Introduction To Flight Training

Is Flying Right for Me?

We recommend taking a Discovery Flight. This gives you the opportunity to take the flight controls for the very first time with one of our certified flight instructors. The flight instructor will give you a brief description of aircraft systems and aircraft controls. The discovery flight gives you a taste of what it’s like to feel the freedom of flying with all the fun and excitement that getting a pilot’s license provides. If you decide to take lessons, your instructor will monitor your progress to make your training efficient, thorough, and fun.

Discovery flights are $160 (45-60 minutes), call us to schedule a Discovery Flight! (360) 735-9441

The First Step of Becoming a Pilot

Whether you want to be a fighter pilot, bush pilot, corporate pilot, airline pilot, or a flying enthusiast, the first step to getting your wings is getting your Private Pilot’s License. Here are the FAA Requirements for a Private Pilot’s License:

Must be 17 years old (You can start training earlier, and can fly solo when you are 16.)
Pass a routine medical example, known as the FAA Third Class Medical. This is much like a physical exam that you would get from your doctor’s office.
Log a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, including the following:
- 20 hours of dual instruction (flight with an instructor)
  - 3 hours of this will be “cross country” (the distance between two airports greater than 50 nautical miles)
  - 3 hours will be at night (with an instructor)
  - 3 hours will be under simulated “instruments”

10 hours of solo flight
- 5 hours of which will be “cross country”
10 hours of either dual or solo

4. Attend a ground school class or complete another form of ground study

5. Pass the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test (often called the “written test”)

6. Pass the FAA Private Pilot Practical Test (given by an examiner; this is known as the “checkride”)

For more details on how to get started with flight lessons, please click here for Private Pilot’s License page.