Things I'd Like to Know ...   Page 1 of 3

(Questions commonly asked by those who want to learn to fly.)

Abbreviations Used

SFS    Springfield Flying Service	CFII     Certified Flight Instructor Instrument
AME    Aviation Medical Examiner	FAA     Federal Aviation Administration
AOPA    Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association	SEL    Single Engine Land rating
CFI    Certified Flight Instructor	VFR    Visual Flight Rules

Things I'd Like to Know ...   Page 1 of 3

(Questions commonly asked by those who want to learn to fly.)

How long will it take me to get my Private Pilot Certificate?

The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight training, equally divided between flying with an instructor a minimum (15) and a minimum of flying solo (25). However, most students take about 60 (30/30) to 80 (40/40) hours. The length of time it takes you to earn this certificate will depend entirely on the time and energy you devote to study and practice.

How much will this cost me?

On average, the cost of  learning to fly and earning one's Private Pilot Certificate is in the national range of about $7000.00, and, like swimming lessons, its a good investment!  For specific fees see SFS's rate sheet.

Is a low-cost introductory flight available?

Yes. Springfield offers prospective students an introductory, pre-enrollment flight for $161.00. This flight serves a dual purpose. It gives one a chance to get a feel for what piloting a small plane is like and also to observe and evaluate the prospective instructor's flying and teaching skills. Give us a call and we'll set it up!

What does pilot training entail?

Pilot training includes flight and ground training programs. Flight training covers everything a student needs to know to safely pilot an aircraft from take-off to landing. Ground training, which is integrated with flight training at SFS, covers flight rules, regulations and planning; navigation, radio procedures and weather.

How soon can I start flying?

With your CFI's help, you'll begin flying in your first lesson!

How long before I can solo?

That depends on you and your demonstrated ability to safely perform FAA-required skills in handling the plane. While there is no set number of required instructional hours for soloing, the national average of hours it takes a student to qualify ranges from 12 to 15. 

Frequency and consistency of training are major factors in the speed with which you will progress toward soloing. Missed lessons make flight training more expensive and more time consuming as students all too often have to review subject matter and/or brush up on skills or techniques previously learned. Students that train five to seven days a week averaged 13.4 hours at solo; those who train two or three times a week had an average of 17 hours; the average for once-a-weekers was 19 hours. This increased to 20.5 hours for the every-other-week set and to 22.5 hours for those who train less than that

NOTE: Prior to any training all students must present an original birth certificate or current US passport to show US citizenship... No training can be done until we have recorded these in our files.

FAQ  Page 1   FAQ Page 2    FAQ Page 3

Email us at:  gofly@sonnet.com

Write us at:   10767_Airport_Road .Columbia, CA 95310

Phone: (209) 532-4103 Fax: (209) 532-8844

.www.letsgofly.com