Congratulations on the decision to take the first step to your new aviation life!
Learning to fly is one of the most easy, and rewarding things you will ever do. Every year, since 1978, Brett Aviation has been training hundreds people just like you into licensed pilots. If you find yourself wondering what this new life has in store for you just look below and open the door to a new and exciting world filled with Cross Country trips to Ocean City, Night Flights over the “City of Charm”, and last but not least the honor and respect of your peers.
Private Rating
Everyone starts with a private pilot certificate, even the captain of an airliner. With a private pilot certificate, you will be able to rent an airplane anytime you want. There’s nothing like being able to take your friends and family to thousands of destinations, such as day trips to Ocean City, golf in Myrtle Beach, or vacation at the Grand Canyon—the choices are endless.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started?
The first step is to come and take a $129 Discovery Flight. After you complete the Discovery Flight all you will have to do is decide with your instructor which days you are available to fly and schedule the lessons accordingly. There is no obligation to sign up or put money down, however putting money on an account does have its advantages.
Is there an age limit?
No. We have had children come in with their parents to experience the wonder of flight. However you must be 16 years of age to hold a student pilot certificate, which will enable you to fly solo (without your instructor). You must be 17 years of age in order to receive your private pilot certificate. Those are just the minimums, we have pilots that rent airplanes from Brett Aviation that are 70 years old and are still flying regularly.
How much will it cost?
National studies confirm that the average person requires about 70+ hours of airplane time and about 40 hours of instruction to pass their examinations and obtain their private pilot certificate. A typical student flying a new Cessna 172SP Skyhawk will spend approximately $12,000. This cost may be less depending on aircraft type used for flight training. None of this money is required up front. Many people choose to pay per lesson. However if you put $1,000 on an account you will receive a 5% discount on the airplane rental cost. If you put $1,500 on an account you will receive a 6% discount on the airplane rental cost. If you put $2,000 on an account you will receive a 7% discount on the airplane rental cost. In any case there is financing available through Sallie Mae and AOPA.
How long does it take?
How long it takes depends on how much time you are willing to invest. The more times per week you fly the quicker it goes. The FAA minimum is 40 hours to receive a private pilot certificate. Most people through Brett Aviation do it in 60 hours compared to the national average of over 70 hours! We will work completely around your schedule to maximize your training efficiency.
What opportunities are available?
With your private pilot certificate you will be able to rent an airplane anytime you want. This means taking friends and family on vacations for the day or the week, to thousands of destinations. There are however just a few limitations, such as you may not be compensated for your flying. Also, you are limited in the weather conditions in which you may fly, mainly you can’t fly in the clouds. Other than that the choice is yours. Be it business or pleasure you can do it all.
Do I have to buy an airplane?
No. We know that not everyone who becomes a pilot can also afford an airplane. Which is why Brett Aviation has an extensive fleet of new, state of the art airplanes for rent. Whether you want it for a few hours or a few days, they are available to you just as if you owned it. However if you are interested in purchasing an airplane there are some great tax benefits to owning and leasing back and airplane.
Will I fly with the same instructor?
At Brett Aviation we suggest students stay with one instructor in order to keep continuity throughout the course of training. However, if a student wants to switch to a different instructor at any time for any reason, we make sure it happens. Learning to fly is a big commitment and we want to make sure you enjoy your experience at Brett Aviation. Since we teach under Part 141, the student will also have periodic stage checks with a stage check instructor to determine his/her progress in the airplane.
Is there financing available?
Yes, we are entitled to offer financing through Pilot Finance, Inc. With Pilot Finance you can finance all or part of your training. Then it’s as easy as making a small monthly payment.
Instrument Rating
An instrument rating teaches you how to fly by reference to your flight instruments while in the clouds. Morning fog or overcast skies, with an instrument rating you can still make that business meeting in New York. An instrument rating refines your piloting skills while increasing the number of days you can fly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an age limit?
No. If you hold a valid private pilot certificate then you are eligible for an instrument rating.
How long does it take?
Under our part 141 training syllabus there is a minimum time requirement of 35 hours. Under part 61 the times will vary depending on how much you have flown between getting your private pilot certificate and the time you start your instrument rating. The average student that starts their instrument training right after their private training will require approximately the following hours:
- 45 hours of cross country PIC time (doesn’t need to be with an instructor).
- 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time (not all with an instructor)
- Of the 40 hours above 15 will be with an instructor on the required maneuvers
for an instrument rating.
How much will it cost?
The cost depends greatly on how you divide the time. Some people choose to do all their cross country time with an instructor which will cover all of the hours required to get the instrument rating. Others choose to fly alone or with friend for their cross country hours and then come fly with an instructor at Brett Aviation to finish only what hours are required.
What opportunities are available?
