You can Fly!

Learning to fly is not an impossible dream. From physical requirements to cost to even bookwork, becoming a private pilot is within reach of just about anyone with the desire to fly.

General Aviation has teamed up with the folks at “Be A Pilot” to bring you a low-cost introduction to flight. For just $59 General Aviation will schedule your introductory flight with a certified flight instructor ... and you'll be doing the driving!

If you decide that flying is something you want to pursue, the team at General Aviation can hook you up with everything you need … books, equipment, and an FAA Certified Flight Instructor who will work with you one-on-one.  Understanding that most folks have “real” jobs, General Aviation works with students to schedule training at convenient times … evenings and weekends.

You don’t even need to buy an airplane. You’ll train in a professionally maintained and certified Piper PA-28 Warrior. Your hourly rate covers the airplane, fuel and the instructor.

Private Pilots

The Federal Aviation Administration requires at least 40 hours of flight before candidates can take their test to become private pilots. This is a minimum, and most often a student accumulates many more hours before taking the practical test. The amount of time is dependent on students, how frequently they fly, weather, etc. The Aircraft Owner's and Pilot's Association (AOPA) provides a rough estimate of between $5,000 and $7,000 to earn a private pilot certificate. (That cost is spread out over time making it much easier to handle.)

Your study will take on two tracks - ground school and flight training.

In ground school you'll learn the rules of flight and aerodynamics. You can get ground school out of the way through a self-study course, or by attending one of many formal class-room settings available. Before taking your final flight test you will have to have successfully passed a written test covering ground school material. You can pursue your ground school training at the same time you are doing your primary flight training.

During your primary flight training you'll be learning to control the airplane ... essentials such as taking off, turning and landing. You'll spend a great deal of time on how to handle emergency situations safely. Once you and your instructor feel good about your performance, you'll be signed off to "solo." When you solo, you'll be flying the airplane by yourself and practicing what you've learned.

Finally, after many hours of honing your skills you will take your private pilot check ride. By this time, both you and your instructor agree that you're a pilot and all you have to do is prove it to an FAA designated examiner.

Once the check ride is complete and you are an FAA certified private pilot there is only one thing left to do ... introduce your first passenger to the joy of flight!