| Questions & Answers Q: What basic books should I buy to
get started as an aspiring pilot ?
A:
The Federal Aviation Administration publishes a book
called the FAR/AIM. Which stands for Federal Aviation
Regulations / Aeronautical Information Manual. This
publication is an essential element to any pilot and a “must
have” if you are interested in knowing about
flight training, schools , instructors , medical
requirements , regulations etc. It is also a wonderful
source of information regarding procedures and safe
flight practices. The FAA also publishes a Flight
Training Handbook which is also very straight forward and
helpful. Both publications are inexpensive and easily
obtained at most flight shops, airports and via the
internet.
Q: I am from another
country ; do I have to go to a FAR Part 141 school to
Flight Train ?
A:
No. You can train Part 61 while you are here for other
legitimate purposes. Often, foreign students attend
Universities and flight train when time allows. However,
you must meet the current FAA Requirements to flight
train , www.faa.gov can give you more information . San
Diego is a great place to live and flight train !
Q. What rates do you charge for instruction?
A.
Rates for instruction vary between $30 and $55 per hour depending upon
the level of instruction you are receiving. Guaranteed Flight Training
reserves the right to change pricing without notice.
Q: I am a private pilot
and I am considering an instrument rating; what can I
expect if I train with you ?
A:
You can expect to become a much better pilot and develop
skills that will stay with you for the rest of your
flying life. The instrument rating is arguably the most
difficult rating to obtain , but well worth the
investment of time and money. It is the only rating that
does not differentiate between Commercial pilot standards
and Private pilot standards and requires you to stay
“current ” in order to maintain your rating.
There is talk of requiring all pilots to be instrument
rated. Our integrated instruction will allow you to
develop instrument skills to carry on to bigger and
faster aircraft. Few sensations are as thrilling as
“flying the needles” and emerging from a cloud
with the airport in front of you. When flying in
instrument conditions your life may well depend on the
training you received.
Q: I saw an advertisement
for a “weekend” Instrument rating…As a
CFII what do you think of this type of accelerated
training ?
A:
Well…they don’t call them “CRASH
COURSES” for nothing ! I have serious doubts about
this type of training. Most of the time, these courses
are offered by 141 schools that have “self examining
authority.” Statistically, “Rote” learning
is superficial in nature and not easily retained. What
ends up happening is you have to re-train in order to
fully grasp all of the concepts that you allegedly
“learned” but did not retain.
Q. I signed on with a 141
school but now I want to train part 61…does my
experience count towards the rating if I decide to switch
?
A.
Yes, all of your experience would forward towards your
rating.
Q. I have been told that I
should go to a 141 school if I want to be a professional
Pilot is this true ?
A.
No. When any air carrier considers hiring pilots they do
not know
how you obtained your
ratings. The first thing they consider is if you have the correct Certificate [ Commercial or ATP]
then your flight hours
/ experience and possibly educational background. If you
have all of those then you get an interview. If that goes
well you are usually placed in a multi-engine flight
simulator and given a check out. If that goes well they
may hire you. The progression goes something like
this…co-pilot…pilot…bigger
airplane…co-pilot…pilot…etc. A website
:Climbto350.com can dispel any myths about what employers
are looking for. You will not see any reference to a
particular school. Many 141 schools claim they have the ability to get
you an interview but that’s about all you will get
if you do not have the minimum hours and ability during
the simulator check. If you need help picking a 141 school consider our Consultation service.
Q. I have heard a lot of
talk about “Gold Seal” flight instructors what
does that designation mean.
A.
“Gold Seal” instructors have successfully
passed 8 out of 10 students in 24 months in order to be
designated. The program itself is voluntary and does not
take into account the amount of time it took the
instructor to submit their student . We have heard
stories about certain “Gold Seal” instructors
that were so worried about a student failing a check ride
that they over train them to make sure they pass. The
expense is born by the student. In our opinion if it
takes one instructor an hour to teach you effectively and
another instructor 3 hours…the instructor who can do
it in one hour is a better instructor and a whole lot
less expensive.
Q. What aircraft do you
train in for private pilot and instrument work ?
A.
We like the Cessna 172, it’s roomy and a stable,
reliable platform to train in.
Q. How do you get the
lowest price on aircraft rentals ?
A.
Join a flying club ! They have great deals on aircraft
and usually since you are a member you are an
“insured” on the policy, which can be very
valuable in the event of damaging an aircraft. For
instance, lets say you accidentally strike the propeller
on something. The cost to tear down an engine is upwards
of $25,000.00 if you are not named as an
“insured” on the policy the owners insurance
may pursue you for the costs. E-Mail us for information
on local clubs.
info@guaranteedflighttraining.com
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