Flight Training Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How long does it take to learn to fly and get a pilot certificate?

    • The FAA has established the minimum number of flight hours needed to obtain a Private Pilot certificate. Under Part 61 of the federal aviation regulations, the minimums are 40 hours for a private pilot certificate. It is believed that 65 hours is the more likely average in the US. These flight hours can be spread over a time span of several weeks to a year or more.  The actual number of hours it takes a person to obtain their Private Pilot Certificate is mostly determined by how frequently they are able to fly.  It is not uncommon for a student who fly’s at least twice a week to earn their certificate between the 40 and 50 hour mark

  2. How much does a Private Pilot Certificate cost?

    • Based on the FAA established 40 hour minimum, the Private Pilot Certificate would cost $5,340 for all airplane and flight instructor time.

    • Any additional hours beyond 40 are charged at a rate of $150/hr.  That cost includes the airplane, fuel, and a flight instructor.

    • All student pilots are required to take and pass a computer knowledge test before being eligible to take their Practical Test (Oral Exam and Flight Test).  The cost of the Knowledge Test is $150 and it can be taken here at Fly By Knight.  Students have the option of selecting a home study course to prepare for the exam or they can instead choose to sit through our 6 week classroom course.  The course costs $500 and includes all required materials.  There is a 100% pass rate for students taking our ground school course. Check our upcoming ground school dates here.

    • After a student is fully prepared to become a private pilot, they will sit through an FAA Practical Test with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE).  The current cost of the DPE is $450 and is paid directly to the examiner.

    • There is absolutely no need to pay for everything up front.  Students are welcome to pay as they go or deposit an amount of their choosing up front.  We also offer attractive financing options through Pilot Finance Inc.

  3. What is the typical cost breakdown per lesson?

    • Lessons are typically scheduled in either 2 or 3 hour blocks, depending on what is needing to be accomplished during that lessons time frame.

      1. A typical 2 hour block will consist of approximately 1.5 hours of flight instruction costing $225 and 30 minutes of ground instruction costing $15 totaling $240.

      2. A typical 3 hour block will consist of approximately 1.5 hours of flight instruction costing $225 and 1.5 hours of ground instruction costing $45 totaling $270.

  4. What do I need to get started?

    • The TSA requires all flight schools to obtain certain documents from every student proving they are a citizen or legal resident of the United States.  Please bring along your driver’s license as well as your passport or birth certificate on your first visit so we can make a copy for our records.

    • There will also be some basic supplies needed such as books and charts.  We have everything you need to get started available in our pilot shop.  Approximate day 1 cost for your supplies will be $200.

    • The FAA requires all student pilots to complete an aviation physical before being allowed to solo.  Your medical certificate is not required, however, to begin your training.  More information can be found at www.flightphysical.com

  5. What are the vision requirements that must be met in order to be a pilot?

    • Your vision must be at least 20/40 for near and distant vision with or without corrective lenses, and you must be able to perceive those colors necessary for safe pilot performance.   It is possible to get an unrestricted certificate if you are colorblind.  There may be some restrictions placed on your flying, however, if you are unable to pass a color blindness field test given by the FAA.

  6. How old do I have to be before I can start taking flying lessons?

    • You don't have to be a particular age before you can begin to take flying lessons. That said, however, you do have to be at least 16 years old before you can solo an airplane and 17 before you can be issued a pilot certificate.

  7. How old is too old to begin flying lessons?

    • Say "student pilot," and most people think of a youngster chasing a dream. In reality, today's fledgling is likely a middle-aged adult who's not only chasing, but actually fulfilling a lifelong ambition to be a pilot. The average student pilot today is in his 30s, and the typical average active pilot is a decade older. In addition, more than 25 percent of all U.S. pilots with current medical certificates are in their 50s. And some pilots learn to fly after they retire.