Getting your Private Pilot License can change your life. For most of us it is a dream come true. But before you take the step to actually do it, you probably have several questions. We hope these frequently asked questions help you make your decision. If you have further questions, one of our school associates will be happy to answer them.

1. Can I get a pilot license?
2. How long will it take for me to get my pilot license?
3. How often can I fly?
4. Can I fly at night?
5. Can I take passengers when I get my license?
6. What about "ground school"?
7. How much will it cost to get my license?
8. How do I pay for my pilot license?
9. When can I start flying?

1. Can I get a pilot license?
   
   To get your pilot license, you must:
   • Be 17 years old
   • Be able to speak, read, write , and understand English
   • Pass an FAA Class III physical examination
   • Pass an FAA aeronautical knowledge test
   • Have an FAA flight test
   • Have 40 hours of flight time, of which 20 hours must be with an instructor
   
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2. How long will it take for me to get my pilot license?
   
   It depends on how often you fly, and how much time and effort you put into studying. The more often you fly, the less time it will take and the more fun you will have! Some do it in as little as 2-3 months, but some take more time. It's up to you.
    
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3. How often can I fly?
   
   You can fly as often as your schedule will allow. We recommend that you fly a minimum of 1 day per week. Most students fly at least twice a week. However, some students fly 4-5 times per week.
    
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4. Can I fly at night?
   
   Yes. As part of your basic training you are required to have a minimum of 3 hours of night training including a night cross country with an instructor..
    
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5. Can I take passengers when I get my license?
   
   Yes. One of the most enjoyable activities when you get your license is taking friends and family for a flight - maybe for the famous "$100 hamburger". You can share flight expenses with your passengers, but you cannot fly for "hire".
    
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6. What about "ground school"?
   
   In the past, the theory and knowledge required to become a pilot was typically taught in a classroom setting. Classes were usually held once or twice weekly for as long as 3 months. Today, most of us have busier work schedules that make this method of training impractical. Cessna in conjunction with King Schools has addressed this concern with their revolutionary CBI (Computer-Based Instruction) program. As a Cessna Pilot Center, National Aviation offers the interactive multimedia CBI programs for both the Private and Instrument courses. This exceptional software is proven to expedite your progress and efficiency. In fact, most students who use the Cessna program complete their training with conventional (paper-based) method. The Cessna CBI Kits for the Private license consists of 28 interactive CD's, a logbook, E6B flight computer/plotter, Private Pilot Handbook, Practical Test Standards, syllabus, the airplane's Pilot Information Handbook, and a zipped carry bag. For most students, the ground instruction contained in this curriculum is sufficient to pass the written test. The FAA sets no specific time requirement for ground instruction. Ground briefings will be given following each flight to discuss procedures and your progress. You will typically spend 15-30 minutes of ground briefing/instruction for each hour flown with your instructor.
    
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7. How much will it cost to get my license?
   
   Several variables affect the cost of getting your license. Some of them are:
   • The type of airplane you train in. Currently we have a Cessna 172SP @ $115/hr, a Cessna 172N @ $79/hr, and another Cessna 172N @ $85/hr
   • How frequently you fly. The more often you fly, the greater the lesson and skill retention between lessons, and the more fun you will have. It is actually less expensive in the long run to fly more often.
   • Your learning speed. Some people learn more quickly than others.
   • Your skill aptitude. Some people pick up physical skills faster than others.
   An example of complete Private Pilot training in a Cessna 172N is as follow:
    

   	40 hours of aircraft time at $79 per hour:	$3,160.00
   	30 hours of dual instruction at $40 per hour:	$1,200.00
   	12 hours of ground instruction at $40 per hour:	$480.00
   	Course Materials and Headset:	$400.00
   	Class III medical exam (average):	$60.00
   	Written test exam fee (average):	$70.00
   	FAA examiner's fee plus 1.5 hours airplane time:	$300.00
   	Tax on Course Materials and Checkride flight time:	$35
   Total Cost: $5,705.00

   
   This is an example only. Everyone is different; some spend less, some more.
    
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8. How do I pay for my pilot license?
   
   Several options are available. As a Cessna Pilot Center, you may qualify for an educational loan from SallieMae, the nation's leader in educational financing. This program would allow for you to get your pilot license for as little as $65 per month ($5,000 loan, 15 year term, 13% rate). We will gladly provide you with an application and answer any questions you may have
    
   Some lenders make educational loans for flight training. Pilot Finance is one of them. Ask for details.
    
   You may "pay as you go" using cash, checks, or credit cards. If you wish to pay in advance you will receive an additional 5% incentive on amounts greater than $500. For example, put $1,000 down, receive $1,050 in credit.

 
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9. When can I start flying?
   
   Right now! Today! Just come in or call and you will be placed with an instructor and on the schedule. It's not as difficult as you may think! In fact, you will probably fly on your very first lesson!
    
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