Robert's first solo flight!

"This has been a phenomenal experience! Thank you for allowing the use of your aircraft for training! It is a TERRIFIC flying aircraft and it is probably the nicest trainer out there! I am counting the days till I get the fully endorsed license!!!" - Robert B.

Q. What are the main differences in a Sport Pilot certificate and a Private Pilot certificate?

A. These are the biggest differences:

• A Sport Pilot may only fly “Light Sport Aircraft.” A Private Pilot may fly larger aircraft.
• A Sport Pilot may not fly at night.
• A Sport Pilot may not fly at an altitude of over 10,000’ above sea level. In Atlanta that is about 1.3 miles above the ground.
  

Go to our "Sport Pilot or Private Pilot" page for a more detailed look at the differences. Come in for a Personal Training Plan for help determining which license is best for you.

Q. Can I get a Private Pilot Certificate at Atlanta Sport Flight?

A. YES! You can get a Private Pilot Certificate (a “license” to fly is called a “certificate.”) The Private Pilot Course basically includes everything in the Sport Pilot Course with the addition of more cross country navigation training, night flight, and basic instrument flight. We have a Private Pilot Course which uses the same brand and type of books and supplies (the kit costs $20 more.) The national average of flight time for earning a Sport Pilot certificate is near 30 while the Private Pilot certificate is in the upper 60’s.

Q. Is there an age restriction?

A. You must be 16 years old to solo an aircraft and 17 to take the test for your pilot certificate.

Q. If I get a Sport Pilot certificate, does that training also count toward a Private Pilot certificate?

A. YES! All of your training and experience as a Sport Pilot counts directly toward your Private Pilot certificate. If you decide to train for a more advanced certificate, none of your trainingis wasted!

Q. How much does flight training cost?

A. The costs, both in time and money, to earn a pilot certificate vary widely based on a number of factors. Chief among these are your aptitude, the frequency of your lessons, and how well you prepare and study at home.
To become a Sport Pilot you should plan to spend over $4,000 and plan to spend over $8,000 to earn your Private Pilot certificate. A “Personal Training Plan” is part of our $99 Discovery Flight package. As part of the Personal Training Plan, our instructor will break down the costs for you so that you fully know and understand the costs of achieving your certificate.

Q. I'm a resident alien in the U.S. on a visa.Can I get flight training at Atlanta Sport Flight? Where can I get information on TSA requirements for pilot training?

A. YES! Go to the TSA's"Alien Flight Student Program" provider page. Our students fall under the "Category 3" requirements.

Q. Can I come to the airport to meet an instructor and see an airplane?

A. Yes, but you need to make an appointment! Atlanta Sport Flight does not have staff or instructors at the field when the airplane is not flying. Ultimately, the cost of making instructors available when they are not instructing would be borne by our students. We believe that our students and renters appreciate our lower cost structure which allows us to offer you lower rental rates. So please call us at (404) 966-4622 and we will arrange a time when an instructor and aircraft are available for you.

Q. Can I travel to Atlanta to take a concentrated instructional course while staying at a hotel?

A. Not yet. We are preparing such a course, but we will not make a commitment to you that we are not yet able to fulfill. The biggest key to offering a concentrated course at Atlanta Sport Flight is having enough aircraft that aircraft availability is not an issue. When we have acquired additional aircraft (hopefully this Spring) we will be able to offer a concentrated course.

Q. How long will it take to get my pilot certificate?

A. You may achieve your Sport Pilot certificate in as little as a month. Make an appointment to talk with an instructor to get an estimate based on your needs, time, and budget.

Q. What is the best way to get started?

A. Come take a Discovery Flight! For a flat rate of $99 (no surprises; just sales tax) you may make an appointment to come fly the SportCruiser with one of our Certified Flight Instructors, see our training materials, and have your questions answered face-to-face.

Q. What is a Discovery Flight?

A. The flight itself will last 45 to 60 minutes. That's 45 - 60 minutes with the engine running, not including the time for a pre-flight inspection or securing the aircaft post-flight. Afterwards, your CFI will answer your questions about flight training and show you our flight training materials. The entire visit will last at least 1 1/2 hours but it frequently takes longer to answer all your questions.

While the Discovery Flight is not part of our instruction syllabus, you will be able to fly the aircraft yourself most of the time. The goals are to see if you enjoy flying, to try out the SportCruiser aircraft, and to become familiar with the flight training environment at Atlanta Sport Flight. There is no commitment and no hidden cost. It really is $99 +tax. To schedule your Discovery Flight, call us at (404) 966-4622.