LearnToFlyFAQs

Aviation has always been shrouded in mystery and myths and many people’s perception of aviation is formed by TV scenes of plane crashes or gun-camera footage from warplanes! We know you have many questions about flying and learning to fly. We’ll be there to answer those questions and help you succeed! Here are some FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

If you receive good training, stay current, use good judgment as a pilot and your aircraft is well maintained your “risk factor” is about the same as driving your car. This is a statistical fact!

It’s not cheap but very comparable with golf, boating and many other common forms of recreation and none of these other things offer the utility that flying does. Initial training costs are higher of course but long-term it’s very comparable with other activities.

Yes but nothing at all complicated and no complex math formulas. Pilots live in a world of “numbers” but you'll quickly learn what those numbers mean and how to apply them to your flying. The average small aircraft is considerably less complex than a modern automobile. In aviation, simplicity has proven reliability!

Yes. Radio communications are important for safe flight. Many people are scared they’ll “say the wrong thing” but remember anyone listening, including air traffic controllers” are not evaluating your voice or what you say. Once you’ve used the radio a few times, it will be as easy as using the telephone.

Simply call Victoria Flyers or drop in to our offices located at the Victoria Regional Airport. We’ll answer all of your questions and we offer an introductory flight lesson for just $49 so you can make sure flying is right for you before making the commitment. We’ll warn you though that we will do our best to get you hooked!! We also can supply you with all the hardware and training aids that you might need.

The FAA requires 40 hours of training, 20 with your instructor and 20 flying solo and you can earn your Private Pilot License in as little as a couple months or stretch it out for a year if you must. If you do take longer than 6 months, your total hours of training required will likely be more because your skills deteriorate quickly during long periods between lessons. We recommend a minimum of two one-hour flight lessons per week.

Your Private Pilot's License qualifies you to fly any basic single engine aircraft with a tricycle landing gear and less than 200HP. With some additional training, we can certify you to fly a high-performance airplane or one with a retractable landing gear or tailwheel. Other add-on ratings that you may want to pursue are for an instrument rating (allowing you to fly in the clouds), multi-engine airplanes or seaplanes.

Just about anywhere in the USA and most foreign countries too with proper documentation. Most US towns have a municipal airport nearby and seldom have landing or parking fees and you'll usually find restrooms and fuel on the field plus motels, car rentals and restaurants nearby and many airports have a loaner car exclusively for free use by pilots. That business or vacation trip that used to require a day's drive is now a 2 hour flight away!! Your own imagination is the only thing limiting your possibilities of flying trips!

You will be subjecting your body to some new sensations (good ones!) as you climb, descend and turn in the airplane. Sometimes, but certainly not always, this results in nausea or even worse you'll need a plastic bag. This generally does not happen after the 2nd or 3rd lesson as your body adjusts to the motion. We recommend that you not eat a large meal immediately before flying but do eat something and also drink plenty of fluids.

There are two tests you'll take. First is a written 60 question aviation knowledge test taken on computer here at Victoria Flyers. You'll be able to study the actual questions and correct answers used on the test beforehand contained in a booklet or software for your computer. After your training requirements are met you'll go see the FAA designated examiner for your flight test or "checkride". He'll quiz you on your basic

knowledge of safe flight, then go flying and you simply demonstrate the flight maneuvers you've practiced so many times. If he is satisfied, he then types out your private pilot certificate!! All tests are standardized so if you're prepared, there should be few surprises.

Yes a career in aviation is very exciting and rewarding. It does require a substantial amount of additional training and flying experience but your first step is right here with the Private Pilot license!

One primary reason – because we will focus on the goal of obtaining your license or rating, NOT just to provide “flight lessons on demand”. There’s a big difference! We’ll track and discuss your progress and adjust accordingly. We employ full-time instructors, which means instructing is their career and they won’t cancel lessons to go do another job. We’ll do our best to help you fit your training into your busy schedule. All we ask from you is the time commitment!