Frequently Asked Questions

Here we attempt to anticipate the questions that you may have about flight training. If there is not a question here that you would like an answer to, or an answer that does not explain everything to you, please feel free to contact me. There are always a few questions that all students ask, and they are almost impossible to answer. In a case like that, we try to answer based on an average. We will start with the number one asked question. And, of course, an average answer.

Q. How much will it cost to get my private pilot's license?

A. Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to this question, I wish there were. People tend to to prefer a definite – "when will I be done and and how much?" – like a tangible item you purchase. The only really truthful answer is this: If you fly under what we call part 61, you must acquire a minimum of 40 flight hours which will include requirements such as cross-country hours, night flight and solo time. However it must be stressed here that 40 hours is an absolute minimum. Generally speaking, most people acquire their license in 50 hours or more. Cost varies depending on many variables: type of aircraft flown while learning, instructor fees, and sometimes where you learn. Let's take an average number per hour, for aircraft, (normally a Cessna 172 which has been a proven learning platform for many decades) which includes fuel, all other aircraft operating expenses, and instructor. $200 per hour is typical. If you take your required 40 hours, that equates to $8,000. Additionally, you have ground instruction to pay for, exam fees, training materials, which will almost certainly put you near the $10,000 mark.

Q. How long will it take to get my license?

A. The short answer here is, It all depends on how often you fly and how quickly and readily you learn. Fly and study full time without distraction, and you can acquire your license in as little as two weeks. Fly once a week or less and it will take a year or more.

Q. Are there any licenses that are less than a private license.

A. The short answer to this is yes. We have what we call a sport pilot license, and a recreational pilot license. Both limit your privileges and restrict you in what you can do. If you desire the ability to fly to other airports, day or night, with passengers, the first license you need is your "Private Pilot's License."

Q. What is the difference between "Part 61" and "Part 141"

A. Essentially, you can learn to fly under either part, you can read all about it in Title 14 Part 61 & Part 141. However, Part 141 schools and college's are considered "Approved FAA Flying Schools" and involves a more structured learning environment, just as you would expect in an academic college. In fact if you were to attend aviation college, you would in fact graduate with a 4 year degree in aviation science along with all your flying ratings. Now for some wisdom, if you want to go straight to first officer in an airline and are looking to take that route, part 141 may be for you, I don't like them personally, but I have my own reasons for that, which is beyond the scope of this section. However if you are planning anything other than airline and you want to take a bit more time, then part 61 is the way to go. Case and point, Part 141 will make you a book smart pilot and not a great real world one. Part 61 will make you a much better pilot when you finish and in the real world of flying, that's what is going to save your life if something goes wrong. You can always acquire more book smarts as you progress in your flying, but not always the other way around.

Q. How often do I need to fly while I am learning?

A. Well, if we refer back to the answer in question two, the more often you fly in a given time span, the much better off you will be. The reason being, in the formative stages, and while you're eager to learn, flying as much as four times a week will move you forward much faster than flying once or twice a week, where you will spend much more time reviewing the previous lesson, and while there is a certain amount of that anyway, how much of the lesson spent in review directly correlates to the regularity spent in the cockpit. Acquiring new skills then always means hitting it hard in the initial learning period. At least until you solo for the first time, which is your first major test, and a rite of passage that all pilots must pass through, flying the aircraft for the first time without an instructor beside you. After you have soloed, then you can consider moving through the rest of your training at a more sedate pace if you wish.

Q. I started but never finished, can I finish off the license in Hawaii?

A. Yes, however because of the uniqueness of the State of Hawaii, there will be a couple of different rules here, which are unique to it's location. Alaska also has some unique rules because of its location. Some people come here on holiday and try to finish a course , while that is all well and good if you have planned for that, it is not generally a good idea to come here in the holiday mindset and then try to finish of something, that's generally tantamount to disappointment.

Q. I am already licensed but not current, can I get current while I am in Hawaii?

A. This depends on your unique situation and time permitted, if you have been out of the cockpit for many years, then while it is technically possible, you might be better off getting currant at your home airport with a local CFI. On the other hand if you just recently fell out of currency and your skills have not eroded that much, then yes, getting currant here would be a unique and rewarding experience, especially if you planned cross country to another island for the day.

Q. I wanted to complete or get my instrument rating, can I do that there?

A. You can acquire any additional rating here in Hawaii, that you can get any where else in the US.

Q. OK I want to get started? How do I do that, and how long will it take before my first flight?

A. Make an appointment to meet your flight instructor, and, after some initial ground instruction, you can start immediately. You will fly the very first day you begin flight training — we want to get you in the airplane and up in the air as soon as possible.

What makes Hawaii Flight Training a great place to learn to fly?

A. Hawaii Flight Training is a small operation that focuses on core understanding and real-world flying application. Pilots that graduate from this training course will be of the highest caliber and capable of handling themselves in most critical circumstances. Unlike many flight schools, Hawaii Flight Training prides it self on giving pilots everything they need to not only pass tests but to truly be safe in a plane. Lives depend on it and that understanding is not something taken lightly by this company. Ultimate responsibility is placed on the pilot in command and therefor we make it the highest priority for our graduates to be completely capable and have all the knowledge they need to be the best pilots they can be. If your looking for the quick and dirty license to fly then Hawaii Flight Training is not your school. If on the other hand you are interested in becoming truly proficient and safety conscious then we welcome you to our training program."

Q. How often, at a minimum, should I plan to be available for flight lessons.

A. Plan on flying two to four times a week for the first month, this will prepare you for your first solo. As I said earlier it is very important to capitalize in the initial learning period to get your basic skills learned and get you through that all important and first exhilarating flight without the instructor.

Q. On the other hand, I may want to fly every day. Can I do that with Hawaii Flight Training?

A. Hawaii Flight Training can accommodate any schedule that you care to set for yourself, within reason. Take care not to push yourself too hard though, you need some stamina also to get through the course. Fast out of the starting gate is no good if you burn out in the first hundred meters. You will need time to study for the written test, and to continue studying throughout the course up to the check ride. Unless you have no other considerations, a daily flying regime will be hard to accomplish.