Learning to Fly FAQ |
| How hard is it to fly a plane?
Basic flight skills aren't that difficult, but doing them smoothly and efficiently takes some time. Everything is new and unfamiliar, but very exciting and usually lots of fun! How long before I solo? Most flight students solo with between 12-20 hours of instruction. You will need to accrue at least 10 hours of solo time to qualify for a Private Pilot’s license. Will practicing with a computer flight simulator help me learn to fly real airplanes? This is a matter of opinion. On the one hand, you can pick up a few things, but sims can also get you into bad habits. Some “simmers” have to be re-trained to not look at the instruments so much. In VFR (visual flight rules) your primary flight instrument is the window. What happens if the engine fails? In the event of a catastrophic engine failure (which is quite rare), the airplane will glide. The pilot will then maneuver to a landing at the nearest safe location. Do I need to be good at math? Only basic arithmetic is necessary for flying. Being able to identify a right angle, and understanding the terms parallel and perpendicular may also be helpful. But don’t worry if math isn’t your strong suit. Should I get insurance? Yes, acquiring some “renter’s insurance” would be prudent. The Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA) has some very good insurance available to members. What tests do I have to take? Your instructor will give you an open-book written test before you solo. There is also an FAA written exam. Is there a medical exam? Yes – before soloing you will need to see a doctor qualified to conduct aviation physicals. It would be prudent to do this early in your training in case there are any complications. A person in basic good health will usually have no problems passing a Class 3 flight physical. However, if you have color blindness, diabetes or other conditions you may need to undergo further testing. What kinds of pilot licenses are there? Most people get a Private Pilot license first, and then move on to an instrument rating. Some will continue on to their commercial and flight instructor certificates. You could also be trained to fly seaplanes, multi-engine airplanes, helicopters, gliders and other more exotic aircraft. How safe is flying a small plane? Smart pilots "plan the flight, and then fly the plan" to minimize risk. Safety increases with training and experience, and our instructors put an emphasis on thoroughly learning emergency procedures. What does Air Traffic Control (ATC) radio communication sound like? Radio communications is generally quick and concise, but not difficult once you get used to the terminology. Controllers are generally very helpful, and will speak slower if you ask them to. At TML we make a point of teaching good radio technique. You will leave our flight school prepared to fly in almost any airspace. What security procedures are in place for flight training? American flight students must prove citizenship by providing a valid passport or birth certificate. Flight students from other countries must undergo a background check through the Transportation Security Administration. I’ve heard the FAA regulations are very complicated. Is that true? The regulations can be a bit tough at first because they're written in rather dense lawyer-speak. Your instructor will teach you the important parts, and over time you will learn to understand the language of the regulations. How much will learning to fly cost? This depends on how often you fly, how well you prepare, and the price of fuel. We suggest budgeting about $10,000 including books, testing fees and materials. |
