FAQs

Yes! We strongly encourage all individuals interested in learning to fly to take either a Discovery Flight or a First Flight Lesson before committing to training. This will allow the customer to experience what it’s like to be at the controls of an aircraft and see if it is everything they thought it would be.

What is a Discovery Flight? Is it different than a First Flight Lesson?
A Discovery Flight is a mini lesson designed to give you a taste of what’s involved in learning to fly. It includes 30 minutes in the air and 30 minutes on the ground.

A First Flight Lesson is structured more like a full lesson with one hour in the air and one hour on the ground. We recommend this option for those who are more serious about learning to fly and those who want a more in-depth experience.

The first step in any aviation journey begins with the Private Pilot Certificate. This rating allows you to fly any single engine aircraft on a clear day. You will be limited to Visual Flight Rules which means no clouds! As a Private Pilot, you are limited by weather conditions, aircraft type, and you are not allowed to charge people for flights. You cannot operate commercially.

Are there any age requirements?
You must be 16 years old to solo an aircraft and 17 years old to obtain your Private Pilot’s License. You must be 18 years old to obtain a Commercial Pilot’s Certificate. While there is not an age limit to taking a Discovery Flight or beginning Private Pilot Training, we recommend the individual be at least 10 years old and around 5 feet tall so they can reach the rudder pedals.

I’ve taken my First Flight and want to start. What is the next step?
Alert ATS that you wish to enroll in flight training and purchase the ground school curriculum so you can start studying. You will need to provide proof of US Citizenship with a birth certificate or passport before taking your second lesson. You will also need to obtain an aviation medical certificate before soloing the aircraft.

You must be able to read, speak, and write English. You must also be able to pass an aviation medical examination by an approved Aviation Medical Examiner. The school is also required to verify U.S. Citizenship. This is done with a Birth Certificate or a Passport. If you are not a U.S. Citizen, training can still be done; however, there are additional steps required before you can take an official lesson.

International students should visit the Flight Training Security Program (FTSP) Website and read the Client Guide for more information. FTSP Home

To learn about the aviation medical examination, we recommend reading this article by AOPA.

Pilot’s Guide to Medical Certification – AOPA

There are three classes of medical exams. First, Second, and Third Class. First Class is for Airline Pilots. Second Class is for anyone operating commercially. And Third Class is for pilots flying recreationally.

We recommend reading this article by AOPA to learn about the different classes, what they are used for, and how often you must renew.

Airman Medical Certification – AOPA

ATS operates the following models for flight training.

• Cessna 172 Skyhawk with G1000NXi avionics
• Cessna 172 Skyhawk with G1000 avionics
• Cessna 172 Skyhawk with standard 6-pack avionics
• Redbird FMX Full Motion Flight Simulator
• Grumman Cougar – Available for Multi Engine Training Only

Aircraft rates vary depending on make and model. Currently the hourly rates are between $219-$249 for single engine aircraft. All rates are considered wet, which means they include fuel. Please see our training aircraft page for more details.

A typical 2-hour flight lesson costs around $400 and includes about an hour of flight and an hour of ground instruction. Payment is due at the end of each flight. Our customers pay as they go.

The FAA requires a minimum of 35 hours of flight for a Part 141 Private Pilot Certificate. Most people who are learning to fly while working a full-time job and/or fitting it in around a family will usually take longer. The average student usually takes about 50-60 hours to finish. 50 x $430 = $21,500. Keep in mind that an individual’s natural aptitude, the type of aircraft they chose to fly, the more prepared they are for lessons, and the more they study will all play a large part in the total cost of training.

We recommend flying at least 2-3 times a week, if possible. Flight lessons are a minimum of 2 hours long. In addition to flight lessons, there is an online ground school. It is recommended to plan 3 hours of studying at home for every flight lesson you take. While the program is work at your own pace, your progress will be determined but the amount of effort you put into it. Most people will complete their Private Pilot Training in 4-8 months based on the amount of their commitment and natural aptitude.

Once enrolled, students will gain access to our online scheduling software. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule their lessons as time and budget allows. ATS recommends flying 2-3 times a week. Maintaining consistency with 1-2 instructors and the same type of aircraft is also suggested.

Instructors are available 7 days a week between the hours of 06:00-21:00.

