Common Questions Asked by Private Pilot Students

(Except for the medical questions these also apply to Sport Pilot)



  • Q. How do I get started?
    A. This is an easy one. You can start any time, just call us at 205-529-2494.

  • Q. When do classes start?
    A. Instruction is tailored to your needs. You can start any time.

  • Q. what days are available for instruction?
    A. Generally Monday through Friday and Saturdays upon request are available.

  • Q. How long ahead of a lesson must I schedule?
    A. Many times the schedule books up a week or so in advance, so advanced scheduling is recommended.

  • Q. What will it cost to get my Private Pilot Certificate?
    A. The total cost will depend upon how fast you learn. Most people can finish for a total cost of between $8000 and $9000. A detailed breakdown of this estimate is presented on the Instruction Rates Page.

  • Q. Why is it called a certificate I thought it was a pilot's license?
    A. The certificate alone does not qualify you to fly a plane. You must keep a current medical certificate, perform 3 landings each 90 days and have your flight skills evaluated by an instructor every two years.

  • Q. How long will it take to complete my private pilot rating?
    A. That depends upon how often you can fly and how long it takes you to acquire the skills. Students who can fly twice a week can often finish in about six months.

  • Q. How do I locate a doctor to perform the medical exam?
    A. You can locate a qualified Airmen Medical Examiner (AME) using the FAA's web site

  • Q. I have a medical condition that requires that I take medication regularly. Can I still become a pilot?
    A. This one is tricky. Many medications are approved for pilots while many others are not. Generally, if your condition can result in degraded mental performance, or if your medication can have that result, you are likely to be denied a medical.

  • Q: When is a student ready to actually solo and how do you know they are ready?
    A: The student must demonstrate the ability to control and land the airplane. The biggest part is the ability to land, but I also look for proper traffic scan, good airspeed control, good situational awareness and confidence.

  • Q: What sort of ground school do I need?
    A: I let my students study on their own. I stock the Gleim training systems which include all the books needed for general aviation knowledge and for the written exam. There are several other training systems available for self study. I will be glad to discuss all the study options with you.

  • Q: What is the best way to study for the oral exam?
    A: There are several oral exam guides available. One of the best is published by ASA (Aviation Supplies and Academics).

  • Q: What is involved in the final check ride?
    A: The check ride consists of two parts. The first is an oral question and answer session in which the examiner assesses the candidates aviation knowledge. The second part is a flight to assess flight and navigation skills.

  • Q: How long does the oral exam typically take for a private ticket?
    A: It usually takes about two hours to get through the oral. Part of the time involves getting all the paperwork in order.

  • Q: What is involved in the checkride flight?
    A: The examiner is bound by the FAA's Practical Test Standards. The PTS spells out the areas of knowledge the examiner must test during the oral and the specific flight skills the examiner must test during the flight. Remember that during the flight the examiner must tell the applicant if any specific skill is unsatisfactory. That is, if he says nothing, you have passed that skill test.

  • Q: Can I buy a plane 'before' I have my private ticket and use it to train in?
    A: Yes, but you will not be able to fly it without a CFI until solo and will face the same limitations on your flight as any other student.

  • Q: I have heard that during my private ticket training I will be flying cross country solo flights. How far is a cross country flight, as a student, and where am I allowed to go?
    A: There are short cross country flights which are a little further than 50 nautical miles. There is one long cross country flight that is over 150 nautical miles with 2 landings. It is your choice on where you go. I allow the student to pick their destinations.

  • Q: What is the tradition all about on getting your shirttail cut?
    A: A long time ago, well before we used headsets, the student sat 'in tandem' directly in front of the instructor. The instructor used to give the student instructions by pulling on their shirttail. The significane of getting your shirttail cut is that you have soloed so the instructor no longer needs to tug on your shirttail.

  • Q: I have other questions, what should I do?
    A: Send the questions to me via the Contact us page and I'll try to get them answered.
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