasses is OK), you should not have a problem.

A flying club can be a good option, but you have monthy dues even if you fly or not.    For example: if you are not a member of a flying club and do not own an airplane, the rental charges for a Cessna 172 typically will be $120.00 per hour (or higher) at an FBO (Fixed Base operator).