Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most, from your first flight through professional training.
Discovery Flights
No. Discovery Flights are designed exclusively for first-time flyers and require no previous flight experience. Your certified flight instructor will guide you through every step, making it the perfect introduction to aviation.
Yes. While your instructor is always in command of the aircraft, you’ll have the opportunity to take the controls during your flight and experience what it’s like to fly.
Pricing is dependent on what package you choose:
The Adventure Flight Experience starts at $225.
The Future Pilot Premium Experience starts at $275.
Flight times vary by package and location. Most Discovery Flight experiences include approximately two hours at the airport, with 30 to 60 minutes of flight time depending on the package you choose.
Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. We also recommend bringing sunglasses, especially for daytime flights.
Additional passengers may be accommodated on select Discovery Flight experiences for an additional $40 fee. Availability depends on the aircraft and weight and balance limitations.
Absolutely. Discovery Flights make a unique gift for birthdays, graduations, holidays, anniversaries, and anyone who has ever dreamed of flying.
No, but it’s highly recommended. A Discovery Flight gives you the opportunity to experience flying firsthand, meet an instructor, and decide if flight training is the right fit before making a larger commitment.
Safety always comes first. If weather conditions are not suitable, we’ll happily reschedule your flight for the next available date.
After purchasing your Discovery Flight, our team will contact you to schedule a date and time that works best for you. We offer Discovery Flights throughout the week based on aircraft and instructor availability.
Private Pilot Certificate
No. Many of our students begin with no prior aviation experience. Our Private Pilot Certificate program is designed to take you from your first flight through earning your certificate, regardless of your experience level.
To begin training, you’ll need:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or TSA approval
- Training materials (we recommend the American Flight Schools Complete Essentials Bundle)
Before your first solo flight, you’ll also need:
- FAA Third Class Medical Certificate
- FAA Student Pilot Certificate
Students commonly train in Cessna 172s, Piper Warriors, Piper Archers, Diamond DA40s, and Seminole. Aircraft availability varies by location, giving students access to one of the largest and most diverse training fleets in the country.
Absolutely. Many of our students train while balancing work, school, or family commitments. Our flexible scheduling makes it possible to train at a pace that fits your lifestyle.
Yes. One of the most memorable milestones in flight training is your first solo flight. Before flying on your own, your instructor will ensure you’ve demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to fly safely.
Yes. Once you’ve earned your Private Pilot Certificate, you may fly passengers for personal and recreational purposes. While private pilots cannot be compensated for flying, passengers may share eligible flight expenses in accordance with FAA regulations.
A Discovery Flight is the perfect introduction to aviation if you’re unsure whether flight training is right for you. You’ll meet with a Certified Flight Instructor, take the controls of the aircraft, and experience what it’s like to fly before committing to training.
Instrument Rating
While it’s not required in every circumstance, most pilots earn their Instrument Rating before beginning commercial training. Many professional flying opportunities also expect pilots to hold an Instrument Rating.
Training timelines vary based on your experience, proficiency, training frequency, weather, and examiner availability. The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, though many pilots require additional training before they’re ready for the checkride.
Not every student will incorporate simulator training into their program. When used, up to 20 hours may be applied toward the FAA’s instrument training requirements, providing a cost-effective way to build proficiency in instrument procedures, approaches, and emergency scenarios.
Absolutely. Many of our students train around work, school, and family commitments. Our flexible scheduling allows you to progress at a pace that fits your availability.
Many pilots continue into a Commercial Pilot Certificate, followed by additional ratings such as Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Multi-Engine, or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), depending on their aviation goals.
Commercial Pilot Certificate
No. An Instrument Rating isn’t required, but it is strongly recommended. Most professional pilots earn their Instrument Rating first because it removes operational limitations and prepares them for more advanced flying.
Under FAA Part 61, Commercial Pilot applicants must meet specific flight experience requirements before taking the practical exam, including a minimum of 250 total flight hours. Your instructor will help ensure you meet all requirements before your checkride.
Commercial Pilot training timelines vary based on your current flight experience, training frequency, and individual proficiency. Because students begin Commercial training with different levels of flight experience, there isn’t a standard training timeline. Your instructor will develop a training plan based on your experience and goals.
Every student’s investment is different because training is based on reaching FAA proficiency standards. Costs vary based on your training location, aircraft selection, current flight experience, and individual progress. Contact us for a personalized estimate based on your training goals.
Yes. A Commercial Pilot Certificate allows you to be compensated for many types of flying, including charter operations, aerial survey, cargo, sightseeing flights, agricultural aviation, and other commercial operations. Some positions, such as flight instruction, require additional certifications.
