FAQ

How do I begin?
We recommend that you take our Discovery Flight or as some call it, Intro Flight. This is a session with an FAA Certified Flight Instructor consisting of a ground discussion and an actual flight lesson. You will have the opportunity to manipulate the controls and fly the airplane with a little bit of sightseeing. After the flight, you can assess if becoming a pilot is something you really want to pursue.

What is an FAA Medical?
The FAA requires a beginner pilot to pass a medical exam to acquire what is called the Medical Certificate. This certificate also serves as your Student Pilot Certificate. The physical examination makes sure that you do not have medical or physical problems that could interfere with operating the aircraft safely.

Applicants must go to an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner for the medical exam. We encourage students to get their Medical Certificate before training to make sure they have no physical limitations. Do not be discouraged if you think you would have a limitation as there are allowances made and further exams that can be done to acquire the Medical. For example, wearing of eyeglasses or contact lenses is acceptable. We can refer you to the nearest AME in your area or you can visit http://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator.

What is the age requirement or limitation?
There is really no age limitation. You may begin training at any age. You can apply for a Medical/Student Pilot Certificate when you are at least 16 years old and at least 17 years old to acquire a Private Pilot license. There is no maximum age limit. If you are healthy and pass the medical exam, you definitely can fly.

How long will it take to get a pilot license?
This will all depend on how much time you can devote to your flight training. The FAA specifies the minimum flight experience required for each type of pilot certificate. For a Private Pilot, you must have logged at least 40 hours of flight time. About 20-30 hours will be time spent with a flight instructor that is called “Dual Time”. You will need about 10 hours of “Solo Time” meaning that you’re the sole occupant of the airplane. You will be trained until you meet the specified standards and become proficient enough to pass the Practical Test.

Since we all learn at a different pace, some would require more than 40 hours of training. In fact, the national average is above 60 hours. If training is done at a regular pace, a pilot license can be attained in as little as 8 weeks. By flying at a regular pace (about 2 – 3 times a week), you will retain knowledge and skill acquired from the prior lessons much better and progress in the training a lot faster.

What kinds of tests do I have to take?
As a Student Pilot, it’s basically passing the medical exam to have the privileges of a student pilot which practically is flying solo. For the Private Pilot, you need to pass two tests. The first test is a written test called the FAA Knowledge Test. It is a multiple choice exam covering the subject areas pertaining to what a Private Pilot should know. The second test is called the Practical Test or “Checkride” conducted by an FAA Designated Examiner. There are two portions of the test. The Oral portion will evaluate your knowledge as you answer practical questions given by the examiner. The Flight portion will evaluate your ability to fly the plane safely within the set standards.

What is involved in a training session?
The training session is comprised of Ground and Flight Training. Ground training involves topic discussions assigned in advance about the principles of flying, regulations and procedures that are applied in the flight lessons. It can also be discussions in preparation for the knowledge or practical test. Pre-flight and Post-flight briefings are also part of ground training. Flight training is when you go flying with a flight instructor to enhance your skill in flying the airplane.

A typical session lasts about 3 hours. Flight time is about 1 ½ hours and an hour for pre-flight and post briefings. This is when students and instructors discuss what will be done in the flight, evaluate the lesson after the flight and assign topics that will be introduced for the next lesson.

Is it safe to fly?
The airplanes used in training are designed with practicality and safety in mind. The probability of the engine stalling or quitting is extremely rare. In most cases, this will happen if a pilot allows it to happen like running out of fuel. Part of your training will be devoted to handling different emergency situations. If an engine quits, the airplane do not fall from the sky. It is capable of gliding where a safe landing can be done.

What kinds of airplane will I fly in?
We use a Cessna 152 (two-seater) and Cessna 172 (four-seater) for primary training. They are both single engine airplane with fixed landing gears. A complex airplane is used for the advance training. Once you have your pilot license, you can fly the more advance aircraft with faster speed and sophisticated navigation system.

How much will it cost?
Since we all learn at a different pace, some would require more than 40 hours of training for a Private Pilot License. In fact, the national average is above 60 hours. If training is done at a regular pace about 2 – 3 times a week, you will retain lessons learned and flight proficiency much better. Your progress will be a lot faster and a pilot license can be attained in minimal time reducing the cost of training. You can contact us for more detailed information or you can check the Rates section for instruction and aircraft cost.

Do I need any kind of insurance?
We hold an insurance policy that protects the aircraft and our instructors. We highly recommend acquiring a Renter’s Insurance to all pilots flying our airplanes. Please contact us for more details or queries.

Why should I learn to fly with Boraam Aviation?
It is our goal to promote aviation and help aspiring pilots. By giving superior and professional flight training at a minimum cost without compromising safety, we can make your dreams of flying come true a breeze. Click our Pilot’s page to see what students have to say about us.