Frequently asked questions

How long does learning to fly take?

To earn a private pilot certificate, FAR Part 61 details the information you must learn and requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight training: 20 with an instructor and 10 solo. Depending on your proficiency and dedication you may reach FAA minimums, but most students take longer.

How much will it cost?

Many flight schools provide canned packages at a specified cost. This type of advertising is, in our opinion, misleading and, in most cases fails to give you an accurate estimate. We know each person is unique and therefore the "learning curve" of each person is different, so we don't put our instruction into a "one size fits all" package. At West Air Flight Training, you will only pay for the products and services that you actually need and use and we will tell you up front what all you will be paying for.

Will I need renters insurance?

Yes. Once you are ready to solo, you will be required to obtain the appropriate renters insurance policy. Please contact us for more details.

Is West Air a Part 61 or Part 141 School?

West Air Flight Training is a Part 61 School.

What is the difference between Part 141 and Part 61?

Whether you train at a flight school under Part 141 or Part 61, you'll learn the same things and take the same FAA tests. The only real difference is the order in which you learn things and the minimum hours required. Part 141 schools must use a structured curriculum that teaches skills in a specific order. Part 61 schools are not bound to a structured curriculum; they can rearrange the order in which you learn things to suit your schedule, and tailor the curriculum to suit your needs while still meeting all of the requirements and giving you structure so you are prepared for your lessons.

How long does a lesson last?

You may schedule your lesson however long you and your instructor are available. Most lessons last 1-3 hours.

Can I carry passengers?

Student pilots cannot carry passengers. Recreational and sport pilots can carry only one passenger at a time; private pilots may carry as many passengers as the airplane will legally seat, provided it stays within the airplane’s performance and weight-and-balance limitations.

Why pick West Air Flight Training as a Flight School?

West Air allows you to learn at your own pace, we have a flawless safety record, and we make learning fun. At West Air you will feel like family. West Air also allows you to pay at the end of each flight unlike some other flight schools that require a bulk payment that only covers a certain number of hours. We also offer military and cash/check discounts.

What kinds of aircraft can I fly?

West Air has Eight aircraft. A Cessna 172M, three Cessna 172N’s, Cessna 172R, a Cessna 172i, a Cessna 152, and a Cessna 182RG. Through West Air, you can receive your private pilot certificate, instrument rating, commercial pilot certificate, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate, and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) certificate, as well as high performance and complex endorsements.

Once I earn it, what can I do with my pilot certificate?

The sky’s the limit! If you’d like to enter the aviation career field you can earn your commercial pilot certificate and start getting paid to fly. As a private pilot you can take flights with family and friends for nearby sightseeing, travel for business or leisure. Test your fortitude (and stomach) learning to fly for fun or aerobatics. Construct and fly your own aircraft, or rebuild and fly classic / antiquated aircraft. Connect with other aviation lovers through multiple social media platforms. You may also support an increasing number of flight organizations supporting humanitarian causes, such as disaster aid or non-critical medical transportation, or even help with the pilots-N-paws program.

if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Us

You can reach us at our email westair@westairflighttraining.com or call us at (702) 631-0229. For more information on how to contact us please view our contact page.