Is flying safe?
Yes. Pilot training and aircraft maintenance is tightly regulated and monitored by the FAA. Pilots are taught from day one that safety is of the highest priority. Statistically, flying just as safe as driving a car, because the higher maintenance and training standards generally offset the inherent risks.
Is flying difficult to learn?
Not particularly! As long as you are willing to invest your time and discipline, anyone can master the skill of flying. As with any skill, it is a step-by-step process.
What are the requirements?
There are three basic requirements for learning to fly airplanes in the United States:
- You must be a minimum of 16 years of age to solo and a minimum of 17 years of age to actually get a license. (You can begin lessons at any age.)
- You must be in good health and pass a 3rd class FAA medical examination. (The club can help you find a physician who can do this.)
- You must read, write, speak, and understand English language.
How long will it take?
The national average for most people to earn their private pilot license is about 60 - 70 hours of flight time. If you fly two to three times a week, you should finish in about four to six months. The total time it will take you to finish is based on how often you can fly, and your proficiency at each required maneuver.
Do I need special skills to fly?
No! The most important element to successfully learn to fly is desire and dedication!
How much does it cost?
Depending on fuel costs, maintenance, insurance, and individual piloting skills, you can expect to pay around $10,000 or more. Benefits of joing a flying club like Inn Flying Club help you reduce some of the expenses. Here is a rough breakdown estimate of costs you might incure while learning to fly:
| Medical Exam |
$100 |
| Books and supplies |
$300 |
| Knowledge Test |
$90 |
| 40 Hrs or 34 Tach-Hrs @ $92/tach-hrs for Cessna 172N |
$3128 |
| 15 Hrs or 13 Tach-Hrs Solo @ $92/tach-hrs |
$1196 |
| Practical Test |
$350 |
| Ground School (optional) |
$200 |
| Membership Dues 6 months @ $95/mon |
$570 |
| Total |
$5934 |
What is a Private Pilot Certificate?
A private pilot certificate allows you to fly an airplane and carry passengers and baggage. You may fly during the day and at night, and you may use your airplane to make "cross-country" flights to other airports. Although operating expenses may be equally shared with your passengers, you may not fly for "compensation or hire." The pilot certificate is sent to you by the FAA upon satisfactory completion of your training program, a knowledge test, and a practical test.
What is a Instrument Rating?
An instrument rating, in short, allows a pilot to legally fly in places where they can't see where they're going - that is, in the clouds. Private pilots have certain visibility and cloud clearance requirements that they must maintain at all times. Instrument pilots can fly the vast majority of their flights by radio or GPS navigation, and only need to see well enough to take off and land. We strongly encourage club members to obtain their instrument rating if they are going to take flights farther from Gaithersburg, so that they don't have to worry about the weather closing in behind them, preventing their return!