INTRODUCTORY FLIGHT
The introductory flight will give you a better understanding of what flight training is all about. We will explain to you the details of the flight training course, answer your questions, show you how to do a pre-flight inspection, start-up, taxi, takeoff, climbs, straight-and-level flight, descents and turns. You will observe how we teach, get a sense for our personalities and get a feel for the airplane you may be flying. You can also ask other students how they feel about their training experience. The “Introductory Lesson” includes 20 minutes ground instruction and 35 minutes flight lesson.
Pick up the phone now and call us for a special $159 Introductory Flight, (310) 313-3450.
PRIVATE PILOT
The Private Pilot Certificate is your first step into the world of aviation. As a private pilot you may fly an aircraft for pleasure, day or night, and may invite your friends along. If your interest in flying is limited to fair weather days, the private pilot certificate will meet your needs. If your goal is to become a professional pilot or to fly for business purposes, you will need to earn additional ratings and certificates.
Completion Time & Cost
Completion time of the private pilot certificate depends on the frequency of training. Students training 2-3 times per week can expect to spend up to four-five months in training. Students training 5-6 days per week can complete it in 4-6 weeks. The average cost can vary from $10,000 to $12,000, depending upon the length of time for completion of the course and your own ability to learn. We do our best to keep your costs to a minimum.
| Cost Breakdown at Skyward Aviation: | |
| 50 Hrs. Piper Warrior @ $136/hr | $6,800 |
| 30 Hrs. Flight Instruction @ $60/hr | $1,800 |
| 15 Hrs. Ground Instruction @ $60/hr | $900 |
| Books & Supplies | $180 |
| FAA Written Exam Fee | $150 |
| FAA Medical Exam Fee | $130 |
| Flight Examiner’s Fee | $500 |
| Landing Fees Santa Monica Airport | $500 |
| GRAND TOTAL | $10,960 |
Certificate Requirements
In terms of flight hours, the FAA requires the student to log a minimum of 40 hours. However, most students require 45 – 60 hours to achieve the necessary proficiency. Keep these hour requirements in mind when selecting a training facility. Some schools base their course prices on FAA minimums, while we base the price on actual hours needed to complete the certificate. Flying is more complicated today than 35 years ago when the minimum 40 hours was set.
Eligibility Requirements
- 17 years of age (16 years of age to solo)
- Read, speak, write and understand English
- Pass an aviation medical exam
- Pass a knowledge test (written exam)
- Pass an oral and flight test
INSTRUMENT RATING
For many pilots the Instrument Rating is the next logical step after getting their Private Pilot’s certificate. An Instrument Rating greatly expands the reach and flexibility of your pilot’s certificate by enabling you to safely fly in reduced visibility and low ceilings that keep other pilots on the ground.
Your instrument training begins with simple maneuvering solely by reference to your aircraft’s flight instruments and culminates in flying the airways and performing precision approaches in instrument conditions. It is considered to be one of the most challenging and rewarding ratings in aviation.
Completion Time & Cost
The instrument rating normally can be earned from one month to six months, depending upon the frequency of training. Full-time students who fly and study daily can complete the rating in as little as four weeks. Students who train two days per week can expect to complete the rating in about five months. The average cost is $7,500 – $8,500.
Prerequisites
Before taking the check ride for an Instrument Rating, a pilot must first log 50 hours of cross country flight time as pilot-in-command. These 50 hours of cross country time can be flown during the instrument training flights.
Requirements:
- Hold at least a private pilot certificate
- Read, speak, write and understand English
- Hold at least a valid third class medical
- Pass a knowledge test (written exam)
- Pass an oral and flight test
| Cost Breakdown at Skyward Aviation: | |
| 10 Hrs. Simulator FAA Approved (Elite PC-ATD 6.0) @ $35/hr | $350 |
| 27 Hrs. Piper Warrior @ $136/hr | $3,672 |
| 37 Hrs. Flight Instruction @ $60/hr | $2,220 |
| 5 Hrs. Ground Instruction @ $60/hr | $300 |
| Books & Supplies | $150 |
| FAA Written Exam Fee | $150 |
| Flight Examiner’s Fee | $500 |
| Rental of Aircraft for Flight Test | $250 |
| Landing Fees Santa Monica Airport | $110 |
| GRAND TOTAL | $7,702 |
MULTI-ENGINE RATING COURSE
Get your Multi-Engine Rating with Skyward Aviation in beautiful Santa Monica! Utilizing the Beechcraft Duchess (BE-76) for the multi-engine rating, we can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to fly an advanced multi-engine airplane at a reasonable cost. Within one flight, you will realize the great benefits of two engines and the thrill of flying a twin engine aircraft such as the Beechcraft Duchess!
