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FAQs
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FAQs
1. What are the benefits of a charter?Lately airline travel has become synonymous with crowded terminals, cancellations, lost baggage, long lines, and many other frustrations. A flight that should be relatively short and painless turns into a nightmare with long lines or a missed connection. Chartering an aircraft can go a long way toward taking the dread out of air transportation. By chartering an airplane, you have the aircraft at your disposal. You decide when you want to leave and when you want to arrive. You don't need to arrive at the airport until you are ready to depart. You won't need to park miles away and stand in endless lines only to be directed to the next line. Once in the airplane, you can relax or discuss business strategy. When you arrive at your destination the airplane will wait for you, or return to pick you up at the time of your choosing. In either case, you retain control of your schedule and your life. Another benefit of charter is the access to thousands of airports available to a chartered aircraft that are not currently served by an airline. Landing closer to your final destination thereby reducing your drive time is another way that air charter can give you back more of your valuable time. top2. What is the cost of a charter?The charges for our charter service are comprised of charges for the aircraft, waiting time, and landing fees. We charge a fixed rate per mile for the aircraft operation, an hourly rate for pilot waiting time and the actual costs of any landing fees incurred during your flight. Since there are so many variables involved it is recommended that you recieve a quote for each flight. We would love to hear about your travel needs to determine if you can benefit from our service. Please call or e-mail today and let us know how we can help! top3. What types of aircraft can I charter?There are many different types of aircraft available for charter. The best aircraft for your flight depends largely on your preferences as well as your travel needs. While a slower, less expensive aircraft may be perfectly cabable of flying the same distance as a faster aircraft it may not be practical for meeting your schedule. There are also many different performance requirements to consider as well when considering the right aircraft. While we specialize in twin-engine, six to eight passenger aircraft, our 30 years of experience have enabled us to develop a network of trustworthy resources from which we can draw to help meet your needs. top4. Where can I go on a charter?Charter destinations are almost unlimited. Aero-Tech is authorized to operate anywhere in the USA. Aircraft are available through us that can fly internationally. The airports that are available to charters are limited only by runway size. We have aircraft that can fly in and out of runways as short as 1/2 mile. top5. How does bad weather effect a charter?Our charter aircraft are equipped with state of the art avionics and weather detection systems. Our aircraft are equipped for icing and have thunderstorm-avoidance equipment on board. These make them virtually all-weather flyers. If a flight is cancelled or postponed, it is usually because the airport of intended use is not equipped with the necessary ground-based navigation equipment for the current weather. If this happens, a nearby airport can usually be substituted. top6. How many people can go on a charter?When you charter an aircraft, you are paying for the use of the entire airplane. This means you have the authority to fill as many seats as you like. We could help you find an aircraft that would hold as many passengers as an airliner. To see the seating capacity of Aero-Tech's aircraft, go to our charter flying page. Occasionally, the length of a flight or the size of the runways may limit the amount of weight an aircraft can carry, thus limiting the amount of passengers. topFAQ Group- Flight School FAQ
1. How long does it take to learn to fly?Time spent training for the pilot's license varies greatly with the individual. The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight time before applying for the private pilots practical exam. Most people require around 45 to 50 hours of flying before becoming proficient enough to take the final exam. Although the training process is time consuming, it is still very feasible to complete your training while holding a full-time job. A large amount of training can be done on the weekends and evenings. We recommend planning for at least two or three lessons per week. This allows you to maintain a consistent training schedule while allowing for some weather cancellations. If a consistent, weekly schedule is maintained, and you complete the required study materials at home, you can expect to receive your license in as little as 6 to 8 months. If you do not maintain a consistent schedule, it could take much longer. If you want to take the fast track and take lessons full time, you will be able to complete your training in as little as a month. top2. What classes must I take to be a pilot?Although the pilot program is offered at many colleges as an accredited course, no formal education is required to become a pilot. We are a certified Cessna Pilot Center, and use the training program developed by Cessna and King Schools for our students. The Cessna program is a computer-based multimedia training program. With this course, you can work on your own time at your own pace. There is no need to drive to the airport several nights a week to attend ground school. You can even load the program on a portable computer and take it traveling with you. The program keeps track of your progress and allows your instructor to track your progress as well. Your instructor will ensure that you understand the lesson you have studied, and will be available any time you have questions or do not understand the material. The computer program is very simple and intuitive, and we will be happy to walk you through the program and make sure you are comfortable with it. top3. What jobs are available in aviation?When most people think of aviation, they think of the airlines. Obviously this is a rewarding and fulfilling career choice, but it is by far not the only career in aviation. Flying jobs are as varied and colorful as any other job available. You might be a flight instructor, or work at a local airport giving air tours. You could work at a parachute school and fly skydivers, or you could fly pipeline or traffic patrol. If your goal is to fly larger, faster airplanes, you could fly a corporate turbine or jet aircraft. Many airports also have charter operations and use airplanes ranging from single engine piston aircraft to large jet aircraft. You could also join the air force or navy and fly many exciting airplanes. The possibilities in aviation are almost endless. All you have to do is apply yourself to the studies, earn your ratings, and gain the experience required of your career choice. top4. How much does it cost to learn to fly?The actual cost of learning to fly varies greatly and is based on several factors. To see an estimate of flying costs check