FLIGHT TRAINING & AIRCRAFT RENTALS
BECOME A PILOT
A WHOLE NEW WORLD
"The most effective way to do it, is to do it."
- AMELIA EARHART
Let's Do It!
The initial step in your flight training journey is to schedule a discovery flight. This one-hour introductory lesson with a certified flight instructor will familiarize you with the training aircraft, take you on a local flight, and address any questions you may have about the process. Our discovery flights are priced at $120. Reach out to us today to book your Discovery Flight!
What's Next?
After your Discovery Flight, you can choose which path to certification you would like to choose. There are two primary certificates that you can earn at SaltAir in order to enjoy the privileges, challenges, and beauty of flying: the sport pilot and private pilot certificates. To be eligible to receive either certificate in a single-engine airplane, you must meet a few minimum requirements.
REQUIREMENTS
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Be 16 years old to fly solo.
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Be 17 years old to receive your pilot certificate.
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Read, speak, and understand English.
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Hold at least a third-class medical certificate for the private pilot certificate. Sport pilots must hold at least a current and valid U.S. driver’s license
LEARNING TO FLY
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Whatever certificate you decide to earn, you'll need to meet certain requirements for aeronautical knowledge, flight proficiency, and experience.
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You may purchase flight training materials recommended by your instructor or invest in ground school.
How Do I Choose?
Which certificate you choose to earn depends on why you want to fly. The sport pilot certificate is a good choice if you plan to fly locally for fun at your home airport and don't foresee traveling large distances by airplane; and if you plan on flying smaller, two-seat airplanes. If you plan an aviation career or want to fly long distances for business or pleasure, the private pilot certificate is the better choice. You can always start with the sport pilot certificate and later receive the additional training for a private pilot certificate.
Private Pilot Certificate
40 HOUR FLIGHT TIME MINIMUM
A private pilot certificate is like a driver's license. It allows you to fly almost anywhere in the United States and even outside the United States when you comply with regulations of the foreign country where the aircraft is operated. You can carry any number of passengers, and you can share certain operating expenses with your passengers. A private pilot has fewer limitations than a sport pilot. Although there are currency and medical requirements to make sure you stay proficient and healthy, only a few other factors affect when and where you can fly.
One restriction to a private pilot's freedom of flight comes from Mother Nature—the weather. You can fly in some weather conditions but not others, at least not without additional training. As a private pilot, you can’t fly in the clouds unless you earn an instrument rating: If it's raining outside and you can't see the neighbor's house through the fog, you shouldn't be wandering around in the sky unless you've been trained in the fine art of flight in instrument meteorological conditions.
With a private pilot certificate, you can fly at night. Without a doubt, a crystal-clear, moonlit night is one of the most spectacular and beautiful times to fly.
Instrument Rating
Fly in Inclement Weather
MUST HOLD A PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATE
Earning an instrument rating is guaranteed to be one of the most challenging, rewarding, and fun projects a pilot takes on during a lifetime in aviation.
Flying in IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions) is just as safe as flying when the weather is clear and beautiful! But it can only be safe if you are prepared. At SaltAir, we will prepare you for more than your check ride. We will prepare you to be the best possible Instrument rated pilot that you can be so that you will be sure to safely arrive at your destination.
Sport Pilot Certificate
Sport pilots may fly two-seat aircraft called light sport aircraft.
The Sport Pilot Certificate was created in 2004 as a simpler, less expensive way to fly. This certificate requires fewer hours of training than the private pilot certificate, and sport pilots enjoy many of the same privileges as private pilots.
The certificate does, however, come with limitations. Sport pilots may only fly smaller, slower one- or two-seat aircraft classified as light sport aircraft; during good weather; and not at night.
A sport pilot certificate can cut the costs of training and get new pilots in the air faster. Light sport aircraft generally have lower operating costs than comparable larger aircraft, and while sport pilots need a current and valid driver’s license, they do not need to go through the recurring medical certification process. This license may be right for you if you plan to fly recreationally and don’t plan on taking more than one passenger with you. Plus, it’s easy to step up to a private pilot certificate with some additional training.
20 HOUR FLIGHT TIME MINIMUM
Need More Information?
Call our office at (828) 962-0211 or email us at saltairaircraft@gmail.com. We can help you get started and answer your questions!