How hard is learning to fly?

Learning to fly is challenging, but it is a skill almost anyone can acquire. Generally speaking, the basics of flying are said to be harder than driving a car, but easier than sailing a boat. The main ingredients of a good pilot are not fast reflexes or eagle-like vision, but good judgement, and a willingness to learn. A good sense of humor helps too.

How long does it take to get a license?

By flying every day you could do it in two weeks or so. More typically it takes between 3 and 6 months of part time, usually weekend, flying and study. The most important thing, particularly early in the process is to fly frequently, twice a week if possible for the first two or three weeks. Playing with Microsoft Flight Simulator helps a lot, as does having pilot friends take you flying.

What can I do once I have my license?

Almost anything, except fly in cloudy weather and fly for pay (that requires advanced ratings). You can take trips, take friends for rides, fly at night, or go on to instrument and commercial ratings. Many of our pilots take up aerobatics, or fly vintage airplanes. From Novato within one hour's flight you can get to Tahoe, Mendocino, or Monterey. Fly a little longer and Ashland Oregon, Santa Barbara or Los Angeles are easy destinations. We have had pilots take our airplanes to the Grand Canyon, to Idaho, Montana and the San Juan Islands. We are blessed with over 5000 little airports all over the US.

What does it take to get a pilots license?

You need a simple 20 minute physical. If you are in decent health and can pass the DMV's eye test with or without glasses, you will pass. Issues with the physical exam are extremely rare and if any do crop up, its usually a problem you should really have looked at anyway. You then need a minimum of 20 hours of flight instruction and 20 additional hours of practice flying time. You need to pass a written test which you can study for at home with DVD or CD based courses, or you can take a ground school class. The first is more convenient, the second, more fun. And finally you take a practical test with an examiner.

How much does it cost to get a license?

Generally it costs between $8000 and $9000. If you pass your written early, and fly as often as you can it will cost less. If you delay the written and can only fly infrequently it will cost more. Most pilots will tell you that the process of learning is incredibly fun and if it takes a little longer that's okay.

How does aiplane rental work?

You only pay for the time you have the engine running. Unlike most things you rent, you can fly the airplane away for a weekend for example, and while you may have it for 48 hours, you only pay for the time the engine is on. Almost all your expense are covered in the rental fee, gas, oil and insurance. All you pay for in addition is overnight parking (generally $5 a night).

What does "wet rate" mean?

The term "wet" typically means that the cost of fuel is included in the rental rate. The aircraft are kept fueled and ready to go when you need them. If you need to purchase fuel at another airport, you simply include the slip with the rental document for automatic reinbursement.