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Overview
Air Center of Salt Lake offers a wide variety
training courses, rental aircraft, and contract flight instructors.
This diversity ensures that we can meet your unique training needs and
help you achieve your goals. As an FAA approved flight school we are
able to offer Part 141, as well as Part 61 flight training. We offer
training from the private pilot level up to the ATP and CFI
certificates. Additionally, we are proud to be able to offer turbine
equipment training, high altitude/pressurized aircraft endorsements and
even Part 135 training. These courses can not be found at any other
flight school in Utah! For a more detailed list and description of the
courses we offer please click on the links below:
Training Programs
Part 61 Training
Part 141 Training
Professional Pilot Program
Part 135/Turbine Training
Other Courses
How do I start?
We recommend that you always visit the
school that you are planning on attending. The feel of each school is
different and it is important that you find a school that fits your
personality. While visiting, you should take a discovery flight. These
flights involve a half hour introduction to the preflight inspection of
the aircraft and a half hour in the air. The time in the air gives you
hands-on time. You will taxi, take-off, and fly the aircraft. This
flight will help make sure that flying is for you. After the discovery
flight, if you choose to start flight training, you can pick up your
student pilot supplies from our pilot shop and fill out some paper
work. At this point you can begin your training. All scheduling is
done by you, on our on-line scheduler. By logging on you can see your
instructor’s schedule as well as the aircraft’s. You schedule lessons
at your convenience. It’s that easy to get started in your aviation
training!
What is the
difference between Part 61 and Part 141 Training?
Part 141 training can only be conducted
by schools that have been authorized by the FAA while Part 61 training
can be conducted by an individual or school with the appropriate
Certified Flight Instructor certificate. A given school’s 141 training
program follows a very specific curriculum and the FAA maintains
oversight on the operations at such schools. Aircraft maintenance is
also under such oversight. This regulatory oversight allows Part 141
schools to accept pilot students and money from government organizations
such as the VA. Many secondary education institutions also require that
their students attend Part 141 schools.
In contrast, Part 61 schools have less
government oversight, and curriculum constraints, and are not allowed to
accept VA benefits and are not acceptable training schools for some
secondary education programs.
Both Part 61 and 141 schools save time
and money in some regards but are more expensive in other ways. If you
would like to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the two types
of schools we would recommend that you sit down with one of our
instructors to gain a better understanding of these two methods of
training.
Where will I train?
Air Center of Salt Lake’s base of
operations is at South Valley Regional Airport in West Jordan, Utah.
The vast majority to our training flights originate from this airport.
This non-towered airport is an ideal training facility due to the
relatively low aircraft traffic volume and close proximity to Salt Lake
City. Having lower traffic volumes than at the Salt Lake International
Airport allows us to get airborne and began training much sooner than
other flight schools. This means you will spend less money because you
will not be waiting for ATC to release your flight. During your
training you will visit airports all over northern Utah and even some in
Idaho and southern Utah. We will also be sure to spend ample time
flying in and out of towered airports as well to ensure that your
communication skills are up to par.
What is required for me to get my pilot’s license?
To earn a pilot’s license you need to be
motivated, have the finances in place, and be able to dedicate time to
the endeavour. The ground study portion of the private pilot’s license
requires considerable time and discipline to complete. Your instructor
will regularly check your progress and verify that you are staying on
track. The ground training will lead up to your completion of the FAA
written exam. Flight training is generally “the fun part” of training
for most people. Early on in your training you will want to make sure
that you visit with an Aviation Medical Examiner to obtain you FAA
flight medical. We want to have this exam early in your flight training
to make sure that you don’t have any disqualifying conditions. Flight
training can generally be thought of as: 1) basic air-work maneuvers and
preparation for solo flight, 2) solo flight, 3) preparation for
cross-country flights, 4) solo cross-country flights, and 5) preparation
for the FAA practical exam. Upon completion of your training you will
take the practical exam with a designated examiner. This exam generally
includes 2-3 hours of questions and answers and a flight lasting about
1.5 hours. Upon passing this exam you will be a licensed private pilot!
How do I pay for this
training?
Air Center of Salt Lake requires that all
training be paid for at the conclusion of each individual lesson. We do
not collect money in advance of training. If possible, the best way to
pay for flight training is out of personal finances. In the current
economy it is very difficult to find a lender willing to loan money for
aviation training. It is easier to be granted a loan through an
education program offering aviation degrees. Funding for veterans
through VA benefits is also another source of funding for those that
qualify.
How long will it take me to get my
pilot’s license?
Meeting with your instructor two to three
times per week generally produces excellent results, although everyone
learns at different rates. At this rate completion times for the
private pilot’s license are typically three to four months. If you are
not able to meet with your instructor at least every two weeks you will
find that your progression of flight skills is greatly reduced. Flying
too often can also be counterproductive in that you might find you have
too little down-time to reflect on lessons learned. Accelerated courses
can be completed in three to four weeks.
How much will it cost
for me to get my pilot’s license?
The cost of training varies for each
student based on aptitude, available time for studying and flying.
Click here to view a sheet which
approximates the cost of training for a typical student.
What courses does Air
Center offer?
Air Center offers FAA certified
instructors and appropriate aircraft for training towards the Private
Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Airline Transport Pilot, and Flight Instructor
Certificates in single and multiengine aircraft. We also offer
instrument ratings and a variety of other courses as well. See the
links at the top of this page for more information on the courses we
offer.
What pitfalls should
I be aware of when starting training?
For most people, training is most
efficient, and also least expensive, when you schedule lessons about two
times a week. Flying requires skills which will regress if not used
regularly. As a result, interruptions in your training, whether caused
by a lack of funds or time, will delay your training. These delays will
incur more flight lessons and greater costs. Try to arrange your
schedule so that once you begin training you will have the time and
finances to push through to the completion of the course.
Another potential hang-up encountered in
training is a failure to obtain a medical. See an Aviation Medical
Examiner very early in your flight training (perhaps even before you
begin training) to ensure that you are qualified for a medical
certificate. If denied a medical you will either be unable to fly or
might need to wait for a waiver or an appeal to be granted.
Is flying safe?
Flying is as safe as the pilot makes it.
The vast majority of accidents in aviation are the result of pilot
error. These mistakes can be minimized through thorough training,
regular flying to maintain proficiency, and recurrent training.
Following these simple concepts will keep your mind sharp and yourself
out of trouble. Additionally, in the event of an emergency your
emergency procedures training will guide you through the necessary
trouble shooting and problem solving.
Where can I find
employment after my training is complete?
Pilots can legally be hired upon
obtaining their commercial license. Some pilots find employment at this
point flying aircraft for acquaintances or perhaps pipeline patrol or
banner towing. Many commercial pilots decide to continue on in their
training to obtain their Flight Instructor Certificate and teach flying
to gain experience. Some pilots make a career out of instructing.
Others move on to airline careers, flying for a corporation, or charter
operations. There are many options. With the mandatory retirement age
requirement of 65 for the baby boomer generation, pilot shortages are
forecast.
Who will my
instructor be?
Air Center’s flight instructors are all
FAA certified. Our instructors all have different personalities,
expertise and experience. It is important that you feel relaxed with
your instructor and that their background suits your needs. Generally
when you first visit us we will assign you with an instructor and this
pairing typically works well. If you would prefer to switch instructors
you should feel free to ask to do so. You are paying for this training
and should be happy with what you are getting.
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