FAQ's - Flight Training

Modesto Flight Center is a CATS testing facility.

Here are some questions most prospective pilots ask:

• Why Modesto Flight Center?
• What does it cost to learn to fly?
• What are the requirements to obtain my pilot's license?
• What airplane will I learn in?
• How do I get started?

Why Modesto Flight Center?

Modesto Flight Center is the premier full service FBO at the Modesto City-County Airport-Harry Sham Field. Our flight school is known for our well maintained aircraft and our team of dedicated Certified Flight Instructors. We are professional and thorough. Our goal is to make you a safe and knowledgeable private pilot by teaching you the skills that you can enjoy and build on for the rest of your life. You'll learn all the required rules and maneuvers of course, but when you have obtained your license through Modesto Flight Center, you will have a "feel" for flying shared by only the cream of the pilot crop. Modesto Flight Center has been in business for over 25 years and is a place to learn, chat, share friendships, and enjoy good food on Saturdays!

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What does it cost to learn to fly?

Some of the costs of obtaining your private pilot certificate will be the same at any school; an FAA medical exam, books and supplies, written test fee, and the practical examiner's fee. These items will total approximately $650. The biggest variables between schools are the cost of renting the training aircraft, and the actual instruction cost. At a minimum, the FAA requires 20 hours of dual instruction and 40 hours of flight time. Although some students do obtain their certificate in the minimum amount of time, the average is 50-60 hours.

One ofour objectives is to keep the cost of obtaining your certificate as reasonable as possible. We want to graduate enthusiastic, well-trained, new pilots. We feel that getting you started will pay benefits for both of us. We'll get a new customer for our other aviation products and services, and you'll have a skill that you'll enjoy for the rest of your life.

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What are the requirements to obtain my pilot's license?

• You must be at least 17 years of age to be eligible for your private pilot certificate. You can begin flight training before your 17th birthday, however.
• You need to obtain an FAA medical certificate from an FAA approved doctor. We know the approved doctors in this area and will provide you with their names.
• You must be able to read and understand the English language. English is the language of flight communications around the world.
• You will need at least 40 hours flying the aircraft. At least 20 hours must be with a Certified Flight Instructor, and a least 10 hours must be solo flight time including a cross country flight of 150 nautical miles or more.
• You will need to pass an examination consisting of multiple choice questions on various aviation topics including navigation, weather, communications, and airplane systems. You'll take this test after extensive dual and ground instruction and after studying the appropriate reference books. The questions won't be difficult when you and your instructor agree that you're ready to take the test. You'll take the test at Modesto Flight Center's on site CATS (Computer Assisted Testing Service) facility.
• You must successfully pass a practical test flying your aircraft with an FAA examiner. This is the "final exam". You will practice the specific tasks and maneuvers for this test until you and your flight instructor are comfortable that you will be completely successful.

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What airplane will I learn in?

Modesto Flight Center has a variety of aircraft, including tricycle gear, complex (retractable), and coming soon, multi-engine for every phase of your flight training. For details and photos, please visit our aircraft fleet page.

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How do I get started?

This is the easy part. Just come on in or give us a call. We'll match you up with one of our Certified Flight Instructors and show you the various aircraft available for training. After a brief orientation, you'll climb into the pilot's seat of the aircraft of your choice for an introductory flight. During your very first flight, you will do most of the flying under the guidance of your CFI. From then on, it's just a matter of scheduling your next lesson. Once your training is underway, we'll get you set up with the necessary books and supplies from our Pilot Shop and help you schedule that flight physical. You're on your way to becoming a private pilot!

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