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How much does it cost to learn how to fly?
This is often a difficult question to answer; each student is different. The typical range is $10,000-15,000. However, depending on the student, this cost could be less or even more.
Does Buckeye Flight Academy offer financial or student loans?
No, we do not. Please see these other resources for assistance. There are many aviation scholarships available HERE. Loans may be available from the following financial institutions:
AOPA Finance https://finance.aopa.org/flight-training-finance
Pilot Finance https://www.pilotfinance.com/
What is a discovery flight?
A Discovery Flight is a 30-minute flight intended to introduce a student to the airplane, the airport, and the flying environment. During most Discovery Flights, the student sits in the left seat, and the instructor allows the student to fly for most of the flight.
Does Buckeye Flight offer aircraft for rent to non-students?
Buckeye Flight is a training facility and our aircraft are reserved for instruction. Currently, we do not provide aircraft for general rental.
What is the aircraft check-out process for students?
For insurance purposes, Buckeye Flight requires all certificated pilots to complete an aircraft checkout before solo flight rental. Go here for more information.
How long does it typically take to complete flight training and earn a private pilot’s certificate?
This all depends on how often you choose to fly! Most students start by getting their Private Pilot’s License within 6 months, building towards their Commercial Pilot’s License, which can take a little longer. Most students can complete their Commercial License and get paid to fly in less than 24 months.
Keep in mind that all training depends on the student’s flight training frequency and self-study.
What are the different pilot licenses you offer, and what are their prerequisites?
We are proud to offer the following licenses and ratings:
- Private Pilot License
- Instrument Rating
- Multi-Engine
- Commercial Single-Engine Land
- Commercial Multi-Engine Land
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI)
Throughout your training with us, you will also receive your complex endorsement from our multi-engine aircraft.
There are little requirements to get started for most students! The FAA has a minimum age of 17 years old to get your Private Pilot’s License but you can start your training before then! You will also need at least a third-class flight medical when it comes time for your first checkride. You can find a list of FAA-certified Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs)
What’s the process for scheduling flight lessons?
We use a the scheduling app called Flight Circle to make it easy for students to schedule lessons around their busy schedules. With it you are able to schedule as many lessons as you want, when you want, and with the plane and instructor you want!
Are there any age restrictions for enrolling in your flight school?
The FAA’s minimum age to get your pilot’s license is 17 years old. However, you are able to start your training at any age, and solo at 17! We train many young pilots who plan on getting their license once they turn 17. On the other end, there is no maximum age requirement as long as you are able to obtain a medical license. It is never too early or too late to get your pilot’s license!
What’s the significance of ground school?
Ground school is the difference between a good pilot and a great pilot. Taught by our Chief Pilot and FAA certified Designated Pilot’s Examiner (DPE), you will learn invaluable knowledge about regulations, the physics behind flying an aircraft, aircraft systems, airport markings, reading charts, and much more.
You do not need to attend ground school to complete your training, however, it is highly recommended!
We offer in-person weekly ground school classes 1-2 times a year!
What’ the role of a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) in the checkride process?
For those who are unfamiliar with the process of a checkride, it primarily consists of 3 main parts:
- Written Exam: This is taken at a designated FAA testing center. Most of our students take theirs at Kent State University. This can be done up to 24 calendar months before the day of the actual checkride. We encourage our students to get this out of the way as soon as they feel comfortable enough. We can also provide you with the study resources necessary for taking this.
- Oral Exam: This is done on the day of the checkride before the flight portion. You will sit down with a DPE and show off your ground knowledge!
- Flight Portion: After completing the oral portion, students will then move onto the flight portion of the exam. This is where you show off all of the skills and maneuvers you learned during your training with us.
A DPE or Designated Pilot’s Examiner is an FAA certified examiner who will sit in for steps 2 and 3 of this process. It may sound intimidating at first but it helps to know that they want nothing more than for you to succeed! They are simply there to test your knowledge of the material covered during your training and determine if you are safe to operate the aircraft by yourself for that particular license.
We will prep you heavily for check rides so you feel 100% confident before going in. We don’t send our students in unless we are confident in their skills and knowledge base.
What types of weather will I expect to fly in to earn my private pilot’s certificate?
We teach our pilots to be safe first and want them to have good pilot decision-making skills when it comes to flying in adverse weather conditions. But you may fly in less-than-perfect weather conditions throughout your training, especially during your instrument rating. Students will make GO and NO-GO decisions with the support of a flight instructor to experience various weather conditions throughout flight training.
Have more questions? We are happy to guide you through your flying journey. Contact us today for more information.