Operations FAQs
Our helicopter flight training is Part-141 certificated while the fixed-wing training is Part-61 certificated.
Our primary fixed-wing flight training is accomplished in Cessna 172’s. For instrument and Technically Advanced Aircraft time, training is done in a Diamond DA-40. For multi-engine ratings, training is done in a Diamond DA-42.
All helicopter training is done in the Guimbal Cabri G2.
Fixed-wing training is in airplanes. Rotary-wing training is in helicopters.
We have an Elite TH 100 ATD for helicopter training.
Our training follows the Jeppesen syllabus and uses Jeppesen textbooks. Other flight training study materials can be found for free at the FAA website here.
We are open 7 days a week. Flight lessons can be scheduled at any time of day.
Student Pilot Training FAQs
While the FAA requires a minimum of 40 flight hours, studies show an average of 60-75 flight hours to get your Private Pilot rating.
The speed at which you get your rating depends on many factors but mainly on how often you fly. Pilots who fly several times a week usually can get their rating in a couple of months to a year.
If you have never flown in a small aircraft before and are considering becoming a pilot, we recommend booking a Discovery Flight to determine if flying is something you want to do.
Our current Discovery Flight promotion is 1 hour, all-inclusive flight in an airplane for $150.00 or a 30-45 minute all-inclusive flight in a helicopter for $300.00.
We match instructors to students based on the rating sought, availability, and schedule compatibility.
We recommend working with one instructor for the duration of your training to avoid overlap of training.
Once we have your information set up in our system, you are placed with an instructor and can immediately begin training.
Ground school courses are a great way to expedite your ground training and familiarize yourself with the subjects in your flight training. However, you will still need some ground training so that your instructor can ensure that there are no gaps in your training.
No, you do not need either of these documents until your first solo flight.
No, you are covered by our insurance policy. More information regarding the coverage can be provided upon request.
Flight Training Costs
Because there are so many variables (weather, maintenance, unexpected life events), it is impossible to predict how much flight training will cost.
We estimate that it will cost around $15,000 to get your fixed-wing PPL and $30,000 for the helicopter PPL.
Flight lessons usually range from 1 -1.5 hour flights.
The average cost for a fixed-wing lesson is $213-$320.
The average cost for a helicopter lesson is $560-840.
Our helicopter training is partnered with Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC). If you enroll in the helicopter training at SWIC, you will have the opportunity to use your G.I. bill, apply for student loans, or use educational scholarships.
For financial help with fixed-wing training, there are multitudes of flight training scholarship opportunities through organizations such as AOPA or Women in Aviation.
All of our rental rates include fuel, oil, and insurance.
Helicopter rates include the CFI as well.