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| Frequently Asked Questions |
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1. How long does it take to learn to fly? This depends entirely on you. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires a minimum of forty (40) hours of dual and solo instruction/flight time. The average student will require 53-57 hours of flight time prior to taking their private pilot exam. |
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2. How much money does it cost to
learn? Again, this depends on individual progress. Call for more details 757.465.1692 |
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3. Is financing available? Yes. There are many options available such as signature loans, borrowing against your life insurance policy, home equity lines, and Pilot Finance, Inc. Call for more details 757.465.1692. |
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4. Are there additional costs associated
with flying? Not in our school. What you see is what you get. There are no hidden costs associated with our courses. Unlike many schools, there are no add-on costs for fuel, student or aircraft insurance, or head set rentals. The total costs of the various available courses are explained up front with no surprises. |
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5. How do I choose a school? Look for a professionally run school with the appropriate facility and staff to serve you. Please see below some of the questions you should ask when choosing a school. A. Is the school open during times that are available and convenient for me? B. Is there a dispatcher available during regular business hours in person and via telephone to book my appointments or answer my questions? C. Is there online booking? D. Are the instructors student-oriented and experienced as well as certified? E. Is the maintenance performed by in-house, experienced and certified mechanics with safety first priorities instead of a “bottom line” mentality? F. Is my program tailored to suit my learning skills, as well as geared for safe flying and successful completion of flight related exams? G. Is there a direct line to my instructor after hours? |
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6. How do I choose an instructor? We have professionally trained dispatchers, who will assist in making this choice. Every student has a different learning style and it’s our job to match you with the perfect instructor for you. Many times, the owner Thomas N. Stevens will personally fly with you to guarantee your instructor is right for you. |
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7. Is flying safe? This is one of the most frequently asked questions and the easiest to answer. Yes, flying is safe. Statistically, you are at far greater risk operating a motor vehicle than flying an airplane. Curtis Eads Flight School prides itself on service to the aviation community since 1955 without accidents or injuries in our aircraft. Our programs are tailored to meet not only the FAA test standards, but to educate you on all aspects of flying under ideal conditions as well as not so ideal. Although the average flying career may have only one incident over the span of 20-30 years of flying, flight training can seriously impact the outcome should an incident occur. Remember, the most important part of learning to fly is safely landing your aircraft. If you can do this, you can enjoy decades of safe and pleasurable flight. Please see below excerpt taken directly from the Q & A section on the FAA web site. Q. Is flying safe? A. A well-built and maintained aircraft, flown by a competent and prudent pilot, makes flying as safe or safer than many other forms of transportation. Q. If engine failure occurs, what will happen? A. Modern aircraft engines are very reliable, and complete engine failure is a rare occurrence. If the improbable does happen, you will not “fall out of the sky.” Just do what the instructor had you practice during lessons- select a good landing area and land. |
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8. How many times a week should I fly? It is recommended to fly at least twice a week; however, many students have budget or time constraints that limit their availability for this schedule. In our school, this is not an issue. We will accommodate you in any way we can, including your flight time availability. |
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9. How could I apply my flight training
towards an Aviation profession? There are many professional careers related to aviation from which you may choose. Obviously, flying for an airline is the profession most associated with the glamour of flight. Other careers you may consider include: Corporate Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Flight Instructor, Aerial Photographer, Test Pilot, Military Pilot, Aircraft Sales, Banner Towing, Aircraft Dispatcher (airline and commercial) and Aircraft Mechanic to name but a few. |
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10. Are there colleges that specialize in
Aviation related careers? Absolutely! Many of our students, who began with us while in high school, have considered or selected aviation related academic colleges and universities such as Embry Riddle, North Dakota State University, or Oklahoma State University. Their flight time experience and courses all prepare them for a successful academic experience, and a future in professional aviation. |
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11. Will the skills I’ve learned at Curtis
Eads Flight School be helpful academically or professionally in unrelated
fields? Without question there are far reaching benefits to your flight training. Aviation training is one of the most disciplined of skills. Your motto will become “trust but verify” every time you consider a flight, which will carry over to many of your endeavors in life. |
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12. How do I get started? Call, Call, Call! Curtis Eads Flight School is open seven (7) days per week for your convenience. Call now for your Discovery Flight and your step into to the most enjoyable and thrilling adventure of your life. You deserve it! 757.465.1692. See you in the Air! |
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Located at The Hampton Roads Executive Airport 5192 West Military Hwy Chesapeake VA 23321 (757) 465 1692 fly@curtiseads.com Flight School and Aviation Training Index -
Eads Flight Center |
Book a Lesson using the service below |
Tidewater's Only Authorized Cirrus Flight Training Center Curtis Eads Flight Center is a division of Lear Stevens Aviation Services Inc. |