Training FAQ
FlyCarolina offers FAA Part 61 Flight Training at each of our locations. This training program allows us to work at your pace and around your schedule. Talk with one of our certified flight instructors to develop a training schedule that works for you. FlyCarolina offers the following training programs:
- Private Pilot Certificate
- Instrument Rating
- Commercial Pilot Certificate
- Multi-engine training
- ATP (Airline Transport Pilot)
- CFI (Certified Flight Instructor)
- CFII (Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument)
- MEI (Multi-Engine Instructor)
How do I get started?
Come experience an introductory flight! You'll fly locally with one of our certified flight instructors. Take the controls and get a feel for the airplane. This will be a great opportunity for you to ask a knowledgeable instructor about the planes and training programs. FlyCarolina offers a 1-hour introductory flight for $250.
How long does it take to earn a pilot certificate?
The FAA requires 40 hours in order to become a private pilot. Most people will do between 60-75 hours. The average time it takes to obtain a Private Pilot Certificate is between 6-9 months. We recommend our students schedule to fly at least 2-3 times per week which is a good balance for productive and efficient continuous learning. We understand not everyone can fly 2-3 times per week which is absolutely fine; it will just take you longer than average to complete your certificate. An important factor in completing timely and cost effectively is to continuously study the material assigned by your instructor. You must pass the FAA written exam before your practical exam with the FAA examiner!!! Bring any questions you may have to your instructors’ attention.
Is financing available?
Yes! We have partnered with Pilot Finance, Inc. to provide financing options for obtaining your private pilot certificate or instrument rating More Info...
What type of plane will I fly?
We offer aircraft appropriate for each of our training programs. You will typically start flight training in one of our Cessna 172s. We offer a variety of complex, high-performance and multi-engine aircraft for advanced training. See our full list of training and club aircraft
View Our Fleet
How much will flight training cost?
The national average cost for a private pilot certificate is between $10,000 - $14,000. Put simply, the more you fly plus the more time you dedicate to studying will reduce the time it will take you to complete your certificate which will essentially reduce the cost.Our flight school operates on pay-per-use payment schedule which means that you will pay after each flight with a credit card you provide to us to store with your account.We do not provide financing but it is available through a third party provider. Keep in mind that interest rates for flight training are high.
| Quantity | Item | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | FAA Medical Examination | $100 |
| 3 | Cessna Pilot Kit (ground school and supplies) | $365 |
| 3 | Additional supplies (see below) | $200 |
| 10 | Hours ground instruction | $550 |
| 30 | Hours of flight instruction in a Cessna 172 | $5700 |
| 10 | Hours of SOLO flight time | $1350 |
| 1 | FAA Written Exam | $150 |
| 3 | Hours Practical Test Prep | $150 |
| 1 | FAA Check Ride (examiner fee) | $650 |
| 1.5 | Checkride aircraft rental | $203 |
| $9,418 |
What do I need to buy to start my training?
FlyCarolina is a Cessna Pilot Center. We use the Cessna Private Pilot kit developed by King Schools which includes a flight bag, logbook, E6B and an enrollment key for your online ground study course. Here is pricing for the pilot kit and other supplies you'll need during training:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cessna Private Pilot Kit (software course, flight bag, logbook, etc) | $365 |
| FAR/AIM | $20 |
| Airplane Information Manual - Cessna 172 | $20 |
| Aviation Headset | $100 - $1100 |
| Plotter | $15 |
| Kneeboard | $20 |
| Flashlight with red/white lens | $20 |
Is there an age requirement?
There is no age requirement to begin flight training; however, in order to solo the student must be at least 16 years old. In order to become a private pilot, the student must be at least 17 years old.
How much time can I log in a Simulator?
Our Redbird FMX simulator located in Monroe is a Full Motion Simulator and is FAA approved for logging time towards your training. Private Pilot students can log up to 2.5 hours, Instrument students can log up to 20 hours, and Commercial students can log up to 50 hours towards their rating.
