Welcome to the world of aviation! This is your first step, your private pilot certificate. This course will start you from zero hours and build you into a proficient, safe, and confident pilot so you can bring your family, friends, and pets up for a “spin” in a single engine airplane. From the moment you start your ground school, to the proud moments of the first time you solo an airplane, to the passing of your checkride when the examiner hands you your well earned hard achieved pilot’s license, you will enjoy studying this incredible, rewarding subject of aviation and the wonders of flight.
TAKE A DISCOVERY FLIGHT FOR onLY $149!
Your first lesson will consist of learning how to operate the aircraft, taxi like a pro, and takeoff and fly around the Everglades a bit. You will also be introduced to the aspects of landing a plane – believe me, it’s easier than you think. If you can drive on I-95, you can land a plane! Actually, if you are wondering if flying is even safe, flying is safer than driving a car. In fact, there are so many required items to review and safety procedures in effect by the FAA that you will find that you and other pilots surrounding you are very responsible. I am all about safety so I will take even further precautions to ensure you are operating in a very safe manner.
Flying can be expensive, but going through me, you will save a lot more money and time than going through a flight school. I’m talking thousands, yes, thousands. If you don’t have your own aircraft, you can choose between a Piper Cherokee 140 (low wing) or a Cessna 172N (high wing, GPS) for an extremely competitive rate. If you require an aircraft, going through me in the end will cost you about $5-6,000, going through a school can cost between $8-15,000. Read this page to see the benefits of starting your flight training, whether it is hobby or career based, through a private CFI.
Let’s get started! Read the following to get an idea what you can expect. Of course, if you have any questions, call me at 561-989-4938.
Some Things You Should Know Before Starting
Medical Exam: If you are in Palm Beach County, I recommend getting your medical exam done through Dr. Gerald Weingarden, (561) 626-5635, 8033 Cranes Point Way, West Palm Beach, Florida 33412. Make sure you are medically fit before you start flying, so if you know you want to fly, I recommend getting your medical certificate after your first or second flight lesson. The cost for a medical exam is about $60 and you need a minimum of a 3rd class
Foreign Nationals: This course is considered part of the Alien Flight Student Program and therefore anyone who does not have US Citizenship must complete a TSA clearance. For more information on this program, please visit AOPA’s Guide to TSA’s Alien Flight Student Program. When ready, you should sign up using this website and selec me, Iovine J – Independent CFI, as the provider. The cost is about $150 and you’ll be required to be fingerprinted. This includes Green Card holders.
US Citizens: You must have your original birth certificate or US Passport (valid) and a government issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license, prior to beginning flight training (excluding the discovery flight). This endorsement is free of charge and can be given as soon as I verify the documents are valid and they belong to you.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
How to preflight, startup, taxi, takeoff, maneuver, and land an airplane safely
about aerodynamics, why planes fly, flight planning, performance, weight and balance, and much more relating to the theory of flight and how it relates to your aircraft of choice
Navigation by using dead reckoning and pilotage (like Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh used) as well as radio navigation and usage of the GPS
Talking to Air Traffic Control
Learning about weather patterns and how they effect flight
Emergency situations like recovering fro a stall, spin, and what to do when you have an engine failure, electrical fire, and other scenarios
Risk assessment and management as well as decision making skills
Chart reading and the national airspace system
FAA Regulations and runway incursion avoidance (safety)
WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH A Private Pilot Certificate
Fly with passengers and log pilot in command time when flying
File and fly under VFR
Fly Special VFR during the day only
Be eligible to apply for an instrument rating
Help improve chances at obtaining aviation related jobs such as an A&P, Engineer, Armed Forces in aviation, and any other aviation related industry
Cannot pay less than the pro rata share of the operating expenses of a flight with passengers provided the expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees
Can fly for compensation or hire if flight is incidental to a business or employment and does not carry passengers
Reimbursed for aircraft operating expenses that are directly related to search and rescue
Act as Pilot in command of a charitable or nonprofit community or event
With at least 200 hours of logged time, can conduct a flight to a perspective buyer if pilot is an aircraft salesman
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Per part 61.103, be at least 17 years of age
Be able to read, write, understand, and speak English
Receive and log ground instruction required in part 61.105 (home study courses are discouraged for a primary base of studying this complex material, but can be very useful for reference and review)
Receive an endorsement from an authorized instructor to take the practical exam
Take and pass the written exam (PAR)
Hold at least a US student pilot certificate, recreational license, or sport pilot license
AERonAUTICAL EXPERIENCE
40 hours of total logged flight time, 10 of which should be solo, 20 dual
3 hours of cross country flight training
3 hours of simulated or actual instrument training
3 hours of checkride preperation within 2 calender months of the practical exam
3 hours of night flight training which includes 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop and a cross country flight over 100nm total distance
3 takeoffs and landings to a full stop at a towered airport
5 of the 10 required solo hours must be solo cross country time with one cross country flight of at least 150nm total distance with full stop landings at three points. All cross country flights are greater than 50nm between the takeoff and landing locations
