Am I eligible to start taking flying lessons?
You are eligible if you are at least 16 years old and can read, speak, and understand English. In order to receive your private pilot's license you need to be at least 17 years old.
How long will it take me to get my private pilot's license?
To receive your private pilot's license you will need to pass a written exam, receive a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, pass an oral and practical exam with an examiner from the FAA. The time it takes to complete this process depends on many factors including, among other things, the amount of time that the student has to devote to the flight training. Once we determine how much time per week a particular student can dedicate to training, then we will be able to give a more accurate time estimate.
How much will it cost for my private pilot's license?
Flight time: 45 hours @ $175 per hour => $7,875
Instructor flight time: 32 hours @ $50 per hour => $1,600
Instructor ground school: 10 hours @ $50 per hour => $500
Headset: $250
Medical exam: $150
King Schools Private Pilot Online Ground School and Test Prep: $269
Misc materials: $100
FAA Knowledge Test: $175
FAA Practical Test: $750
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Total: $11,756.50
What steps do I need to take before my first flight?
Once you have made the decision to start taking flying lessons, you should get a couple of processes started. First, you should apply for your student pilot certificate. Second, you should apply for a medical certificate. Both of these processes will take some time to complete. You will need a student pilot certificate and a medical certificate in order to solo in the aircraft.
What medical examination is required for flight training?
You will complete an application on MedXPress, than find a local Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) to perform your medical examination. The FAA has a great website detailing the process.
Source: https://www.faa.gov/pilots/medical_certification/get
Where will the flight training take place?
The flight training will take place at the Rantoul Airport in Rantoul Illinois and the surrounding area. Most flights will stay within a 20 nm radius of Rantoul. Cross country flights, which are required as part of training, will extend to 100 to 150 nm from the Rantoul Airport.