out the private pilot cost breakdown. These costs will vary based on how much time you spend to get your license. Your license or rating is awarded to you by demonstrating your knowledge and proficiency to an FAA designated examiner, much like a drivers test. The more often you train, and the harder you study, the quicker and less exspensive it will be to reach your goal. As you receive your training, you rent the aircraft and pay the instructor by the hour. Although you need a minimum number of hours of flight training before taking your test, some people require more time to build the necessary skills because of the amount of time they can devote to their training. Obviously, the more hours required to gain proficiency, the more it will cost to earn your license or rating. top5. What can I do with a private pilot license?The private pilot license is the doorway to aviation. This is the entry level certificate for most pilots. With a private pilot license, you can rent a wide variety of airplanes to suit your needs and tastes. Usually, you will want to start with relatively simple airplanes, and then work you way into more complex and faster aircraft as your skills improve. You can even buy an airplane and fly almost anywhere in the world. The only limitation on the private pilot certificate is that you cannot be paid to fly. If you want earn money while flying, you will need to get a commercial license. top6. What are the benefits of flying?Many people are thrilled by flight and get their license as a hobby, but the benefits of private flying go much farther than that. As a pilot, you can fly to any one of the thousands of airports in the United States on your own schedule. You don't have to wait in long lines, or endure the humiliation of being frisked by security. You don't have to arrive at the airport 2 hours before your flight, or worry that you might not be on time to catch your connecting flight. Since the events of September, 2001, airline operations, which were frustrating and nerve racking before, have become even more exasperating. If you could fly yourself, you could say goodbye to the airlines. Another great benefit of personal flying is the amount of airports you can fly into. Of the thousands of airports in the USA, only a handful are serviced by the airlines. The airline airport may be many miles from your ultimate destination, while chances are good that a small airport lies much closer to where you want to go. An airplane is also a great getaway vehicle for that perfect vacation in a place that few people know about or can get to. An airplane truly is the ultimate sport utility vehicle. top7. What ratings and licenses can I get at Aero-Tech?We provide training for any level you desire. You can start with a private certificate or a sport pilot license. Usually the next step is an instrument rating, which allows you to fly in clouds or low visibility. From there you can get your commercial certificate and start flying as a vocation. Many people looking for a career in aviation begin by getting their instructor license and working as a flight instructor. You will need a multi-engine rating if you want to fly airplanes with more than one engine. After building some time and experience, you are ready for your airline transport pilot license (ATP), the "masters degree" in aviation. top8. What does it take to learn to fly?The entry level license for most pilots is the Private Pilot Certificate. This license allows you to fly many types of airplanes anywhere in the world. Several things are involved in getting a private pilot license. Most people get started by coming out to the airport and taking a discovery flight. This introductory lesson will give you an opportunity to experience what it will be like to take flying lessons. You learn the basics of aircraft control, and take a short flight with an instructor. You will have the chance to try your hand at actually flying the airplane. You will also get to look at the various training aircraft available and get answers to any questions you have. When you're ready, all you have to do is schedule your first lesson, and you're on your way! Sometime during the early parts of your training, you will want to obtain a medical certificate. This certificate is a requirement for all pilots. The medical is simply a physical examination that must be taken every two or three years, depending on your age. You will need to go to a certified aviation physician for your examination. You will not be able to get it at your family doctor. When you start your training, we will supply you with a list of certified doctors. You will need to take two tests to get your private license. The first test you take is a written test. This is a computer based, multiple-choice exam that tests your knowledge on the many subject areas involved in aviation. You will prepare for the test with study material provided with your starter kit, and with the help of your instructor. The final test is a practical examination administered by a designated aviation examiner. The test includes an oral exam and a flight exam, and usually lasts approximately two to three hours. Your instructor will thoroughly review all the necessary materials and skills with you before sending you for the test. You will be able to approach your test with confidence, and after passing, you will be on your way to a happy career or hobby in aviation. top9. How safe is flying?Many people consider flying to be dangerous, mostly because they do not understand it. In reality, flying is as safe as you want it to be. In many instances, it is safer than driving. Approximately 80% of all aviation accidents are caused by pilot error. The single biggest cause of serious aviation accidents is weather. Many accidents could have been avoided if the pilot had not pressured him or herself into a situation where the weather was worse than the pilot or aircraft was able to handle. This means that if you take flying seriously, and do what needs to be done to be a safe and responsible pilot, you greatly reduce the chance of having an accident. Although a few accidents are a direct result of mechanical failure, and are out of the control of the pilot, most of these accidents would not need to end in a fatality if the pilot responds correctly. A large portion of the pilot training curriculum focuses on dealing with emergencies and mechanical failures. When flying, you alone hold the keys to a safe return. You do not have to worry about being hit head on by a sleeping or intoxicated "driver". top10. What if I am handicapped?Although a medical is required, you do not have to be a perfect human being to fly. Many pilots fly with handicaps. Usually these handicaps will require some limitations to the pilot's privileges. For instance, a deaf pilot will not be able to fly into an airport with a control tower. A pilot can fly without the use of his/her legs in certain specially equipped airplanes. A color-blind pilot would be able to fly, but would usually not be permitted to fly at night. There are many other physical impairments which may hinder a pilot from exercising full pilot privileges, but they do not need to keep a prospective pilot from learning to fly. top |