Generally, you will start with a ground lesson on the knowledge and flight goal for the day (1 – 2 hours). Then its into the aircraft after your preflight checks to practice maneuvers. Ascend uses a well-defined syllabus for all certificates and ratings so you will always know what you will be doing and what to review for the next lesson.

Yes! With Ascend there is never any commitment. You can book an Introductory Flight lesson with one of our certified instructors and experience what it's like to fly an airplane around the area for as long (or short) as you like. You only pay for the time you spend with the instructor. It's the best way to see if flying is right for you – We think you will get hooked!.

For the Private Pilot Certificate, 40 hours is the minimum required by the FAA. Ascend has trained many students within that requirement. Most students take more time to complete (10-30 hours) due to other work and lifestyle commitments. Ascend will work with your schedule to ensure you achieve your certification goals.

For the Private Pilot Certificate, costs vary based on how much instruction you will need to get ready for your flight examination – minimum time verses a more average scenario. ·       Aircraft rental – 40 to 55 hours, $10,000 to $13,750 ·       Flight Instructor – 50 to 60 hours, $4,250 to $5,100 ·       Medical exam – $150 ·       Written exam – $175 ·       Headset & other flight gear (Maps, Flight Computer, Electronic Flight Bag ect)– Cost Varies* ·       Non-owned renters’ insurance required for solo flights – ~$500 ·       FAA check flight – $800 Total: $16,075 – $20,675 *NOTE: The price of headsets and flight gear can vary dramatically depending on personal taste and features. Your CFI will guide you through the options.

For flight training, there is too little, but also too much believe it or not. To stay proficient and finish efficiently, at least 2–3 lessons per week is our recommendation. This minimizes the ‘refresher time’.

The FAA minimum is 40 hours, but most students need about 55 hours to become proficient and pass their checkride confidently. Flying regularly and studying consistently helps reduce the total time and cost.

An instrument rating typically takes 2 to 4 months for full-time students, or 3 to 6 months part-time. You'll need at least 50 hours of cross-country time as PIC and 40 hours of instrument time, but much of this can overlap with other training. If you already have a strong foundation, the process is streamlined.

Becoming a Commercial Pilot usually takes 3 to 6 months once you've logged the required flight time (typically 250 total hours). Many students build time through aircraft rental or additional training while working toward their Commercial Certificate.

CFI training takes around 2 to 3 months for most students, depending on how quickly you can master the teaching material. You'll already need a Commercial Certificate to begin. Our CFI students can go on to teach at Ascend Aviation and build valuable experience while earning income.

Yes, you must pass an FAA physical exam (Class 3 or higher) to obtain a student pilot certificate. This must be completed prior to doing your first solo flight. After obtaining your first FAA Medical Certificate, future medical certificates can be provided by your personal physician if your not exercising commercial or higher privileges.

Unfortunately, not for your first medical certificate. You'll need a medical exam from an FAA-authorized Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) for that. The good news is your medical is good for 5-years (under 40 years old) or 2-years (over 40 years old). It does become more complicated for a Commercial license (shorter valid periods), but most folks do not have any problems. If you do have medical issues, you can still receive FAA medical authorization, but it takes a little longer to gain approvals.

Yes. Many pilots wear glasses. As long as your vision is correctable to the FAA standard (20/30 private, 20/20 commercial), you can fly. Just remember-you'll need to have your corrective lenses with you when you fly.

You can start lessons at any age, but you must be 16 to fly alone (solo) and 17 to receive your private pilot certificate.

Definitely. Many of our instructors are experienced in a wide range of aircraft. If your aircraft is properly maintained and insured, we're happy to train you in it. Even better, Ascend can help you find, inspect, and ferry the airplane with our ‘Buyer’s Services’ consulting business.

Yes. We offer gift certificates for Introductory Flights, lessons and toward an aircraft rental. It's a perfect gift for the aspiring pilot in your life. Contact us to learn more.