A&E Flying Club FAQs (frequently-asked questions)

Learning to fly a single-engine airplane is usually accomplished by visiting FBOs (Fixed-Base Operators) in your area and selecting one for your instruction. Costs vary widely by geographic area, and also because different individuals take different amounts of time to learn to fly. You should expect earning your private pilot's license will cost between $3,500 to $5,500. FAA regulations require that you log AT LEAST 40hrs of flight time before you take your checkride however the typical student will have between 50 and 70 hrs before they take their test. It will take about 50-70 hours of flying time of which about 15-20 hours will be solo (on your own) and the rest with an instructor spread out over a period of 3-6 months depending upon how often you can fly and how intensely you study.

You must select and hire a club-approved instructor. A list of club-approved instructors is published regularly by the club. You should work with the instructor you select to plan for the training you seek. Arrange for the instructor to arrive when you have an airplane scheduled and you are all set.

It means that the instructor has been approved by a vote of the general membership to instruct in the club aircraft. The club Executive Board may grant interim approval of an instructor to permit instruction until the next general membership meeting. The instructor must first have been recommended by a member in good standing, must have taken a familiarization flight with the club's Chief Flight Instructor resulting in recommendation for approval, and must demonstrate knowledge of club operations and express willingness to convey that knowledge to members under instruction. Instructors are usually included on the club roster as "Special Members" (non-voting). Instructors may also join as regular members with all of the normal privileges and obligations of membership. Either membership status provides insurance coverage for fight training operations.

As a member you may sponsor additional instructors for the club's approval if you wish.

Flight training and aircraft checkout is both challenging and rewarding. It can, however, be stressful and difficult and disappointing for either you or your instructor. The following is a summary of who brings what to the training experience. It should help you quickly sort through any problems that may arise.

Equipment failures, maintenance, aircraft safety and scheduling problems should be taken up with your fellow club members. You and the club membership usually run a first class operation. Do not settle for less. Remember, you, through your affiliation with A & E Flying Club, supply the airplanes.

Personality problems, punctuality, poor organization, or presentation should be taken up with your instructor. Problems of this type call for you to take action. Recommendations for improvement are usually more effective than faultfinding, but when they fail to bring about the desired result, other action may be called for. You hired the instructor, and you may fire the instructor. You may wish to discuss the problem with the Chief Flight Instructor who is appointed by the club for the purpose of resolving issues that arise between students and instructors. Any serious problems of safety, substance abuse, etc.should obviously be reported to club officers for action.

The A & E Flying Club does not rent aircraft, sell flight instructions or flight training packages as a fixed base operator or flight school may. The club supports your use of club aircraft for your training. As a member of the club and an aircraft owner, A&E aircraft are available for your educational purposes, recreational fun and personal travel.

Contact the Membership Chairman or a Club Instructor to find out more.