Look at you, making it happen. Throw on those aviators, slug that black coffee, and buckle your lap belt, let’s brief your flight plan.
Step 1
Come take a discovery flight with us.
A discovery flight is a sure fire way to make sure flying is right for you. We'll take you up for a quick 30 minute jaunt, and give you a brief overview of what learning to fly is all about. We might even send you home with some of our sweet sweet GVA swag.
Schedule your discovery flight today by clicking the link below.
Step 2
Go get that medical certificate.
The FAA wants to make sure you're healthy enough to fly. Also, not gonna keel over mid-flight. That's where Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) come in. They'll give you the 'ol once over and issue you a medical certificate. There are three classes of medical certificates:
Class 3: I just wanna flaunt my (or mom and dad's) wealth and just be a private pilot.
Class 2: Show me the money! I wanna get paid to fly, but only the small planes plz.
Class 1: "This is your captain speaking." You'll need one of these to fly for the airlines.
Whichever route you choose, you'll need a medical certificate before you can fly solo. And what better time to make sure you'll be allowed to fly, then before you spend a bunch of money on flight lessons. So take the time to pick an AME at the link below, and make your appointment.
Step 3
Hit the books playa.
Well, more like watch a bunch of videos and take some tests using an online ground school. Easy enough. You're all iPad kids nowadays anyway. Just kidding.
Online ground schools will teach you all the theory and knowledge that goes along with flying. From aerodynamics and weather theory, to airspace and the federal regulations governing flying. I mean, who doesn't want to be an amateur meteorologist?
We've got a few ground schools we think are the bees knees. But like Goldilocks, you gotta pick the best one for you. Take a gander at the links below, and choose the one with the vibes.
Step 4
Let’s burn some dinosaurs!
After you’ve started or completed ground school, hit us up to start scheduling some lessons. Here you’ll put all that knowledge rattling around upstairs to good use.
Ideally, students should be flying twice a week - weather and schedules permitting. Like Snapchat streaks, stick and rudder skills can be lost without frequent enough practice.
Step 5
Pop quiz time.
With ground school complete and an endorsement written by yours truly, you’ll be ready to take the FAA private pilot written exam.
Consisting of 60 multiple choice questions, the written is administered at an FAA-approved testing center. Score a 70% or higher, and you’re money.
Step 6
Take on the final boss.
After meeting all the FAA requirements, and impressing us enough with your sick airplane flying skills, you’ll be ready to take on your check ride.
The check ride is the final test to achieving your private pilot’s license. They are administered by an FAA-approved Designated Pilot Examiner or DPE. Consisting of both an oral and flight portion, check rides take place over the course of 4 to 6 hours. Testing both your aviation knowledge and your flying skills.
Step 7
Profit? Sike, you can’t make money as a private pilot.
You’re gonna need a commercial pilot’s certificate for that. But with a fresh private pilot certificate in your hands, go out and have fun. Take family and friends up and share your passion for aviation.
Then start all over again at Step 3 and work on your next rating. Check out the other training programs we offer at the link below.