Birmingham Flight Center
Become a Pilot
The decision to begin flight training is actually the most difficult of all challenges when learning to fly. Often the financial uncertainty and unknown requirements are the major considerations when deciding to start.
A good understanding of those challenges can help you overcome all doubt and take those first steps towards flight. Meeting with an instructor is the best way to do that. Together, you formulate a personal strategy for achieving your goals as a future aviator.
Obtaining your private pilot license is one the most rewarding accomplishments a person can obtain. It opens up a world of new possibility—as simple as flying to the beach in a few hours or starting a track to an exciting career in aviation.
Private Pilot
A Private Pilot License is the first license an aspiring pilot must obtain to start the journey of flying. This license allows you to fly during the day and night, with friends and family, in Visual Flight Rules; basically good weather.
Requirements
- Be at least 17 years of age
- Be able to read, speak, and understand the English language
- Obtain at least a current third-class medical certificate
- Receive a minimum of 40 hours of flight time including training and solo flight
- Pass a knowledge test as well as the practical test
Pilot Services
Let our pilots fly you to your next destination. If you need a pilot, we have one.
Turn-Key Management
You own the plane. We do everything else…maintenance, planning, even flying if you choose.
Aircraft Procurement
Looking to purchase a plane or shared ownership? We’ll put our relationships to work and match you with the right plane for the mission and the cost.
FAQ
What does it take to become a pilot?
Generally speaking the steps to becoming a pilot are divided into two parts: ground training and flight training. As your instructor guides you through the syllabus, you will be preparing to demonstrate your flight and ground knowledge to an FAA examiner who will administer a Practical Test. In order to be eligible for the "Check Ride" you will have recorded the minimum flight time, taken the knowledge test, and completed the necessary ground instruction.
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What does it cost ?
Cost is dependent on a couple of variables.
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While 40 hours is the minimum required for a private pilot license, the national average varies between 50-70 hours. Completion at closer to 40 hours is very possible with focused studying and most importantly, minimizing the time between lessons in an effort to aid in retention.
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Aircraft and instructor rates. Current rental rates for training aircraft are $150 an hour. The instruction rate for primary training is $45 an hour.
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How long does training take?
Training times are usually controlled by two factors, scheduling and weather. While some training can be completed on rainy and cloudy days, the majority of your flights will require good weather. Our instructors work around your availability to make sure training is accomplished in a timely manner. In the real world with family and work, training will typically take four to six months. A shorter time between lessons shortens the training time and of course the opposite is true as well.
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How do I get started
The best place to start is to come in and talk to an instructor. Depending on availability, the instructor may take you on your first flight. During this 30-45 minute flight you'll get to see just how much fun flight training can be as you take the controls and fly the plane.
If you have any additional questions please feel free to give us a call, send an email or just drop by.
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