 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Frequently
Asked Questions |
|
|
|
|
| |
Getting Started |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Q:
|
Is there an age limit for obtaining a Private Pilot rating? (what about max age?) |
| |
A:
|
The Federal Aviation Regulations require an individual to be at least 16 years of age to operate an aircraft solo, and 17 years of age to obtain a Private Pilot certificate. There is not an age limitation on beginning flight lessons with a certified flight instructor. There is no maximum age for acquiring a private pilot certificate. Once someone gets this certificate, they may exercise the privileges of that certificate as long as they continue to get a medical certificate and a biannual flight review. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
What written tests and flight tests are
required to obtain my Private Pilot rating? |
| |
A: |
Student pilots have to pass a pre-solo
written exam before solo, a Private Pilot Written Exam
(FAA), and a Practical Exam (flight test). |
| |
|
|
| |
Q:
|
What exams are required to get my Private Pilot rating (and where do I take them)? |
| |
A: |
To obtain a Private Pilot rating, you must obtain at least a 3 rd Class Medical, and these are available from FAA Medical Examiners (refer to phonebook or contact flight school).
|
| |
|
|
| |
Q:
|
What is a medical certificate? |
| |
A:
|
Every pilot must obtain a medical
certificate in order to exercise the privileges of
their pilot's license---there are three classes, 1
st (most stringent, good for six months, and required for use with an Airline Transport rating), 2 nd
(good for one year and required for use with a Commercial
rating), and 3 rd (good for three years if you are
under 40, two years if 40 or older). |
| |
|
|
| |
Q:
|
Are there any medical restrictions to prevent me from becoming a pilot? |
| |
A:
|
Some medical conditions may require a waiver for a pilot to get a medical certificate, and these are best described by the FAA Medical Examiner. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
Am I required to have special insurance to be a pilot? |
| |
A: |
No, but some insurance companies do specialize in insurance for pilots. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
What is the optimum progression through the ratings?
|
| |
A: |
This depends on why the student is achieving the ratings, but the progression that occurs most often is: Private rating, an addition of an Instrument rating, then a Multi-Engine rating. The next progression is to a Commercial rating, and the prior ratings apply to this one. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
TOP |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Financing |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
What financing options are available to help cover the cost of my training? |
| |
A: |
Generally, there are several options available for flight training. We recommend you contact the Cessna Pilot Center in your area for additional information. You can find the centers in your area by using our online locator, http://learntofly.com/directory.html or by calling the Learn to Fly hotline at (877) 359-2373 or (316) 517-6056. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
Is financing, available at all CPCs? |
| |
A: |
At most of our Cessna Pilot Centers, there is some type of financing for flight training. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
Are there financing options available for international students? |
| |
A: |
Generally, financing companies will finance domestic and international students, depending on individual credit-worthiness. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
Does the financing apply only to obtaining a Private Pilot rating? |
| |
A: |
The financing is usually available to obtain a Private rating all the way through a Multi-Engine or Flight Instructor rating. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
What expenses will the financing cover towards getting my pilot rating? |
| |
A: |
The financing will cover most all expenses, services, products, or items the Cessna Pilot Center offer. It may also be used to cover other incurred costs of flight training as the borrower sees fit. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
TOP |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Selecting A Flight School
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Q:
|
What is the difference between a Part 141 School and Part 61? |
| |
A:
|
The "Parts" refer to different sections of the Federal Aviation Regulations, and the different Parts dictate different requirements for flight schools. Generally, Part 61 flight schools have different requirements - no Chief Flight Instructor required-and they have the flexibility to progress through their training syllabi as needed. Part 141 schools must have a Chief Flight Instructor, have their syllabus, or training course outline (TCO) approved by the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
What is the difference between a Cessna Pilot Center (CPC) and a flight school? |
| |
A:
|
Cessna Pilot Centers must meet higher standards than the typical flight school in order to be eligible to operate under the Cessna logo. They must be clean, neat, and provide superior customer service and flight training. They must make available for flight training, fully insured, new Cessna 172 aircraft that are currently under factory warranty. Most importantly, Cessna Pilot Centers are the only schools that utilize Cessna's integrated Computer-Based Instruction - a revolutionary method of teaching ground school that is easy, thorough, and fun. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q:
|
How do I find the location of my nearest CPC? |
| |
A:
|
