No, average math skills will suffice using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Pilots perform most calculations on a calculator or with flight planning software. Training focuses on weather, airspace, managing radios, air traffic control airport markings, right of way rules, and emergency procedures. As you can see,  your instruction focuses on topics other than math skills. Focus on being a well-rounded student with good study habits, and this will give you the tools you need to succeed as a pilot!

A student pilot certificate is valid for 24 calendar months.

An Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) typically gives you a student pilot certificate to fill out as part of the third class medical exam. Your flight instructor will likely refer you to a local AME, or you can find an examiner online using AOPA’s database of AMEs searchable by city and state. A student pilot certificate is valid for 24 calendar months and a third class medical could be valid for up to 36 months, depending on your age at the time of your AME visit. If your student pilot certificate expires first, you can get a new one from a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) or your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).

Yes and NO! Part of your training is in the aircraft where you will learn to move the flight controls and technically learn how to fly. You will take off, make the aircraft go up or down, make it turn left or right, and make it land safely. However, the knowledge you learn in Ground School by reading and studying books, working in groups, and participating in demonstrations and discussions provides the basis for your competence as a commercial pilot. This is not information you learn and then forget. This true knowledge that forms the basis of your pyramid with your airline pilot career at the pinnacle. If all you can do is manipulate the controls, you will be a danger to everyone in aviation. If you learn all the information covered in Ground School, you will be an asset to the field of aviation. Ground School teaches you about weather, navigation, communication, and how and why the controls work. All of this knowledge together ensures your competence as a skilled pilot who not only flies the plane but is able to fly safely in every situation.

The Private Pilot’s License (PPL) is the first certification you will earn as a pilot. The minimum training required in order to obtain your PPL are as follows:

1. Complete a minimum of 40 flight hours, including 20 hours of instruction, 10 hours solo (with 5 hours cross-country, including a 150-nautical-mile solo journey).
2. Must complete 3 hours of cross-country and 3 hours of night flying, including one cross-country flight exceeding 100 nautical miles, along with 10 takeoffs and landings at an airport.
3. Complete 3 hours of instrument flight, including basic maneuvers and radio communication.
4. Complete 3 hours of instructor-led flight training within 60 days of the practical exam.
5. Complete 10 solo flight hours, including a 150 NM cross-country with three full-stop landings, and three full-stop takeoffs and landings at a tower-controlled airport.

The cost of a pilot’s license depends on many factors, including the type of license or rating.  Below is a list of average prices across the country for different types of licenses.  Please consider this is a general guide, as this does not directly reflect the pricing and cost of FlyTech Pilot Academy (more information available soon).

• Student Pilot: Free (required medical certificate cost varies from around $75 up to over $200)
• Sport Pilot: $4,000-$6,000
• Recreational Pilot: ~$10,000
• Private Pilot: $15,000-$20,000
• Commercial Pilot: $55,000-$100,000
• Certified Flight Instructor: ~$5,000 (additional to above licenses and ratings)
• Airline Transport Pilot: ~$5,000 (additional to above licenses and ratings)

Additional costs to consider, may include:

• Ground school
• FAA Checkride(s)
• Rental fees
• Medical exams
• Equipment costs
• Books, charts, and other materials for ground school and flight training

No! People of all shapes, sizes, ages, and abilities have learned to fly. It’s a lot of fun, and from the beginning of your training you will get to do most of the actual flying!  With that said, while flying isn’t a difficult skill to learn, you must be willing to take your flight training seriously so you can pass your knowledge exams check-rides to become an FAA-certified pilot! Our average student with zero experience takes approximately 8 months to become a commercial pilot.

You don’t have to be a particular age before you can begin to take flying lessons. That said, however, you do have to be at least 16 years old before you can solo an airplane (14 years old for operation of a balloon or glider), and 17 before you can be issued a pilot certificate. Therefore, it may not be particularly efficient from the standpoint of cost and flight hours to begin lessons too early.

An individual must be 16 years old to solo an aircraft, 17 years old to obtain a Private Pilot Certificate, 18 years old to obtain a Commercial Pilot Certificate and 23 years old to obtain an Airline Transport Certificate.  FAR Part 121 (major airline regulations) require all pilots to retire at the age of 65.

Civilian training can help you become a military pilot; however, that would require you to enlist in the military and be accepted into their pilot training program.

Yes, once airborne your instructor will walk you through the basics of flight control and you will be able to take control of the aircraft and practice maneuvers.  Not interested in that?  No problem. Sit back and enjoy the view. 

Yes. You can take pictures and video of your experience in flight.  No live streaming.

After purchase, you or the recipient will be able to schedule this flight by calling or emailing FlyTech.   Flight pass good anytime in 2024. 

St Joseph Missouri, Rosecrans Memorial Airport  Airport Code: KSTJ

Only 1.  Yourself or the gift recipient will be flying. 

Yes you may, please keep the number of guests to 3 or less and let them know they will be quite bored during your flight if they plan to stay around and wait for you to return.