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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ready to earn your wings? We can't wait to start your training experience! If you are just as excited as we are, read through some of our frequently asked questions to see if we are the best fit for you.
I'm in! How do I book a flight?
How do I get my pilot's certificate?
Please call us at 701 320 0778 or email us to schedule your flight! We do not book through our website.
A discovery flight is the first step in your journey to fly. The discovery flight will take you through basic maneuvers, let you fly the airplane a little bit (with the instructor, of course) and gives you a feel for the plane. It is not required, but can be helpful to see if flight training would be a good fit. If you enjoy the flight and want to continue, you would begin lessons, working through a list of items required to get your certificate. You'll need at least 40 flight hours for your private license, but the national average of hours it takes to get a certificate is about 60-75 hours, depending on how you study and if the weather keeps up. Please note, you must be 16 years old to solo, and 17 years old to receive the certificate.
How much does it cost to get my private pilot's certificate?
Costs vary based on the student's pace. We charge $125/hr to train in the Piper Warrior (single-engine aircraft), which includes the instructor and fuel costs. To train in the Cherokee, it will be a bit more, as it is a bigger engine to fuel. Our average cost for a student training in the Piper Warrior from no hours to their first pilot certificate is $8,725.
How long does it take to get a pilot's certificate?
The timeline can vary based on the student. If lessons can be completed regularly (3-5x/week), the training may go faster, as you have time to retain the information being taught. If there are extended gaps in training, it will take longer to get your certificate, as lessons have to be re-taught to avoid gaps in learning. It can take anywhere from a few months to a year, depending on your schedule and if the weather allows for lessons.
What does your course outline look like?
You can view our Private Pilot Certificate Course Outline here, which includes lessons we will go over, the associated costs, and other information that may be helpful to you. Please note: The costs of the aircraft or instructor are subject to change due to changes in operating costs or airplane fuel costs. Please keep this in mind when looking at the outline.
What is a flight physical?
All private pilots (instrument-rated, and commercial ones, too!) are required to have a valid medical certificate when operating the plane as the pilot-in-command. Medicals cost anywhere from $125-$200 and must be completed before the solo flight. They are like a sports physical, and will go over your health history, medical conditions, a color blindness test, and vision test, making sure you're fit to fly. Medicals are assessed by Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs), not other providers. Here is a list of providers locally, or you can use the FAA search here. If you're interested in flight lessons after your discovery flight, you'll want to get this scheduled as soon as possible, as some may have wait lists.
I had my pilot's certificate years ago, and am looking to sharpen up my skills. Is that something you can help with?
Absolutely! Our highly-trained instructors would be happy to help with this. We have a great outline that refreshes your skills in the fundamentals of flight, stalls and recoveries, basic maneuvers, radio skills, traffic patterns and more!
Will I get a degree after completing your program?
No, but we offer great flexibility for local college students pursuing a degree in something else. As a Part 61 Flight School, we have the privilege of working through a course outline with the student, that fits their needs and the certificate requirements. You can read more about Part 61 vs Part 141 (university programs) here.
Where are you located?
Our hangar is located at the West Fargo Airport (D54), right off of 19th Ave N. You can find us on Google Maps here.
Still have questions?
We want to answer them! Give us a call at 701-320-0788 or email us here.
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