F.A.Q.
No Medical Certificate is required to attend ground school. Note: you will eventually need it for your first solo flight.
There is no minimum age limit to attend ground school. But you will have to reach the age of 15 years old by the time of your knowledge exam.
Anyone can attend ground school. Flight training requires non-US citizens pass a TSA background check.
Rates vary but ground school is generally less than the rate charged for flight training with a certified flight instructor. In our experience, a student pursuing the ground school option can save 25% to 50%.
See our Traditional Training page for more details.
In traditional flight training, your instructional time is split between classroom "book" learning and hands-on flight training. But the teacher is a flight instructor who charges the rate appropriate for flight training; arguably a higher rate than that appropriate for a different type of instructional method.
Expect to spend approximately $100 on textbooks, equipment, and material.
The Private Pilot Airplane exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. A passing score of 70% is required.
The knowledge exam results are good for two years. In other words, you have two years to complete your flight training, otherwise you will have to take the exam again.
Upon completion of the knowledge exam, you will receive your Airmen Test Report. You then can begin your flight training, armed with this newly acquired knowledge.
The original Test Report, with embossed seal, must be presented to the FAA examiner during your practical exam at the end of your flight training phase.
The knowledge exam normally costs $150.
Our courses are flexible and tailored to the customer's schedule.
We are based in Orange County, near the John Wayne and Long Beach airports, and offer some flexibility in other venues depending on the customer.
As per 14 CFR Part 61:
Be at least 17 years of age.
Be able to read, write, and converse fluently in English.
Obtain at least a third-class FAA medical certificate.
Receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor.
Pass a knowledge test with a score of 70% or better.
Log appropriate flight experience: minimum 40 hours flight instruction and solo time.
Receive appropriate flight instruction.
Complete a practical test, consisting of an oral exam and checkride.