FAQs
Is flying for me?
The first step in determining whether or not flying is for you is to call and schedule for an introductory flight lesson. During that lesson, you will receive an introduction to the aircraft and how it works and flies, including some good hands on experience at the controls. Hemet Flight Center offers this flight to you for a low cost in a Cessna 172 or Piper Warrior for a 30 minute flight. A great deal for the person who hasn’t yet experienced the wonderful world of flying!
Is it safe?
Yes! Because your safety is important to us, we subject our aircraft to a thorough preflight inspection, 100-hour inspections, and annual inspections. As you will learn in our ground school, the FAA requires that airplane parts be replaced after a certain amount of hours of use. Also, our instructors are all experienced, FAA Certified Flight Instructors, qualified to teach you the right way the first time.
What is a Private Pilot Certificate?
A Private Pilot Certificate is much like an ordinary driver’s license. It allows you to fly an airplane and carry passengers anywhere you want. Although you cannot carry passengers for compensation or hire, operating expenses may be shared with other travelers in the airplane. Most pilots use aviation as a gateway to enter an entirely different world of peace and enjoyment. Also, imagine the obvious benefits of flying your own airplane on trips…. No more large, crowded airport terminals, lost or damaged luggage, complicated and firm airline schedules, over booked flights, long lines at security checkpoints, etc. Earning your private pilot certificate will open doors to a new and exciting world. Check out our Pilot Services page to learn more about the Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial, and CFI certificate.
What’s involved in becoming a pilot?
Meeting the eligibility requirements to become a pilot takes commitment and diligence. Learning to fly safely is not easy. It’s challenging, hard work. But flying has its rewards. In the course of your flying career, you will enjoy sights largely unknown to the average person. You’ll also experience the thrill of accomplishment when you alone are at the controls of the aircraft and, most importantly, when you finally hold in your hands the FAA pilot’s certificate that you earned.
What are the eligibility requirements and required flight proficiency Hemet will help me to fulfill?
As found in the Code of Federal Regulations Title 14 (CFR 14) 61.103, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires you to meet certain standards and receive specific training before being able to obtain a private pilot license. The following is an overview of the requirements for a Private Pilot Certificate, or click here for the actual wording found in CFR14 61.103.
You must:
- Be at least 17 years of age (16 to solo)
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
- Pass a simple physical examination given by a designated Airman Medical Examiner.
- Pass the FAA Private Pilot knowledge test consisting of multiple-choice questions with a score of 70 or more.
- Log at least 40 hours of flight time that includes at least 20 hours of flight instruction from a Certificated Flight Instructor and at least 10 hours of solo flight training.
- Gain proficiency in mandatory maneuvers of flight and aeronautical experience.
- Log instruction from an authorized flight instructor in certain pilot operations.
- Pass a Private Pilot practical test consisting of an oral ground exam and a flight test.
What does an FAA medical exam consist of?
After you have decided that flying is for you, it will become necessary that you obtain a current medical examination certificate, otherwise known as the FAA medical. This certificate can be obtained from a local doctor who has been approved by the FAA. Not all doctors are authorized to administer such a medical exam and it becomes important to talk with your flight instructor about any doctors he/she is familiar with.
How long is the average lesson?
The average flight lesson usually lasts approximately 1.3 hours of flight time with the aircraft and 1.5 hours with the instructor. If using N7154G, a Cessna 172, @ $95.00/hr. The price for the aircraft on a 1.3 hour flight would be around $123.50. The price for the instructor for 1.5 hours @ $32.50/hr. would be $48.75. These two prices are then added together giving the total price of the lesson. Please keep in mind that this is only an average lesson. Some lessons will be longer, some will be shorter, and some lessons you will take without the instructor, such as your solo cross-country flights. Also keep in mind that the price of the aircraft may be different depending on the type of aircraft used.
How long does the entire training course take, and what is the national average?
We will work with you at a pace that is comfortable for you. Excluding weather, which will surely cancel some lessons along the way, the time until you are ready to take the flight test depends on your schedule and commitment. The national average is 65 to 70 hours, therefore the more time you want to spend training, the faster it is completed. Estimating a student taking at least two lessons a week and spends some additional time alone studying, the program usually takes around six months to complete. You are welcomed and encouraged to ask our flight instructors about schedules that are best for you.
What does it cost to get a license?
On the average, you can expect to pay about $8,000.00. This depends on how much time you can commit to your training and on whether you can take advantage of discounts by purchasing “blocks” of time. The actual cost of your flying also depends on how far you intend to go. The first step is to work on your private pilot certificate. After that, you can choose to obtain additional “ratings.” The current costs can by viewed by visiting our Costs Page.
How can I help manage the cost of flight instruction?
Many flight schools may offer package deals. It becomes a good idea to select the ones that do. Hemet Flight Center offers a package that can help you financially. If you elect to prepay your entire package price you will recieve a 10% discount off the total cost of that package, saving you hundreds of dollars! Another option we offer is the pay as you go program. This satisfies the needs of the student who doesn’t fly as often. This program is simple; you go for a flight and you pay for it when the lesson is over. Please feel free to discuss which option is best for you with your flight instructor.
Is financing available?
Financing can be provided through Pilot Finance, Inc. Obtain an application and information by clicking here, or call (800) 667-0201, or you can pick up an application at our office. Click here for directions.
What are the various pilot ratings?
The first step is is to obtain your Private Pilot Certificate. Then you can earn the following ratings:
- Instrument - you learn to fly using navigational instruments so that you are not limited to cloudless day flying.
- Commercial - you enter the professional pilot world. Now you are able to accept payment for your piloting services.
- Multi-Engine - you learn to fly larger aircraft with two or more engines.
- Certified Flight Instructor - you learn to teach others how to fly.
Why should I choose Hemet Flight Center?
As a General Aviation Flight Training Center, we commit to the highest standards of excellence. Our training fleet aircraft are maintained to the highest possible standards. Our instructors are highly experienced pilots following a curriculum specially developed for the Private, Instrument, or Commercial pilot at your pace.
What is important to Hemet Flight Center?
We are committed to teaching people with a desire to fly and making the experience fun, challenging, profitable, and most importantly, safe for everyone, especially for you, our customer.
What about insurance?
Hemet Flight Center carries commercial insurance with a very reputable carrier. Although it’s not something most people think about, it makes all the difference…and we’re not willing to put our customers or our staff at risk just to save a few dollars. We have also made it part of our policy to recommend that renters and students flying solo to obtain renters insurance. There are many aircraft renters insurance carriers to choose from. Click here for a quote from AOPA.