Adding a Multi-Engine Rating to a private, commercial, ATP, or CFI Certificate, the FAA requires an instructor endorsement and a practical test. A Knowledge Test (written) is not required. The practical test includes a detailed oral test.
Requirements:
- 18 years of age
- Read, speak, write and understand English
- Hold at least a valid third class medical
- Receive the necessary flight training
- Pass an oral exam and flight test
Completion Time & Cost
If you already hold a Commercial License it normally requires 5-8 hours of flight training (and some ground training) and costs approximately $1800-$2600. If you hold a Private Pilot’s License it will normally take 10-20 hours of flight training (and some ground training) and costs approximately $3200-$6300. There is no hourly requirement for flight training in a twin, so you can take the Check Ride when you’re proficient. (More Information)
(More Photos)
COMMERCIAL PILOT COURSE
The Commercial Pilot certificate is your first step to earning your living as a professional pilot. It allows you to fly for compensation for hire. Together with an instrument rating it opens doors to a flying career.
Your commercial flight training will teach you how to operate a sophisticated, complex aircraft, with retractable landing gear, a variable pitch propeller and more power than the average trainer. You will learn to fly to closer tolerances and venture further afield on cross country flights. And even if you get the Commercial certificate only to improve your personal flying, it is nice to know that you can always use it as the foundation for a new career.
Requirements:
- 18 years of age
- Read, speak, write and understand English
- Hold a private pilot certificate
- Hold at least a valid third class medical
- Hold an instrument rating (or the commercial pilot certificate will be limited to day and the transport of passengers less than 50 miles)
- Receive the necessary flight training
- Pass an oral exam and flight test
- Pass a knowledge test
FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR COURSE
A flight instructor certificate allows you to teach others to learn to fly, by giving flight and ground instruction. The instructor route is considered the best way of building the necessary experience and hours to qualify for an Airline Transport Pilot certificate. A prerequisite for enrollment in this course is a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating.
Completion Time & Cost
The CFI certificate normally requires 15 to 30 hours of flight instruction, 10 to 20 hours of ground instruction and costs approximately $3,500 -$6,500.
Requirements Summary:
- 18 years of age
- Read, speak, write and understand English
- Hold at least a valid third class medical
- Hold a Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP) with an aircraft rating appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought.
- Hold an instrument rating, if the person is person is applying for an airplane or an instrument instructor rating.
- Receive instruction of fundamentals of instructing
- Receive instruction in areas of operation listed in 61.187b
- Pass two knowledge tests
- Pass an oral and practical test
- Receive instruction in stall awareness, spin entry, spins and spin recovery
- Log at least 15 hours PIC in the category and class of aircraft appropriate to the rating sought
BIENNIAL FLIGHT REVIEW
The Federal Aviation Regulations require pilots to have a flight review every two years. This can be accomplished with a flight instructor or FAA examiner. At least one hour of flight instruction and one hour of ground instruction is required. If you haven’t flown in a while, it may take more ground and flight time than the FAA minimum requirement.
INSTRUMENT PROFICIENCY CHECK
The Federal Aviation Regulations require an Instrument Proficiency Check consisting of a “representative number of tasks required by the instrument rating practical test.” You can expect at least an hour of ground instruction and 1.3 hours of flight time. If you haven’t flown IFR in a while, it may take more ground and flight time than the FAA minimum requirement.
PINCH HITTER COURSE
If your flight companion is not a pilot, whether it’s your spouse or a friend, we teach them how to land an aircraft in the event that the pilot cannot. This can be done in as little as 6-10 hours of flight instruction.
Completion Time & Cost
Completion time for the “Pinch Hitter Course” can be done in a month or less. We recommend two or three lessons a week until proficiency with landings is accomplished. The average cost can vary from $2,500 to $3,500, depending upon the length of time for completion of the course and your own ability to learn. We do our best to keep your costs to a minimum.
| Cost Breakdown at Skyward Aviation: | |
| 10 Hrs. Piper Warrior @ $136/hr | $1,360 |
| 10 Hrs. Flight Instruction @ $60/hr | $600 |
| 5 Hrs. Ground Instruction @ $60/hr | $300 |
| Landing Fees Santa Monica Airport | $55 |
| GRAND TOTAL | $2,315 |