To find the location of the nearest CPC, use our online locator, http://learntofly.com/directory.html , or call the Learn to Fly hotline at (877) 359-2373 or (316) 517-6056. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q:
|
What if there isn't a CPC close to me? |
| |
A: |
Visit the Be-A-Pilot website at www.beapilot.com to locate the nearest flight school. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
If I live outside the U.S., what is required for me to train in your country? |
| |
A: |
It is recommended to visit sites, such as www.aopa.org , where U.S. requirements for foreign citizens are posted. Once in the U.S., the training requirements for a citizen of another country are the same as for a U.S. citizen. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
TOP |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Discovery
Flight |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Flight Training |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Q:
|
How many hours do I have to fly before I fly solo? |
| |
A:
|
There is no requirement for hours before solo. This is based on the judgment of one's instructor. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q:
|
Can I learn to fly in my own plane? |
| |
A: |
Yes. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q:
|
Do I have to be a pilot to purchase a plane? |
| |
A:
|
No. Anyone may purchase an aircraft. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
How do I learn to fly an aircraft that has a glass cockpit? |
| |
A: |
Almost every manufacturer of aircraft with glass cockpits can provide references for training, or the avionics provider may provide training. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
TOP |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
G1000 Training |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
What can be expected during training? |
| |
A: |
The training is a 3 day course (not including aircraft delivery) consisting of approximately 8 hours of ground school and 4 - 6 hours of flight time. The ground schools cover the system components of the G1000, overviews of the Primary Flight Display (PFD) and the Multi-Function Display (MFD), as well as aircraft systems and autopilot operation. The flight portion of training will cover basic VFR operations, a variety of instrument approaches as well as abnormal and emergency procedures. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
What is the goal of the training? |
| |
A: |
The training is designed to transition pilots from the traditional panel to the Technically Advanced Aircraft. Nav III Cessna's are TAA in that they incorporate an electronic flight information system or EFIS, GPS with moving map display and an autopilot. Because of time constraints and the needs of our customers, the training is not designed to make you an expert on the G1000. Instead, our goal is to provide you with the tools you need to begin using the system. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
Is the training required? |
| |
A: |
No. There is not a logbook endorsement required to act as Pilot-in-Command of a TAA. However, there may be insurance benefits or requirements for completing the course. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
What is the cost of training? |
| |
A: |
With the purchase of the aircraft, the customer will receive one transition course at no additional cost. Additional training for anyone accompanying the customer can be purchased for $1295.00 per person and is scheduled based on instructor availability. This price reflects a 30% discount and would include the entire transition course but does not include aircraft rental.
Additional pricing is as follows
Ground school sessions and 1 flight - $790.00
Ground school only - $525.00
Additional training - $600.00/day |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
Is training available to anyone other than customers? |
| |
A: |
Yes. The entire transition course can be purchased at a price of $1850.00 Partial training can also be purchased and is priced above. Rental aircraft can be provided on a space available basis and are priced at $160.00/hr. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
What should I bring to training? |
| |
A: |
Bring your pilot's license, current medical and government issued photo ID as well as an aviation headset. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
Will I receive a logbook endorsement from the Cessna Factory Instructor? |
| |
A: |
No. You will however receive an FAA Industry Training Standards Certificate of attendance signed by your instructor/s. You will also receive a smaller certificate that can be placed in your logbook. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
Can I receive a high-performance endorsement, instrument proficiency check, or biennial flight review during the training? |
| |
A: |
No. The factory instructors will only be giving instruction to aid in the transition to the Technically Advanced Aircraft. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
TOP |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
CBI Program / Ground School Training |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
What makes the Cessna CBI program better than other ground school training courses? |
| |
A: |
The Cessna Computer-Based Instruction
(CBI) is the only truly integrated flight- training
curriculum. By this, the curriculum is designed so
that the student completes a lesson and then a flight
lab that corresponds to that lessons. Therefore, the
student progresses through the program and is able
to associate the flying lab with what he/she just learned
in the lesson.
There are other Computer-Based flight
training programs on the market, but Cessna's Computer-Based
Program is the only integrated flight training system
available.
