FLIGHT TRAINING
Whether
you are new to flying or you want to add an advanced rating to
your pilot certificate, Mesquite Aviation offers the best value in
flight training for Dallas. Our FAA Certified Flight Instructors
can help you earn your Private, Instrument, Commercial, CFI and
CFII
certificates.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS:
I want to learn to fly... where do I begin?
The FAA has created a multi-tiered certification
process for pilots. Everyone starts out by obtaining a Private (or Recreational)
Pilot Certificate. We recommend scheduling a Discovery Flight as the initial
step in this process. This gives you a chance to see what flying is all about
by actually flying an airplane.
What is a private pilot certificate?
This is the entry-level certificate most new
pilots receive. Obtaining this certificate allows you to fly and carry passengers
in good weather conditions. You may also fly at night if you wish. In addition,
you can travel anywhere across the United States or any other country (with
limited exceptions). You may not, however, fly for compensation or hire.
You may also pursue advanced training with us
in order to get your Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, Certified
Flight Instructor Certificate or Certified
Flight Instrument Instructor.
What are the requirements for a private pilot
certificate?
This is the entry-level certificate most new
pilots receive. The FAA requires:
1) that
you be able to read, speak and understand English.
2) a medical
examination before you fly the airplane by yourself and then once every 2 to
3 years thereafter. The FAA needs to make sure your vision and hearing will
allow you to safely operate an airplane and that you are not likely to suddenly
lose consciousness. However, you do not need perfect vision or hearing
to qualify and most people have little problem passing the medical examination.
3) you
must complete a minimum of 20 hours of flight training with an instructor on
board (called dual training) and 10 hours of solo flight training.
An additional 10 hours (for a total of 40) may be allocated for either dual
or solo flight training. Most people exceed the minimum of 40 hours, and in
fact the average flight training received by Private Pilots in the United States
is approximately 55 hours.
4) aeronautical
knowledge training in such areas as meteorology, aerodynamics, aircraft performance,
regulations, and cross country flight planning. The FAA does not specify a minimum
number of hours for this training, only that you demonstrate adequate knowledge
of the material.
5) at
the conclusion of your training you must pass a multiple choice written exam
and practical exam. The practical exam consists of oral quizzing, performing
pilot operations, and executing maneuvers in the airplane. In order to take
the practical exam and obtain your Private Pilot Certificate, you must be at
least 17 years old. However, you make take lessons and begin training at any
age.
How long does it take?
While the FAA does specify a minimum of 40
flight hours of training, the length of time to complete training depends on
three factors:
1) WEATHER:
a prolonged period of low clouds, poor visibility, or high winds may delay your
training.
2) TRAINING
FREQUENCY: the more times per week you can schedule lessons, the less time you
will spend reviewing material and lower your overall flight training costs will
be. Scheduling two to three lessons per week is ideal, but one lesson per week
will suffice.
3) INDIVIDUAL
PROFICIENCY: it's a fact that people learn at different rates. Your own progress
through training will be aided by diligent study & regular allocation of
time for that study. While you may be able to complete your private pilot certificate
with 40 flight hours, the national average is closer to 60 hours.
Assuming that you can commit to two lessons
per week, you could likely obtain your private pilot certificate in three months.
Why should I choose Mesquite Aviation?
The Mesquite Metro Airport offers several important
advantages:
1) Mesquite
lies outside of congested Dallas/Ft. Worth airspace. This means fewer delays
in landing and taking off. At other Dallas area airports, you may spend 20 -
45 minutes
waiting for takeoff clearance and another 20 minutes traveling to and from your
training area. Additional delays are common in receiving a clearance to land
as well. Since you are billed by the hour, your flight training costs will be
substantially lower at Mesquite when compared to other airports in the Dallas
area,
2) The airport has received multi-million
dollar improvements from the FAA, city, and state. Improved navigation, weather
reporting, and lighting facilities bring added safety and utility to your training.
3) Fully FAA certified instructors
guide you through each phase of training. We offer flexible scheduling to suit
your time and budget. Safety, proficiency, and convenience are our highest priorities.
4) Lowest
prices in the Dallas area.
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