Learning to Fly Overview
Learning to fly in San Diego can be an exciting and personally rewarding adventure. While it does require a serious commitment of time and money on the part of the student, almost anyone can become a pilot. The perspective pilot needs to be at least 16 years old to fly solo, 17 to receive a pilot certificate, and be in generally good health with vision correctable to 20-40 using glasses or contacts. More information on medical requirements can be found on the Useful Numbers and Links page.
The flight training process can be divided
into three phases. The first is the pre-solo phase. In this phase, the flight student
receives dual instruction in the basics of aircraft control, airport operations
(including takeoffs and landings), and FAA regulations. The second or Solo phase
consists of the student practicing on their own intermixed with dual flight instruction
in the local area. The final or Cross Country phase consists of both dual flight
instruction and solo practice of the procedures involved in flying from airport
to airport over long distances. Concurrent with these three phases the student
will complete the knowledge portion of the training either through a ground
school or home study course supplemented by the instructor.
A student applying for a pilot certificate in San Diego must meet minimum knowledge and
experience requirements established by the FAA, as well as pass a written and
practical test given by FAA Designated Pilot Examiners. The minimum hour requirements
are 35 hours of total training if using a FAA approved flight school, or 40
hours if receiving independent instruction. The reality, however, is that the
average student needs much more training to achieve the necessary competency
level. The national average according to an article in a 2012 FAA Safety
Brief newsletter is 75 hours.
The cost of achieving a pilot certificate (based on the national average) can
range from $10,000 to $21,000 depending on whether the student learns through an
independent flight instructor and flying club (often least expensive) or through a flight
school (often most expensive). The average training period is from 9 months to
1 year, based on one 1.5 hour lesson per week. The length and cost of the
training can be reduced by more frequent training sessions. The type of
airplane chosen for flight training will also effect the end cost. Miscellaneous fees
for books, equipment, and exams range from $600 to $1000. The flight training links provided on
the homepage will enable the future pilot to determine the approximate cost of
training, depending on their personal preferences. I have tried to
give the average
(REAL) costs as opposed to the "bait and switch" prices that many flight schools and
some independent instructors give out.
Please feel free to e-mail with any
questions.
Updated 06/06/19