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Why Learn to Fly
Learning to fly will unlock a world of possibilities and give you unparalleled freedom to see the world. It is a truly unique experience.
Some people start flying to make a career out of it, eventually working as a corporate or airline pilot. For others, flying is a convenient and cost-effective method of personal or business travel. But most fly for pure enjoyment, taking local flights on nice days to see new and interesting places.
Whether you want to fly for a living or just for fun, general aviation offers a safe, rewarding and surprisingly affordable way to get around.
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What does it Cost?
No one wants to pay too much for a product or service, and it\'s certainly no different with learning to fly. Learning to fly involves some expense, but it\'s important to examine this expense as an investment that will provide a lifetime of return. The extent and depth of the training you will receive for your money makes learning to fly one of the all-time great bargains compared to many other recreational or business pursuits. For a few thousand dollars you will acquire the basic skills needed to safely enjoy an extraordinary and unique activity for years to come.
As with many things, in the long run value turns out to be more important than the bottom-line cost of your flight training. You should be concerned with what you are getting for your money, not just how much you\'ll spend. Value is measured by the quality of the training, and the relationship that develops between you and your instructor or flight school. The cheapest isn\'t usually the best.
Sporty\'s Academy provides realistic cost estimates for its training programs - not FAA minimum times. A Recreational pilot certificate will cost approximately $6,000 while a Private certificate will take about $9,000. While these costs are realistic, it\'s important to also know that final costs will be dependent on consistency of training, preparation and the ability to learn new skills. It\'s also important to know that Sporty\'s does not charge an application or enrollment fee or require you to pay any money in advance. You will pay for your training as you progress so it\'s spread out over the entire length of the program.
Detailed cost breakdowns for Sporty\'s Flight Training Courses may be found here.
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Steps to Earning your Pilot Certificate
While the list can of things a pilot can buy seems endless, we recommend the following as the basics to get going:
Home Training Materials- Recreational Pilot Flight Training DVD Course
- Private Pilot Flight Training DVD Course
- FAA Written Test Prep (CD-ROM or Book)
- Practical Test Standards
- Flight Maneuvers Guide
- Federal Aviation Regulations/Airman’s Information Manual
- Airplane Flying Handbook
Preflight- Electronic E6B Flight Computer
- Flight Planning Forms
- Fuel Tester
Cockpit- Original Flight Gear Bag
- Checklist
- Headset
- Sectional Chart (Aviation Map)
- Pilot Flight Log
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Private or Recreational Certificate
When you start flying, you may be presented the choice of pursuing your Sport Pilot, Recreational Pilot or Private Pilot certificate. Understanding the differences between them will help you to choose the right one for you.
Regardless of your ultimate goal, a great first option in terms of time and money for new pilots is the Recreational Pilot Certificate. Federal Aviation Regulation Part 61 requires a minimum of 30 hours of flight training for the Recreational. This certificate will allow you to carry a passenger in good weather conditions in aircraft with a maximum of 4 seats and a 180 horsepower engine (a new Cessna Skyhawk, for example). This is perfect for local flights with family or friends, and will get you into the air quickly. You can also transition to the Private Pilot certificate when you\'re ready-you\'ll just do some additional training on cross country and night flying to make this easy step up.
The Private Pilot certificate has been around the longest, and is often what people mean when they say they "got their license." There are fewer restrictions on the type of airplane you can fly and the places you can fly to, and there are plenty of options for add-on privileges, like Instrument and Multiengine ratings. The minimum training time is 40 hours--20 with an instructor and 20 solo--but most students take 60-80 hours.
Each certificate will require a student pilot certificate and medical as well as a written exam and a flight test. Also remember that you can change your mind as you train. For example, Recreational Pilot training time can go towards a Private license.
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Steps to Earning your Pilot Certificate
So you're considering learning to fly. What's holding you back? At Sporty's Academy, we follow a proven flight training curriculum taught by a professional staff in safe, modern airplanes. Our flexible scheduling means you train and prepare when it's convenient for you. Sporty's is committed to seeing you through to your goal and making every aspect of your training experience enjoyable. There's never been a better time to get started and we're here to help!
Learning to fly is a matter of acquiring aeronautical knowledge, flight proficiency, and experience. Think of the process of learning to fly as a series of 5 steps. Some steps, such as aeronautical knowledge, can be integrated throughout your training time. Others, like solo training, come when you and your instructor decide that you're ready.
Step 1 - Schedule your Introductory Flight
This is the most important step. The flight training process is very simple, so don't get bogged down in too many details until you're able to complete this step. You'll spend a full hour with a flight instructor who will show you how pilots inspect their aircraft prior to taking off. You'll learn about the different parts of the airplane and what they do. But that's not the best part. You will taxi and take off on a thrilling, 30-minute flight where you will (with your flight instructor sitting next to you) fly the airplane yourself. To schedule and to learn more,
click here.
To begin your training, you will need to obtain a student pilot certificate and medical. A third class medical is required to earn your pilot certificate. The medical examination will consist of a basic physical including a hearing and vision test. The doctor will also want to make sure you are not taking medications that could affect your ability to fly.
Usually the medical certificate and student pilot certificate are issued by a doctor, called an aviation medical examiner. For your convenience, Dr. B.L. Berks is available at the Clermont County Airport (513-732-6682). An Aviation Medical Examiner in your area may be found by visiting
http://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/.
Your flight training at Sporty's is accomplished individually with a flight instructor in a safe, modern Cessna Skyhawk or Skylane. You will follow an FAA-approved training curriculum with lessons organized into objectives, elements and completions standards. The course outline will allow you monitor your progress and prepare for upcoming lessons.
We typically schedule your flight lessons in 2-hour increments meeting 2 - 3 days per week. At this recommended pace, your initial certification can be earned in only a few months. We are open 7 days per week, so scheduling a convenient time is never a problem. At the completion of your Introductory Flight, an instructor will speak to you about scheduling additional lessons and establishing a schedule that's right for you.
Step 4 - Aeronautical knowledge and FAA knowledge test
During your training, you'll use the Sporty's Complete Flight Training Course online or on interactive DVD for your aeronautical knowledge and flight preparation. This award-winning course will prepare you for the written examination, flight training, flight test and for real world flying. Some pilots may also wish to take advantage of one of our accelerated weekend
ground schools to help in this process. These are offered various times throughout the year. Your aeronautical knowledge will continue to develop throughout the training process.
Once your instructor decides you are ready, you can take your FAA written examination at our on-site testing center.
The big day has arrived. You have completed the training curriculum and are now ready for the Practical Test. You will find that you are well-prepared for the flight test having successfully completed all of your lessons.
The flight test will be conducted much like one of your flight lessons. You'll meet with your examiner and discuss some topics on the ground and then go fly. Your flight test will be accomplished with a designated pilot examiner right here at our facility in an airplane you are familiar with.
Now the fun begins
Now it's time to put your pilot certificate into action. You are welcome to rent our airplanes for leisurely afternoon flights or even weekend excursions. You probably already know that airplane travel not only provides sights and views few get to experience, but it's also a fun, exciting and convenient way to travel.
An enrollment services specialist is here to assist you with any questions you may have, arrange a tour of our facilities or to schedule a lesson. Please call 513-735-9100 or email
fly@sportysacademy.com.
