How long does it take?
Again, how often you fly and how dedicated you can be to the task has a great deal to do with how quickly you can get your certificate. On average nationally, the process runs about 5 months. You must complete a minimum of 40 hours of flight experience (the average being 55 hours), and study to pass the written and oral exams (typically 40 hours of study material) for the Private Pilot Certification.

Are there any age / health requirements?
You can start at any age, although you must be 16 to solo and 17 to get a pilot certificate. And there is no maximum age. As long as you pass a physical exam and hold a current medical certificate, you can continue to fly. Some pilots still love to fly into their 80s and 90s.

The medical requirements are not terribly restrictive, and are intended to demonstrate that you are of generally good physical and mental health, and do not suffer from any condition that would put you (or others) at undo risk while you are in the cockpit. There are actually three types of medical certificates: First Class, Second Class and Third Class. Third Class is the least restrictive and is all that is required to obtain a Private Pilot Certificate. The other medicals are primarily required for those exercising priviledges of advanced certificates, like Commercial and Airline Transport pilots.

How does renting an airplane work?
Once you are checked out, you can schedule and rent any of the aircraft which you are eligible to fly. Eligibility is based on your level of flight experience and is contingent on a checkout by an AcuWings Certified Flight Instructor (CFI).

Rental rates are charged by the hour, using the aircraft's Hobbs meter (i.e., you only pay for the time the engine is running). All hourly rates are "wet," meaning that the cost of fuel is included. Any fuel purchases made elsewhere will be reimbursed back to the current price of fuel at AcuWings.

Instructor fees, landing fees, tie-down fees, or any other additional usage or handling fees incurred at remote airports are the responsibility of the renting pilot. Use of aircraft for multiple day / overnight trips is permitted, but may be subject to a "required minimum hours" policy.

FAQ

How much does it cost (to learn to fly)?
AcuWings offers "Part 61" type training and as a result, there is not a set cost for "start to finish" certification. The overall cost of getting your Private Pilot's License (or other certification) will depend on a number of factors:

How often you are available to take lessons. The more frequently you can meet and practice with an instructor, the less likely it is that you will have to "relearn" the various procedures and lessons between flights which wastes time. In flying, as with anything else, time equals money.

Your attitude. Conscientious hardworking students with good study habits both in and out of the cockpit spend less time (and as a result less money) reaching their certification goals.

What type of airplane you choose to complete the majority of your training in. You can train in almost any of our many aircraft, all of which have different hourly rates depending on age, equipment options, performance, etc.

That said, the average cost nationally of getting one's Private Pilot License is about $5,500. Again, your cost may vary.