North Star Flyers

How long does it take to learn how to fly?

The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of training. But most people train for 60 hours or more before obtaining their license. The average time in Minnesota however is 55 hours. Depending on your schedule, it can be possible to obtain your private pilot license within six months.

How much does it cost?

You will be charged for both the aircraft and instructor time. Today the average cost for obtaining a pilot's license is approximately $9,000 at a traditional flight school, but only about $8,000 through a flight club. The projected costs includes aircraft cost, flight instruction and other materials you will need, such as charts, books, medical exam, and checkride (flight test). That is less than the cost of a new snowmobile or boat, and it is spread out over a period of several months. You can see the projected cost of all the ratings at Cost of Training. This includes a complete breakdown of both the private pilot and the instrument ratings.

What are the steps in learning how to fly?

Pilot training is broken down into three main parts -- pre-solo, cross-country and preparing for the checkride. In the pre-solo stage, your instructor will be with you for every lesson, guiding you through the stages of learning how to control the aircraft. In the cross-country stage, your instructor will teach you how to plan a flight to a distant airport. Initially your instructor will be with you, and then you will do these flights on your own. The final stage is preparing you for your checkride, when you graduate from being a student pilot to becoming a full-fledged member of the aviation community.

How long does it take to solo?

There is no single answer for this question, since it depends on the individual. People learn skills at different rates, but the average time to solo runs from approximately 15 to 30 hours. There are many more requirements today that must be met before a student is ready to solo. So while your Uncle Albert may have soloed in 4 hours many years ago, that is not realistic or even possible today.

Do I need to enroll in ground school?

Some students prefer to learn the textbook fundamentals in a formal ground school, while others prefer to follow a self-tutorial program. Either method is acceptable. As part of obtaining a pilot's license, you will be required to pass a knowledge test, whose content is mandated by the FAA. The instructors periodically teach ground schools for interested students.

Is there any financial help for a person who wants to learn to fly?

Yes there is! Pilot Finance, Inc. has financial help for both initial flight training and advanced ratings. For more information you can contact them at (800)667-0201.

I'm worried about getting air sick.

This is a common fear, but it is generally not a big problem. Some students take an OTC medication for air sickness when they first start to fly. It's okay for them to take such a medication, since their instructor is with them. Gradually, as they become accustomed to the environment of flight, they find they no longer need the medication and stop taking it.

Is flying in a small plane safe?

Flying is not without a certain element of risk. But your training will include how to handle an emergency, should one arise. Your training will also place a great deal of emphasis on safety, and the procedures you learn will be oriented towards safe flight.

How to contact us
By email	Jack or Lynette