FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)
What are the minimum requirements to learn to fly?
What is the estimated cost to obtain my license?
What is it like to fly in a small airplane?
What methods of payment do you accept?
Is there any financing available?
What types of planes do you have and what are the rates?
Where are you located (Map and directions)?
What are the minimum requirements to learn to fly?
Age Requirements
- If you are under 16, you may only fly with an instructor
- 16 years or older allows you to attain a student certificate and solo
- You must be at least 17 years old to be eligible for a private pilot's certificate
- There is no maximum age (you're never too old)
- There are no age restrictions on ground school
Medical Requirements
A minimum Third Class Medical Certificate is required before you may solo. The exam is given by an FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) approved physician with a focus on vision, hearing and overall physical condition.
Click here to view a list of available physicians in the area.
Education Requirements
There are no special education requirements needed to learn to fly. The FAA requires that pilots read and speak English fluently.
Flight Training Requirements
- The FAA requires that a student complete a minimum of 40 hours of training consisting of 20 hours of dual instruction, 10 hours of solo instruction and 10 hours of either as determined by the Flight Instructor.
- On average in the US, most students require about 65 to 70 hours of training. This is primarily due to the fact that at busy airports or in busy airspaces, students have to spend a lot more time waiting for clearances. Our average at New Spirit is 55 to 60 hours. Since Lincolnton and Lake Norman are non-towered fields, you will be able to keep your patterns tight and maximize your in flight training hours!
What is the estimated cost to obtain my license?
The cost varies from student to student and depends upon which plane you fly. Below is based upon the minimum hours but as described above the actual hours required are up to the student. Proper study and preparation will go a long way towards keeping your costs down. Listed below is an estimated cost of obtaining your Private Certificate.
Private License based on 50 hours of flying: 30 dual / 10 solo / 10 of your choice
| Item | Based on Cessna 172 | Based on Cessna 152 |
| Aircraft Rental | $4,250.00 | $3,250.00 |
| Flight Instruction | $960.00 | $960.00 |
| Medical | $75.00 | $75.00 |
| Gleim Private Pilot Kit We are a Gleim Distributor |
$130.00 | $130.00 |
| Written test via LaserGrade Computer Testing Center |
$80.00 | $80.00 |
| Check Ride (Estimated 2.5 Hrs Aircraft Rental and FAA Examiner) |
$500.00 | $450.00 |
| Estimated Total | $5,995.00 * | $4,945.00 * |
* Monthly payments can be arranged through Pilot Finance, Inc.
What is it like to fly in a small airplane?
See for yourself! See the links below to view videos of several procedures. Remember, these are large files and may take a few moments to load. You need Windows Media Player to open them.
Start Check - Watch Roger Pipkin complete the startup checklist.
Take Off - Watch Roger Pipkin execute a normal takeoff on a hazy summer day.
Landing - Watch Roger Pipkin execute a landing.
All videos were filmed at Lincoln County airport (IPJ) in the Cessna 172.
What methods of payment do you accept?
- American Express, Visa and Master Card
- Pay as you go with cash or personal check
- Financing available through Pilot Finance, Inc.
Is there any financing available?
Premier Air accepts American Express, Visa, Mastercard and personal checks and we also offer a program from Pilot Finance, Inc. which allows students to take lessons on a regular schedule while avoiding the shock to their checkbook or credit card. Their programs are designed for students to take one to five flight lessons per week. For the most common schedule of two to three lessons per week the monthly payments will be in the $100 to $200 range. Whatever your personal financial circumstances, Premier Air will work with you to design a program to get you off the ground and into the air!
What types of planes do you have and what are the rates?
Please refer to the Aircraft page.
Where are you located (Map and directions)?
Premier air is located at Lincoln County Regional Airport (KIPJ) and Lake Norman Airport (K14A) which are both outstanding airports for students. Both airports are fully staffed. Lincoln County has a 5,000 x 100 foot paved runway with excellent lighting for night training. Lake Norman has 3147 x 40 foot paved runway with lights. You will almost always have fellow pilots around who can be a great source of inspiration and encouragement. Follow the links below for airport information and driving directions.
Google Maps to Lincoln County Regional Airport (KIPJ)
Google Maps to Lake Norman Airport (K14A)
If you are an AOPA member:
Airport/Facility Directory Information on Lincoln County
Who are the instructors?
Please refer to the Staff page.
How long will it take?
This is a tough question to answer in terms of calendar days or months. As you saw from the budget information above, you can expect a minimum of 40 hours. The average is probably between 50 to 60 hours. If you can fly 2 to 3 times per week, you will likely complete the training in about 2 months. If you can only fly on weekends, given weather delays, it might take you twice as long. Both weather and your own schedule have a significant bearing on the total time required.