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Pilot's license usually cheaper at Aero Club

Stats: AF flight training safer than civil aviation

By James Lovely

Many people have dreamed all their lives of becoming an FAA licensed pilot. While it still isn't easy, the Academy Aero Club is doing everything it can to make it as simple and inexpensive as possible.
Getting an FAA Private Pilot License requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight training; at least 20 hours with an Instructor Pilot, and at least 10 hours of solo flight. Although the national average is 76 hours, Aero Club students average only 55 hours before getting their license.
Because much of your cost is determined by the number of hours you spend in flight, fewer hours translates into substantial savings.
Ground school is required to pass the FAA written test, and that takes about 35 hours of classroom or individual study.
How long the course takes depends on your schedule and commitment, but in general, if you can fly three times a week, it will take about two months to finish the flight training.

PHOTO: The Aero Club provides the specialized training needed before flying over mountainous terrain. Photo by Todd Ryan

Certified Flight Instructors
All of our FAA Certified Instruc-tor Pilots are highly experienced. Initially, the Aero Club will assign an instructor to you. However, if for any reason you are either not satisfied with the instruction received, or you just don't "hit it off," you will be assigned another instructor.

AF Flight Training Safest
General aviation is statistically safer than most forms of travel and Air Force Flight Training Centers are significantly safer than those of civil aviation as a whole. We have extensive safety programs for your benefit and are happy to share our safety record with you.

Membership has its Privileges
When you become a member of the Aero Club, your membership allows you discounts on pilot supplies, reduced flight rates, free insurance coverage – and social activities. Club dues are $22 monthly.

Total Cost of Course
This depends on how long it takes you to complete the course, what aircraft you decide to use for your training, and the optional supply items you decide to purchase. The manager is available any time during business hours to go over the costs in detail.
Following is a breakdown of costs based on what 45 hours of flight time will cost:

Aircraft Rental for 45 hours...........$4,005
Flight Instruction 65 hours..............1,950
Ground School................................325
Aero Club Fees...............................132
FAA Written test..............................85
FAA Practical.................................335
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Total........................................$6,832

Get a loan for flight training
ENT Federal Credit Union is making it easier than ever to take flight training at the Academy Aero Club.
ENT is now offering $7,000 loans specifically for flight training.
Interest rates vary based on the overall credit of the borrower, but repayment can be as low as $100 per month.
Apply by phone or visit the ENT Service Center on Woodmen Road and Campus Drive. For more information, call Darrell Noble or Marcus Brown at 574-1100.

Take the Next Step
Call the Academy Aero Club today at 333-4542 or 333-4423 and we'll set up a time to discuss exactly what's involved and schedule you for an introductory flight.

*The appearance of product brand names and/or company names on this web page does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. government, Department of Defense or the Department of the Air Force.

Eligible users of 10th Services Division activities are active duty and retired military, NAF and DoD government employees, USAFA cadets and Prep School students, reservists, national  guard, and eligible family members. Eligible users of the Officers' and Enlisted Clubs are detailed on those pages. Eligible users of Academy Concerts include the general public. 10/12/07