Many pilots continue by earning their Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate to build flight experience while teaching others. From there, they often pursue additional ratings and eventually meet the requirements for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate and airline opportunities.
Multi-Engine Rating
No. A Multi-Engine Rating can be added to a Private, Commercial, or Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. However, many pilots choose to earn it after completing their Commercial Pilot Certificate and Instrument Rating.
Training timelines vary based on your experience, proficiency, and training frequency. Because there are no FAA minimum training hour requirements for a Multi-Engine add-on rating, every student’s training plan is personalized.
Depending on your training program and goals, simulator training may be incorporated to reinforce multi-engine procedures before transitioning to the aircraft.
American Flight Schools conducts Multi-Engine training in the Piper Seminole, one of the industry’s most respected multi-engine training aircraft.
Many pilots continue building multi-engine experience, pursue a Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) certificate, or continue toward airline, corporate, charter, and other professional flying opportunities.
Certified Flight Instructor
Flight instruction allows pilots to build valuable flight experience while earning income. It is one of the most common pathways toward airline, corporate, charter, and other professional aviation careers.
No. There are many ways to build flight time, including charter, aerial survey, cargo, and other commercial flying jobs. However, becoming a CFI remains one of the most popular and accessible pathways.
Training timelines vary based on your current ratings, experience, proficiency, and training frequency. Because there are no FAA minimum training hour requirements for the initial CFI certificate, every student’s training plan is personalized.
- CFI allows you to teach Private and Commercial Pilot students.
- CFII allows you to teach Instrument Rating students.
- MEI allows you to teach pilots in multi-engine aircraft.
Many professional instructors eventually earn all three certifications.
Yes. Once you’ve earned your CFI certificate and meet applicable employment requirements, you can begin providing flight instruction.
Many instructors continue building flight time while teaching before pursuing airline, corporate aviation, charter, cargo, or other professional flying opportunities once they meet experience requirements.
Professional Pilot Program
A Professional Pilot Program provides a structured training path with coordinated scheduling, bundled pricing, and a clear progression through each certificate and rating. While students can train one certificate at a time, many choose a professional program to simplify planning and stay on track toward their long-term career goals.
Training timelines vary based on your schedule, lesson frequency, weather, and individual progress. Students who train consistently can often complete their professional pilot training in approximately 12–18 months, while others may take longer depending on their availability and training pace.
Program pricing ranges from $79,900 to $99,900, depending on the training package you choose. Each Flight Level includes additional certificates and ratings that build upon the previous level.
Program pricing is based on FAA Part 61 minimum flight hour requirements. Additional flight or instructor time beyond program minimums is billed at current rates. Students who already hold a Private Pilot Certificate may qualify for reduced pricing.
No. The Professional Pilot Program is designed for students starting with no prior flight experience. You’ll begin with your Private Pilot Certificate and progress through each certification in sequence.
Each Flight Level builds upon the previous one by adding additional certifications and ratings. Students can choose the level that best aligns with their career goals and continue advancing as their experience grows.
No. While many students choose a complete Professional Pilot Program package, you can also complete training one certificate or rating at a time.
The Professional Pilot Program prepares you with the certificates and ratings needed to begin building professional flight experience. Most aspiring airline pilots continue building flight hours—often as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)—before meeting Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) eligibility requirements.
Our team can help you compare each program and recommend the training path that best fits your career goals, timeline, and budget.
Specialty Training
Most specialty training programs are designed for certificated pilots. Some courses require additional certificates, ratings, or flight experience. Our team can help determine which program is right for you.
Program availability varies by campus, aircraft, and instructor. We’ll help you find the location that offers the training you’re interested in.
Depending on the program and aircraft, specialty training may be completed in your own aircraft. Contact us to discuss your specific training needs.
Training length varies by program. Some courses can be completed in a single day, while others involve multiple training sessions based on your experience and objectives.
Pricing varies depending on the program, aircraft, instructor time, and location. We’ll provide a customized estimate based on your training goals.
Rentals & Membership
No. Pilots who fly occasionally can rent as Guest (Non-Member) renters.
If you fly regularly—generally more than once each month—the discounted aircraft and instructor rates often offset the monthly membership cost.
Yes. Visiting pilots are welcome after completing the required checkout and paperwork.
Yes. International pilots who meet FAA requirements and complete our checkout process are welcome to rent aircraft.
Yes. Depending on availability and your qualifications, renters may fly from multiple American Flight Schools locations.
Still have a question?
Our team is glad to talk through training paths, pricing, and scheduling.