Q: How do I get started?
A: At Coastal Air we offer an Introductory Flight Lesson, during which you will get to fly the plane with the assistance of an FAA Certified Flight Instructor. Priced at $99, it's an affordable way of fly a small plane for the first time. Or maybe you want to really immerse yourself right from the start, take our full 1 hour Introductory Flight Lesson for only $180.
Q: Will I be able to fly the airplane after my first lesson?
A: You will be flying the airplane not only after but also during your first flight lesson under your instructor's supervision! Depending on the wind conditions and your desire, your instructor may even allow you to perform the take-off during your first lesson. After only a few hours of instruction, you will work on communications, navigation, taxiing, taking off, and landing. Learning how to fly is an intense, rewarding experience that all pilots remember fondly.
Q: What are the requirements to become a pilot in the U.S.?
A: Most people meet the requirements to become a licensed pilot in the U.S.
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You may start training at any age.
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You can solo upon reaching your 16th birthday. You must be 17 to get the Private Pilot's License.
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You must be able to read and speak English (the language of Air Traffic Control).
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You must provide a valid passport or an original birth certificate. This is a recent requirement from the Transportation Security Administration due to September 11th.
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If you're not a US citizen, you must meet the requirements per the Transportation Safety Administration's regulations. (further information available upon request)
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Pass a basic medical exam prior to solo flight, administered by an FAA approved doctor.
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Strong desire to learn
Q: How much does it cost to get my license?
A: Learning to fly is not inexpensive; however, you pay as you go so you can manage the cost by booking lessons when you can afford them. The more frequently you fly, the better, since you will retain more from lesson to lesson. However, we do have several students who fly infrequently because they must save for every lesson. The desire to fly can be very strong!
The FAA has requirements for each of the various pilots' licenses. They specify skill capabilities and aeronautical experience (flight time). If you were to get your Private Pilot's License in the legal minimum, it would cost approximately $7,000 and take 40 flight hours. However, nationwide the average flight time to get the "Private" is over 75 hours. At Coastal Air, we are producing pilots in 55-70 hours at a cost of $10,000 - $12,000. When we meet, we will give you all of our tips for obtaining your license as quickly as suits you and as economically as possible.
Q: How long does it take to get my license?
A: A student takes approximately 40 lessons to get their license. A lesson will be anywhere between 1.0 hr and 1.5 hrs, depending on what the lesson calls for. If you fly three times per week, it will take 3-4 months. If you fly once a week, it can take 9-12 months. The schedule is up to you.
Q: What kind of aircraft do you have?
A: We have 2 Piper Cherokee 140's, and 2 Piper Cherokee 180's; 4 seat, low-wing, single engine airplanes. The Cherokee is a great plane to train in for several reasons, but an added bonus is that it is a relatively inexpensive plane to operate, which means it keeps the cost down for you. . always a good thing!
Q: What licenses do you offer?
A: We offer a wide range of fixed-wing aircraft licenses at Coastal Air. The first license you would typically get is the Private Pilot's License. From there we offer the Instrument, Commercial, Multi-Engine, Airline Transport Pilot, and even instructor ratings.
Q: What can I do with my license?
A: The Private Pilot License is often called a license to learn. It allows you to rent an aircraft, by yourself or with family and friends, and fly outside of the clouds. With it, you can take a trip out to Block Island or Nantucket for lunch, fly down to the Outer Banks of North Carolina for the weekend, or just fly around and enjoy the beautiful sites we have so close to home.
Q: What is the next step after I get my license?
A: Most people fly local day flights and longer exploratory flights with friends and family after getting their Private. When time, opportunity, and desire meet, they pursue the next license, the Instrument Flight Rules certificate which allows a pilot to fly through clouds to get to their destination.
Q: Can I rent an aircraft or do I have to own one?
A: After getting your Private Pilot's License, we (and thousands of other flight schools) would be more than happy to rent an aircraft to you at an hourly rate. You only pay for the time the propeller is turning.
Q: When can I schedule lessons?
A: Here at Coastal Air we train 7 days a week, year round. Lessons can be scheduled from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, for standard lessons, and into the night when lessons require. In short, we work to accomodate your schedule.
Q: Will I always have the same instructor?
A: We will try to find an instructor who can meet your schedule and who is well suited for you. Once that is done, you will fly most lessons with "your" instructor. However, should a schedule conflict arise, we do have other instructors available for you to fly with, if you so choose.
Q: Is the Groton/New London Airport a good airport for flight training?
A: When evaluating airports to do flight training, you could not ask for one better than Groton/New London. Groton/New London Airport has an operating control tower which allows you to experience the radio communications and operating procedures day in and day out. Most airports with a control tower are busy and congested, creating a stressful environment for training. Furthermore, more air traffic means delays and for you that means money wasted; not the case at the Groton/New London Airport. With no commercial service at the Groton/New London Airport, traffic stays light which means more money in your pocket. When you're far enough along in your training and ready, busier airports like Providence and Islip are a short flight away for us to travel to and experience all the congestion.
Q: Where can I sign up?
A: Give us a call at (860) 445-7315 and we'll set you up with your first flight! We look forward to seeing you and once again, thank you for your interest in Coastal Air.
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