Question 1

What is a medical certificate and where do I get one?

Accepted Answer

A medical certificate is required by all pilots (except those exercising the privileges of a Sports Pilot’s Certificate). A medical exam is administered/issued by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). There are three classes; the “third class medical certificate” is intended for those who fly recreationally. To locate a Medical Examiner, go to the website below: http://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/ The exam takes approximately 15 minutes and once certified, it will be good for up to 5 years (2 years for those over the age of 40).

Question 2

What is included in the estimates?

Accepted Answer

Our estimates include the airplane and instructor. There will be additional costs that every student in every school must be aware of. These include, but are not limited to: testing fees, pilot gear, study materials, etc.

Question 3

Are there additional costs?

Accepted Answer

Unlike at most schools, you will pay only for the time you train with the instructor, not the whole time scheduled. Furthermore, regardless of where you train, you can expect to encounter the following additional costs: 1) Ground School Material The most common form of ground school is an online, home-study course. The average price is for this home-study course is $240. You can minimize this cost by simply purchasing a $20 study-guide book, however, the interactive online version has proven to be extremely effective in teaching all the necessary elements. Another option may be taking a course at a local community college, or a flight school that offers Private Pilot ground school. 2) Pilot Gear Pilot gear is a combination of tools and charts (maps) that a student will need. Although not all items are required, there are several tools that will make life easier on a pilot. These items include: flight “computers,” books, kneeboard, flight bag, etc. The essentials will only run you about $120, but can exceed that if you decide you need more than the essentials. 3) Testing There are 2 exams that a student must pass in order to get their Private Pilot Certificate. The first one will be a computerized written exam that costs $150 to take. The final test—commonly known as the “checkride”—can range in price with FAA examiner, but is usually around $700. 4) Medical/Student Pilot Certificate A Medical Certificate is required for all pilots wishing to utilize their pilot privileges. As a student, it will also serve as a Student Pilot Certificate. The Student Pilot Certificate is an official pilot certificate that will allow students to fly solo once they reach that phase of training.

Question 4

What type of airplane will I be using during training?

Accepted Answer

There are various airplanes that can be used for training. Deciding on the best choice for you is yours! It all depends on what you’re looking for in an airplane. Some individuals prefer flying technically advanced aircraft (TAA), which are equipped with advanced avionics (e.g., G1000). In other cases, some individuals feel more comfortable flying a standard, and more economical, “six pack” airplane. It should be noted that the most popular airplane for flight training is the Cessna 172, which is available in both the TAA and standard “six pack” set-up.

Question 5

What will the training schedule be like?

Accepted Answer

Ideally, you will want to have at least 1-2 lessons per week. Our instructors have great flexibility and are available 7 days a week. Our instructors are dedicated to your training and will work with you on forming a schedule that works with you.

Question 6

What is the cost of training?

Accepted Answer

The estimated cost of training varies with airplanes. The minimum amount of flight training required is 40 hours of flight; the national average for flight hours for a new pilot is 65 hours. Most Private Pilot students who complete training with Pacific Air finish in 50-60 hours.

The following are realistic estimates for the total course of training. Of course, there is a likelihood that you will spend a lot less over the course of training. With Pacific Air, you pay at the each flight lesson and their are no upfront fees. The following estimates takes into account the instructor and airplane rental:

60 hours in a Cessna 152: $10,000
60 hours in a Cessna 172P: $12,000
60 hours in a Cessna 172S G1000: $14,000

BE CAREFUL: Several flight schools offer training estimates for 40 hours of flight. What they don’t mention is that their students are completing their training with far more than the minimum required 40 hours. For the sake of comparison, here are our 40-hour estimates:

40 hours in a Cessna 152: $6,500
40 hours in a Cessna 172P: $8,000
40 hours in a Cessna 172S G1000: $9,500

Question 7

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Whether you’ve taken a demo flight in the past or not, the best way to get started is to schedule a demo flight with us. A demo flight is the best way to get a taste of flying & get a good understanding of what flight training is like. In addition, it will give you an opportunity to get answers to any questions you may have. From takeoff to landing, we guarantee it will be a memorable experience.

Question 8

How long will training last?

Accepted Answer

This really depends on your schedule. It is recommended that you train at once or twice a week. With that type of schedule, you can expect to be a Private Pilot in less than six months. The total time of training will vary with every student. You can schedule as often or as spread out as you’d like, but it is recommended to have at least one lesson per week.

Question 9

Do I have to pay for the entire course?

Accepted Answer

No. Most students pay on a pay-as-you-go basis. That is to say, if you fly for 1 hour with an instructor, all you pay for at the end of the day is for the airplane rental fee and the instructor fee. There are no hidden fees.

Question 10

Does it matter if I wear glasses/contact lenses?

Accepted Answer

No. The medical certificate allows you to wear corrective lenses, much like a driver’s license. The only vision limitation that may be a factor is color blindness. Depending on the severity, it may only impose some limitations on your medical certificate. For further assistance, please contact your local AME.

Question 11

What privileges will I have once I get my Private Pilot Certificate?

Accepted Answer

Are you thinking of taking ski trips? How about a weekend vacation in Las Vegas? Want to take a quick tour around the city? Well, you can do it all with a Private Pilot’s License. The great thing about the Private Pilot Certificate is the freedom it provides. As a Private Pilot, you will be able to fly your friends and family around. You will be allowed to fly into any airport (with the exception of military airports, of course).

Question 12

What is ground school?

