Frequently Asked Questions about becoming a Pilot in Scottsdale, AZ
Before you choose a flight school – or if you are considering changing schools – think about three critical issues.
The three CSF (critical success factors) in choosing a flight school are:
1. BE PICKY. Picking a flight instructor (a “CFI”) is not like picking a teacher in college. In college, you get whichever teacher is teaching that class. Flight instruction is a much more intimate relationship. The best instructor is one that can adjust to the learning dynamics of his/her students and those dynamics vary between students. The CFI needs to teach the way you learn – this is made all the more tough because he/she is not only teaching facts but also a physical skill involving hand/eye coordination. It’s something like learning to throw darts and also learning about the aerodynamics of darts. One is physical, the other mental. Our instructors are sensitive to these issues.
2. CHOOSE THE BEST EQUIPMENT TO LEARN THE BEST. Learn in planes that are fun to fly!! And, planes that are as close to current technology as possible. Newer planes are: in better condition, have most modern technology, and are most fun to fly. Current technology is by Garmin (G1000). These system are also known as glass cockpits. Not only is current technology safer due to proximity awareness and backup systems, but they are what you will find in commercial planes when you are hired by the airlines.
3. PAY AS YOU LEARN. Any school that wants large upfront payments is likely hoping that you take 20-30 hours and then quit. It’s the “gym membership” version of a flight school. Those lump sum payments are not reimbursable. Would you pay for 40 visits at a restaurant upfront and take the risk that you won’t like the food or service? Not a good plan. We want you to succeed and finish, and thus we only charge as you go.
We rent our brand new Cessna 172 with Glass Cockpit G1000 for $169 an hour. This price includes fuel cost.
Call us at 1.833.FLY.KSDL with any questions.

Most people will finish their private pilot license in 40-65 hours, although come people may take 80-ish hours. For younger students, it’s not unheard of a private pilot license to happen in 24-30 hours!! So, budget 60 hours or so. The later licenses take far fewer hours of training, maybe 20 hours for Instrument Rating and 14-16 hours more for Commercial Pilot License.
It is recommended that you take a minimum of 2-3 lessons per week. If you are working or going to school, lessons can be given on weekends, evenings (5-10 pm), or early mornings (5-8 AM). For most students, more than 5 lessons per week can be too much. This is a mental AND physical skill and for many, it’s best to move at a comfortable pace and let things set in.
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If you need to cancel, we only ask that you do so 24 hours in advance.
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