The CBI is designed specifically
to be interactive - students use "drag and drop" and question and answer sessions to learn in a fraction of the national average. According to our own research , we are finding that Private Pilot completion times using the CBI product are in the low 50 hours range, compared to the national average of 65 - 70
hours. This is due to the benefits of the CBI integrated
flight-training method. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
Does the CBI program qualify as my ground school training? |
| |
A: |
Yes, it's the most complete course
we know of. In fact, many Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) Part 141 flight schools chose to become
CPCs and use Cessna's CBI courses as their approved
curriculum. In addition to covering the ground school,
the CBI courses also cover the tasks you will perform
on your training flights. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
Where can I purchase a CBI program? |
| |
A: |
The program can be purchased at your
nearest Cessna Pilot Center. To find the Cessna Pilot
Center nearest you call us at 1-877-359-2373 or (316)
517-6056, or use
our online locator . There is also a form on our
website, www.learntofly.com ,
that can be printed and faxed to us at (316) 206-9562. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
Can more than one person use the CBI kit? |
| |
A: |
The kits are designed so that one person may register and use them. It may be possible for more than one person to use a kit, but the second person would not be able to obtain the intended benefits from the program. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
If I am enrolled in a flight school that is not a CPC, can I still use the CBI kit? |
| |
A: |
The Cessna CBI course is specifically designed for use at Cessna Pilot Centers. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
What does "activating" the CBI kit mean? |
| |
A: |
The first six lessons of the CBI kit come fully functional. However an authorization code provided by a Cessna Pilot Center is required before you can access the remaining lessons on the CD-ROMs. This allows the CPC flight instructor to evaluate and direct your flight training progress in Cessna's exclusive course management module. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
What items are included in the CBI kit? |
| |
A: |
The kit contains 24 CDs, a Pilot Information Manual (either 172R or 172S), Pilot Safety & Training Supplement, Practical Tests Standards, Cessna Pilot Logbook, Textbook, and a Syllabus. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
Can I purchase pieces of the CBI kit separately? |
| |
A: |
No, the kit is intended to be a complete flight-training product. Therefore, it is sold as a package. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
Is the CBI kit available on DVD? |
| |
A: |
The CBI kit is not currently available on DVD. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
Is the CBI compatible with MAC computers? |
| |
A: |
No. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
Is the CBI kit valid outside the U.S.? |
| |
A: |
CBI/ICBI kits are based upon U.S. Federal Aviation Regulations and airspace. Anyone who can understand English may use the kit outside of the U.S., but the rules and regulations would not apply. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
What is the difference between the CBI and ICBI? |
| |
A: |
The CBI is the Private Pilot school training course. The ICBI is the Instrument school training course. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
Are the CBI and ICBI kits included in one package, or are they separate kits? |
| |
A: |
The CBI and ICBI programs are sold separately. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
Is there technical support for the CBI program? |
| |
A: |
Technical support
is available Monday through Friday: 8:00AM - 6:00 PM PDT and on Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM PDT. Technical support can be reached by phoning 1-877-435-7272 or via e-mail at support@kingschools.com. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
TOP |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Private Pilot Rating
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
What is the average length of time needed to obtain a Private Pilot certificate? |
| |
A: |
This depends upon how frequently the student flies. Students can achieve a Private Pilot Certificate in as little as 30 days, and the average is 3 to 4 months. In the Cessna Pilot Center network, the average time to complete a Private Pilot Certificate is 54 hours, which is almost 30% less than the national average. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
What is the average cost of obtaining a Private Pilot rating? |
| |
A: |
The cost varies by location and the type of aircraft used for training, but the average cost is between $7,000 - $8,000. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
TOP |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Instrument Rating
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
What is the average length of time required to obtain an Instrument rating? |
| |
A: |
This depends primarily on how frequently the student flies, but an average is three to four months. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
What is the average cost of obtaining an Instrument rating? |
| |
A: |
The cost varies across the U.S., but the average cost is between $6,000 - $8,000. |
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
What can I do with my Instrument rating? |
| |
A: |
With an Instrument rating, you may navigate by reference to aircraft instruments, or without reference to outside visual cues (Instrument Flight Rules, IFR). |
| |
|
|
| |
|
TOP |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Career Opportunities
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Q: |
Where can I find information on career opportunities for pilots? |
| |
A: |
Aviation-related websites, such as www.beapilot.com , or magazines are the best source. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
TOP |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Other
Questions |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Q:
|
What
if my question isn't listed here? |
| |
A:
|
We
try to be responsive to everyone interested in Cessna.
Please submit your question using this
form and we will respond to you personally. |
| |
|
TOP |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Other
FAQs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