With an instrument rating you still have all the privileges of a private pilot certificate with one big advantage. You may now fly in the clouds. This will open up more days available for flying during the year. With an instrument rating you will also give you confidence in your flying skills.
Is there financing available?
Yes, we are entitled to offer financing through Pilot Finance, Inc. With Pilot Finance you can finance all or part of your training. Then it’s as easy as making a small monthly payment.
Commercial Rating
While earning a commercial pilot certificate you hone your piloting skills to an even higher standard, and an increase in skill equals an increase in opportunity. Having a commercial pilot certificate lets you earn money as a pilot, while opening the door to a career in aviation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is there an age limit?
Yes. To be eligible for a commercial pilot certificate you must 18 years of age. This is a FAA requirement, but it’s just the minimum. We at Brett Aviation have many commercial students some are 18 others are in their 30’s. It’s never too late to get a commercial pilot certificate.
How long?
How long greatly depends on you. The minimum is 250 hours total time. So depending on how long you have been a pilot you may be close to that when you start. The best way to figure the cost is to come and see us at Brett Aviation. Bring your logbook and one of our instructors will work with you to determine how much time is required.
How much will it cost?
How much it will cost greatly depends on how long it takes. Since a commercial pilot certificates requirements depend on how many hours you have we cannot quote a price online. The best way is to come see us or call us at Brett Aviation. Bring your logbook and one of our CFI’s will be more than happy to sit with you and figure the exact cost.
Do I need an instrument rating?
No. However, without an instrument rating you are limited to a 50nm radius of your home airport and cannot fly at night. What that means is you cannot fly commercially more than 50nm or at night. On personal trips, whether it’s vacation with the family or a business trip you can go as you please.
What opportunities are available?
With a commercial pilot certificate the opportunities really begin to open up. As a commercial pilot you can now be compensated for your piloting skills. This means getting paid to fly. There are literally hundreds of different fields you can go into with a commercial pilot certificate.
What supplies will I need?
Supplies are easy. You already have most of them, the commercial training relies greatly on the tools and skills that you learned in your private training, but now to a higher standard. The only new supplies you will need is the ground school kit. We offer the Jeppesen kit for our 141 training.
Is financing available?
Yes, we are entitled to offer financing through Pilot Finance, Inc. With Pilot Finance you can finance all or part of your training. Then it’s as easy as making a small monthly payment.
The most common step taken by those pursuing a career in aviation is to become a certified flight instructor. As an instructor, you will gain experience while teaching others to become pilots just like you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an age limit?
No. If you meet the requirements for a commercial pilot certificate you are eligible for a CFI rating.
Do I need to be a commercial pilot?
Yes. As a flight instructor you will be getting paid to fly. This means that you are operating as a commercial pilot.
How long does it take?
There is no minimum time required. It is based on proficiency. Once you are proficient on all the required maneuvers, basically the private and commercial maneuvers, you are eligible.
What’s in it for me?
As a flight instructor you get paid to fly. In addition you also are given the opportunity for building invaluable experience as a pilot in command. This is the most common step after getting a commercial pilot certificate for building the experience that some other aviation careers require.
Is financing available?
Yes, we are entitled to offer financing through Pilot Finance, Inc. With Pilot Finance you can finance all or part of your training. Then it’s as easy as making a small monthly payment.
Multi-Engine Rating
Flying a multi-engine aircraft is both fun and challenging. With a multi-engine rating you will be able to fly higher and go faster. Earning a multi-engine rating will help you land that airline career.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is there an age limit?
There is no specific age limit for a multi-engine rating. However, you must be at least eligible for a private pilot certificate (16 years old).
What pilot certificates are required?
Since multi-engine is a rating you must first hold at least a private pilot certificate. Most people get an instrument rating before the multi-engine rating. An instrument rating is not required but it is recommended because it will strengthen your flying skills in preparation for the complex, sometimes high-performance twins.
How long?
How long depends on you. It’s all based on proficiency. Fly with your instructor until you are confident and proficient in the required maneuvers.
How much?
How much depends on you. Since the rating is based on proficiency it’s hard to put a fixed number on the cost. The best way to figure the cost is to come and see us at Brett Aviation and one of our instructors will work with you to determine approximately how much time is required.
What’s in it for me?
A multi-engine rating opens up a world of opportunities. With a private pilot certificate and a multi-engine rating you can now take more family and friends, to farther away destinations, faster than ever before. No more waiting for security at BWI, with a multi-engine rating you can now take business trips with much less hassle. As a commercial pilot with a multi-engine rating you have just opened the door to many more job opportunities including an airline career.
What supplies will I need?
You will already have the required supplies from your private pilot training. All you will need to get is the ground school course. We have the Jeppesen kits for our part 141 training.
Is financing available?
Yes, we are entitled to offer financing through Pilot Finance, Inc. With Pilot Finance you can finance all or part of your training. Then it’s as easy as making a small monthly payment.
