FAQ's

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The single most asked questions in flight training and our answer is the same.  "It Depends."   However, our instructors are not only CFI's but trained in specific course outlines that standardize the process.  As your trusted guide, we advise not to pay up front, and don't subscribed to "all inclusive bulk pricing", i.e. $8,999 Private Pilot Course.   

Part 141 follows a stricter course outline, with mostly the professional pilot in mind.  There are benefits in required hour reduction (FAR Part 141 requires 190 hours for commercial, Part Part 61 Requires 250), financing, and part 141 is generally preferred by Airlines and Charter Companies.   Part 61 provides a much more flexible approach. We use the same curriculum but tailor to the needs of individual students.   All of our students utilize the same syllabus, benefiting from the same professional level of training. 

Yes.  For the career oriented flying this option can be useful to fast track training, meaning less repeated subject tems and maneuvers. Consistency is key is flight training.  We are not a provider of financial assistance, and do not give financial advice to students.  We are currently evaluating lending partners to provide the same level of transparency and integrity in our  operations.  

It's true simulators are the single most important tool in training professional aviators.  There's a catch. An FAA Approved Level C or D Simulator, such as those used by the Military and Airlines, are used to safely train procedures that are far too costly and dangerous to perform in the actual aircraft.  These are full motion simulators with industry leading graphics and hydraulic motion, with little to no differentiation in the actual aircraft to the pilot.

What we, and competitors use is an AATD, with brands such as Redbird® and Precision Flight Controls.  These are FAA Approved Aviation Training Devices.  The major difference is in precisely how the simulator is utilized.  Some Schools offer this paired directly with each lesson, claiming to reduce training costs.  The truth is, this is a profit center for the school, with the benefits often oversold to students. 

An AATD is extremely useful in instrument procedures training and where we choose to implement these devices. Under Part 61, a pilot can log up to 20 hours in an AATD (FAR 61.65). Under Part 141 a student can log 40% of the required course time in an AATD. FAR 141, Appendix C 4(b)(3).  For all other training, nothing replaces the initial tactile feel of an aircraft and surrounding senses and movement, none of which a "Redbird.  After all, you signed up to fly an aircraft!

This is important to consider, as you'll be hard pressed to find a professional pilot that has ever been asked for his  or her "SIM time."  The total cost of the simulator, vs actual hours flown may not be as beneficial as some programs sell, as ratings do have a total time requirement. Total time (in aircraft) is the single most valuable number to pilots applying for jobs and for insurance coverage. We've yet to find a situation where  AATD time is accounted in any  hiring or  insurance decisions.  

Insurance is the single driving factor in  hiring hour limitations at our sister company's turboprops and jets.  Choose wisely how much sim time you may want or need. 

No, Textbooks and course materials are not included.  We don't up-charge any textbooks or course materials. 

Our aircraft are available for rent, however a busy flight schedule often interferes with full or multi-day bookings.  Our Partner,  The Charleston Flight Club is an excellent resource with a selection of aircraft just for this purpose.