Skydive Spaceland Flight School Frequently Asked Questions

What is a private pilot certificate?

This is the entry-level certificate most new pilots receive. Obtaining this certificate allows you to fly and carry passengers in good weather conditions either in the day or at night. In addition, you can travel anywhere across the United States or any other country with certain limitations. You may not, however, fly for compensation or hire.

How much does it cost to learn to fly and get a Private Pilot certificate?

There are a lot of variables that affect the cost of learning to fly, among them are frequency of flight lessons, weather conditions, the kind of aircraft in which you are training and its availability for scheduling, and individual aptitude. A rough estimate would range between $5,000 and $7,000.

How long does it take to learn to fly and get a Private Pilot certificate?

The same variables that affect the cost of learning to fly (frequency of flight lessons, weather conditions, the kind of aircraft in which you are training and its availability for scheduling, and individual aptitude) affect the time it takes to earn your certificate. The FAA has a minimum number of flight hours needed to obtain a certificate. Under Part 61, the minimum is 40 hours for a private pilot certificate. A reasonable estimate that an average student might expect is between 50 hours and 60 hours. These flight hours can be spread over a time span of several months or a year or more (however the more often you fly the less time it will take).

How old do I have to be before I can start flight training?

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.

How old is too old to begin flight training?

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 ages of today's student pilots average in their thirties and today's average active pilots are in their forties. In addition, more than 25 percent of all U.S. pilots with current medical certificates are in their fifties. And some pilots learn to fly when they retire.

Is Skydive Spaceland's pilot training schedule flexible?

Our online scheduling system provides each student with the means to schedule their instructor and flight lesson from their home or work at their convenience. Set times and days can be scheduled or flexible. For more information, see our contact page.

What do I need to begin taking flying lessons?

All you need is proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate and driver's license or U.S. issued passport). Prior to your first solo flight you will need a medical and student pilot certificate. If you are not a U.S. citizen certain documents must be prepared to find out the specifics for this procedure please contact us.

What are the requirements to get my private pilot's license and other ratings?

Private Pilot Requirements:

1. You must be at least 17 years of age (at the time of the practical exam).
2. You must be able to speak, read, and write in English.
3. You must obtain a class 3 medical exam from an Aviation Medical Examiner.
4. You must log a minimum of 40 hours total flight time, with 20 hours dual instruction, and 10 hours Solo.
5. You must pass the private pilot written exam.
6. You must pass the private pilot practical exam.

Instrument Rating Requirements:

1. Must have a private or commercial pilot certificate.
2. Speak, read, and write English.
3. Hold a valid class 3 medical or higher.
4. Log a minimum of 50 hours cross-country Pilot-In-Command time, and 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument flight time with 15 hours dual instrument instruction.
5. Pass the instrument rating written exam
6. Pass the instrument rating practical exam.

Commercial Pilot Requirements:

1. Must be 18 years of age (at the time of the practical exam).
2. Speak, read, and write English.
3. Hold a valid class 3 medical (class 2 to exercise commercial privileges)
4. 250 hours of total flight time, with 100 hours PIC time.
5. 10 hours complex (flaps, constant-speed prop, retractable landing gear) aircraft time
6. Pass the commercial written exam.
7. Pass the commercial practical exam.
8. Instrument rating required if you don’t wish to be prohibited from carrying passengers beyond 50 nautical miles or at night.

Note: There are some minor aeronautical experience requirements to complete these certificates not listed here.  Consult Part 61 of the Federal Aviation Regulations for a complete listing of all necessary eligibility and experience requirements for these certificates/ratings.

How and where can I get a student pilot certificate and medical?

An AME (aviation medical examiner) will give you a student pilot certificate to fill out as part of the 3rd class medical exam. There are several in the area to choose from and cost is between $50-$100. A student pilot certificate is valid for 24 months and a 3rd class medical is valid for either 24 or 36 calendar months depending on age.

What are the vision, hearing, and general medical health requirements that must be met in order to obtain a third class medical for Private Pilot certificate?

Your vision must be at least 20/40 corrected, and you must be able to tell the difference between red and green. You should not have a nose or throat condition that would be aggravated by flying; you must have proper balance, and you must be able to hear a voice at a normal conversational volume at 6 feet. You can't have any mental/neurological problems, such as psychosis, alcoholism, or epilepsy; any unexplained loss of consciousness; any serious medical condition such as heart attack or chronic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, or other debilitating illness. If you do have a medical problem, it is not necessarily the end of your flying career. Depending on the problem, your medical certificate will be deferred until further testing is done. If you and your AME can prove to the FAA that your condition will not make you unsafe to pilot an airplane, chances are good that you'll get your medical. If you have a condition that automatically disqualifies you, such as chronic alcoholism, history of heart disease, or loss of consciousness, you can still petition the FAA for special issuance of your medical.