Frequently asked questions:

Am I too old to learn to fly? No. Age is not a factor in whether you can learn to fly or not, but your health status is important. The FAA requires you to pass a medical exam to qualify for your private pilot certificate. If you are interested in a career in aviation, age does play a big roll - the time it takes from when you start your training until you are able to make a "livable" wage is often 3 to 5 years. Employers often like to hire "older" pilots because of flight and general life experience, but there's a point at which the training costs aren't justifiable to a new employer if you're close to retirement.

Does my eye sight have to be 20/20? No. You can fly commercially if your vision is corrected to 20/20 with glasses or contacts. You can fly privately (as a hobby) if your vision is corrected to 20/40 with glasses or contacts. It is best to check with an FAA medical examiner if you have any questions.

Do I need a college degree to fly for the airlines? The simple answer is no. But many positions require a degree, and with strong competition in the industry, we highly recommend getting a degree. Delta Airlines requires a four year degree and likes to see a post graduate degree. Southwest Airlines prefers a four year degree (which means to get a job as a pilot you need one). Having an aviation-specific degree is really of no additional benefit, so if you enjoy history or art get a degree in one of those.

How much will it cost? This is not an easy question to answer. It's like asking how much college or a car will cost; there are a lot of variables. The cost of earning your private pilot certificate at your local FBO could be as low as $3,500. The cost of four years of flight training and a degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is more than $150,000 and rising. If you train at an average FBO or flight academy you can go from zero flight time to having your instructor ratings  spending between $20,000 and $50,000. There are too many variables to try to simplify it further.

What type of Books/Supplies do I need? If you go into any pilot shop they will quickly fill up two or three shopping carts full of "essential" flight training supplies. What you need is up to you, but here are some basic essentials: a headset to communicate with your instructor and air traffic control. These range from $100 to $1,000 - if you spend around $300 you can get a good headset that will last a lifetime. You also need a kneeboard, basically a mini desk to strap to your leg - good for writing instructions, taking notes and holding charts. For books, we highly recommend The Federal Aviation Regulations and Aeronautical Information Manual (FAR/AIM, normally combined into 1 book), and The Airplane Flying Handbook and the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (both are FAA publications). These few supplies are enough to get you well into your training.

How do I find a good instructor? Two factors determine what makes a good instructor: personality and knowledge. The first may be easier to judge. If the instructor seems arrogant, disinterested in you or your goals, find someone else. You will be spending a lot of time very close to this person, so find someone you like. Their knowledge is more difficult to pinpoint, but if they can answer most or all of your questions with concise and in depth responses, they know their stuff. If not, find someone else.

Where can I get more information?
Here are some helpful links:
AOPA
FAA
FAA Safety
 

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