Accepted Answer

Ground school is the coursework required to attain a thorough knowledge of flying. This includes, but is not limited to: regulations, aerodynamics, weather, flight planning, etc. You can learn everything from just reading a selection of books; however, it is a lot easier for most students to complete an interactive course. Ground school is required for flight training. Completing an approved ground school course will allow you to take a required written test (much like the written test required for a Driver’s License). This written test must be completed prior to taking your final practical test (i.e., the checkride).

Question 13

Can I bring someone along?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can bring one additional person on your flight. They will be seated comfortably in the back seats, capable of watching you during your entire flight.

Question 14

What makes Pacific Air Flight School the best choice?

Accepted Answer

The truth of the matter is that the typical instructor is known to use the instructor job as a stepping stone to get to next level, usually to get an airline job. At Pacific Air Flight School, our instructors are here because they love sharing the art and joy of flying. Furthermore, Pacific Air Flight School revolves around keeping it safe and fun. Our demo flights take place in the newest Cessna airplanes that are available for training. We guarantee that you will leave here with a memorable experience that will leave you wanting more.

Question 15

What type of airplane will we be flying?

Accepted Answer

You will be flying the newest Cessna 172s. The Cessna 172 is the best and most common trainer out there. They are equipped with 4 seats and are always maintained to the highest standards.

Question 16

What do I need to bring to my demo flight?

Accepted Answer

All you need to bring to the demo flight is your excitement. Pacific Air Flight School will provide you with a headset for your flight. If you’d like, feel free to bring a camera and our instructors will make sure to capture pictures during your flight. We do it all at no extra charge!

Question 17

Will I really get an in-flight video?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We want you to remember your first flight, so during your flight there will be a camera set up to capture every in-flight moment. There is no additional cost for this because we believe capturing these memories shouldn’t cost extra.

Question 18

How long will the flight last?

Accepted Answer

The Standard Demo Flight is approximately 30 minutes long. The actual flight will be approximately 20-25 minutes long, with about 10 minutes taking place during the taxi to and from the runway. If you’d like, you can also request a longer demo flight.

Question 19

How do I schedule a demo flight?

Accepted Answer

To schedule your demo flight, simply call or email us with your desired date and time, and we will work with you to put you on our schedule.

Question 20

Will I actually get to fly during my demo flight?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The instructor will start off by explaining how the airplane flies and how to control it. Once you get going, the instructor will help you taxi the airplane. Once all the final checks are completed, you will be set up for takeoff, at which point you will be at the controls all by yourself, with the instructor by your side. You will then fly the airplane as much or as little as you’d like. On the return for landing, the instructor will be at the controls with you to help you make a smooth landing.

Question 21

Do you offer accelerated 10-day IFR courses?

Accepted Answer

Yes! If you have the time and motivation, we can easily help you earn your Instrument Rating in 10 days or less. Though not everyone has the time for a 10-day program, studies have shown that you learn better and retain more in a well-organized, accelerated training program. For further information on the 10-day course, please contact us.

Question 22

I already have IFR experience. Can Pacific Air Flight School help me complete my training?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Regardless of the amount training you've had, our instructors will evaluate your skills and pickup training from where you left off. Our goal is to customize a program that fits your schedule and skills.

Question 23

Is an Instrument Rating difficult to obtain?

Accepted Answer

An Instrument Rating is challenging and well worth the investment it takes to obtain it. An Instrument Rating is an incredibly rewarding accomplishment that opens up your flying to truly amazing possibilities. Both your skills and proficiency will be greatly enhanced with an Instrument Rating.

Question 24

Could the training ever be delayed by weather?

Accepted Answer

Severe icing conditions and/or thunderstorms can prevent flying on a given day. However, the curriculum is so flexible, and the simulator is so versatile, that training is very rarely delayed.

Question 25

What is the purpose of an Instrument Rating?

Accepted Answer

The Instrument rating allows pilots who normally fly in Visual Flight Rules (VFR) to fly in Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). That is to say, it allows pilots to fly in the clouds (also known as instrument meteorological conditions, AKA “IMC”). The instrument rating is very valuable to pilots because it would allow them to fly through weather that would normally prevent VFR pilots from flying.

Question 26

What is the estimated cost of training?

Accepted Answer

Giving accurate quotes for instrument ratings can be difficult due to the many variables involved. The typical Instrument Rating costs between $8,000-9,000, without the use of a simulator and depending on the airplane you use for training. Please contact us so we can further assist you.

Question 27

Can I use a simulator for training?

Accepted Answer

Yes! In fact, we encourage it! The Basic Aviation Training Device (BATD) is a practical tool for learning IFR procedures. In a BATD, you can stop to discuss a point or back it up to repeat an exercise. Later, you will be able to perfect these procedures in the airplane. With this method, you will learn IFR procedures approximately four times faster than you could in the airplane alone.

Question 28

What are some of the things that I will learn?

Accepted Answer

An Instrument Rating will increase your skill and ability in many areas. These include: advanced navigation, advanced aircraft control, advanced weather theory, IFR ATC procedures, multi-tasking, and many more. Overall, the Instrument Rating will greatly strengthen your skills as a pilot.

Question 29

Will I get "actual" experience by flying in the clouds (IMC)?"

Accepted Answer

Yes! If IMC (instrument meteorological conditions) exists, we will encourage a flight into those conditions, assuming they are safe conditions. There is nothing like the real thing for teaching and preparing someone to become an excellent Instrument-Rated pilot. The experience will become a great resource for you to draw upon after you become an Instrument-Rated pilot, flying on your own.

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