Can I bring friends or family on flights during training?  

There aren’t any rules against it, and we occasionally bring other CFIs along on flights so we can observe and improve our teaching. But honestly, it’s not a great idea. During training, you’ll be operating at the very peak of your mental concentration and acuity, especially as you’re learning new skills and practicing maneuvers. Even small distractions can have a big impact on your focus and progress.  

I’d recommend waiting until you’ve completed your training and are confident taking passengers on your own. That way, you can really enjoy the experience of sharing your love of flying with friends and family, knowing you’re fully prepared to keep them safe.  

How do I transition from recreational flying to professional aviation?  

The first step is to build a strong foundation with your Private Pilot Certificate. From there, you’ll work on additional ratings, like your instrument rating (which lets you fly in more challenging weather) and your Commercial Pilot Certificate (which allows you to get paid for flying).  

Once you have the necessary ratings and hours, you can start looking at entry-level professional flying jobs, like becoming a flight instructor or flying for a charter service. From there, you can build more experience and work your way into roles like corporate flying or airlines.  

The key is to stay focused, keep learning, and take advantage of networking opportunities along the way. It’s a journey, but it’s an incredibly rewarding one if you’re passionate about aviation.  

What’s the difference between flying single-engine and multi-engine aircraft?  

Flying a single-engine aircraft is simpler and perfect for learning the basics. Multi-engine aircraft, on the other hand, are faster, more powerful, larger, and more complex. In straight-and-level flight, the two aren’t that different—you’re still managing the plane and flying safely from Point A to Point B.  

But that changes quickly when you lose an engine, which is the principal focus of multi-engine training. Handling asymmetric thrust and learning how to safely control and land the aircraft on one engine adds a whole new level of skill and precision.  

For me, multi-engine training was some of the most fun I’ve ever had while flying. Being able to put the airplane down on the paint with a single engine was a huge accomplishment, and it’s something I’ll never forget. If you’re up for the challenge, multi-engine training is an exciting next step in your aviation journey.  

How will I know when I’m ready for solo flights?  

You’ll know you’re ready when both you and I are confident in your skills. You’ll need to demonstrate that you can take off, fly, and land safely without assistance, and that you can handle basic emergencies on your own.  

We’ll spend plenty of time practicing and reviewing before your first solo, so by the time we get there, you won’t feel nervous—you’ll feel ready. It’s one of the biggest milestones in your training, and trust me, you’ll never forget that first solo flight.  

What’s the most rewarding part of learning to fly?  

The most rewarding part? That moment when it all clicks. For some people, it’s the first time they take off and feel the freedom of being in the air. For others, it’s their first solo flight or the day they pass their checkride.  

Flying is such a unique experience—it’s challenging, exciting, and incredibly fulfilling all at once. For me, the most rewarding part is watching students go from being nervous beginners to confident pilots who can look back and say, “Wow, I did that.” There’s nothing else like it.  

How do I get started and what do I do first?

Getting started is easy, and I’ll walk you through everything step by step. The first thing to do is schedule a discovery flight. This is a low-pressure, introductory lesson where you’ll get a feel for what flying is really like and see if it’s something you’re passionate about. Trust me, once you’re in the air, you’ll know.

Next, we’ll talk about your goals—whether you want to fly for fun or as a career—and come up with a plan that works for you. From there, the first big steps are:

1. Get an FAA Medical Certificate: You’ll need this to fly solo, so it’s a good idea to schedule the exam early.

2. Start Ground School: This is where you’ll learn all the theory behind flying, like aerodynamics, navigation, and weather.

3. Begin Flight Training: Once you’ve got your medical and a solid start on ground school, you’ll be ready to jump into the cockpit and start working toward your Private Pilot Certificate.

If you’re ready to take that first step, reach out, and let’s get your discovery flight on the calendar. From there, we’ll handle everything together.