If you are enrolled in our college degree program with Eastern Mennonite University, all financing is done through the EMU program.

If you are looking to train at your own pace and not obtain a college degree, unfortunately, there are not many options. We recommend contacting your local bank to see if they will work with you on a personal loan.

AOPA does offer a financing option. Flight Training Finance – Aviation Finance | AOPA

It will depend on the aircraft and insurance. Aero-Tech Services Inc., along with any individual instructor’s name, must be listed as named insured on the insurance policy along with a waiver of subrogation. In addition to insurance requirements, ATS will review all maintenance records and documents. Instructors must have the required time in type to meet insurance requirements and be comfortable in the aircraft.

Yes, Aero-Tech Services Inc. is an approved testing facility. You must register for the exam with PSI. We cannot schedule it for you. Once you log into the PSI website, the system will provide you with available testing locations and time slots. Login – Talogy

A degree in Leadership and Organizational Management with Aviation Concentration will help set you apart from others who are also applying for aviation jobs. A college degree allows a reduction in hours, depending on the aviation credits earned.

Not quite. Earning your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is a major milestone, but becoming an airline pilot requires additional steps. To fly for an airline, you’ll need to obtain your Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, which is the highest level of pilot certification.

To get there, you’ll first complete your Private Pilot License (PPL), followed by an Instrument Rating and then your Commercial Rating. A Multi-Engine Rating is also required if you plan to fly multi-engine aircraft, which most airlines operate.

One of the biggest requirements is flight time: most airline jobs require 1,500 hours of total flight experience. However, if you graduate from an FAA-approved aviation degree program, like those at Eastern Mennonite University (EMU), you may be eligible to apply with as few as 1,000 hours under the Restricted ATP pathway.

Once you meet the flight time and experience requirements, you’ll go through an airline interview process, followed by ATP/CTP (Certification Training Program) ground school, simulator training, and final testing.

For many aspiring pilots, a common and practical path to building hours is to become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). This allows you to earn income and gain valuable experience while teaching others to fly.

Becoming an airline pilot is a significant investment of time, effort, and financial resources, especially for those changing careers. But for those with the passion and determination, it’s a rewarding path that can lead to an exciting and fulfilling career in aviation.

Private Pilot Certificate

The Private Pilot rating is the beginning step to becoming a pilot. Getting your private pilot’s license will allow you to fly under certain restrictions. You’ll be able to fly a single-engine airplane under visual flight rules, as well as at night. You will be permitted to take passengers along, but you can’t charge them for the ride, although you may split costs with them.

Instrument Rating

In addition to flying during the day and night, with an instrument rating, you can now fly on the days that aren’t qualified under visual flight rules. You will be able to fly through the clouds and you will sharpen your piloting skills by relying on your instruments. You still may not be compensated for your flying.

Commercial Pilot Certificate (SEL)

With a commercial rating, you may be paid for flying. Training for the certificate focuses on a better understanding of aircraft systems. This rating does not allow you to fly in instrument flight rules, unless you have already obtained an instrument rating.

Certified Flight Instructor Certificate (CFI)

With a flight instructor rating, you will be able to teach others to fly aircraft in visual flight rules conditions. A flight instructor serves to enhance or evaluate the knowledge and skill level of an aviator in pursuit of a higher pilot’s license, certificate or rating. You may not teach instrument flight with this rating.

Instrument Instructor Rating (CFII)

With the instrument instructor rating, you are able to also teach instrument flight along with visual flight.

Multi-Engine Commercial (MEL)

Obtaining a multi-engine rating opens the world of flying. You may now fly aircraft that are single engine, as well as multi-engine. You will be able to fly higher, faster and further than in a single-engine aircraft. This will challenge you and help you become a more advanced pilot.

Any student who is flying without an Aero-Tech Services Inc. employee on board is required to have a Non-Owned Aircraft Insurance Policy with a minimum of $100,000 in Aircraft Physical Damage or Hull Coverage. Liability coverage can be any amount you are comfortable with.

Recommended Insurance Companies

The Hoxton Agency, Inc.

1-800-543-7337

https://hoxton.com/

AOPA

1-800-622-2672

https://insurance.aopa.org/aviation/renter-insurance

You are welcome to use any aviation insurance provider you are comfortable with, excluding Avemco.