Frequently Asked Questions

The journey to become a pilot is both exciting and demanding. Here are answers to the 50 most common questions prospective pilots often ask me:


“Personal and Lifestyle Concerns”

What’s the typical workload for a student pilot?  

If you’re in an accelerated program, expect a pretty focused schedule. You’ll be flying several times a week—maybe even daily—and dedicating time outside the cockpit to studying and reviewing what you’ve learned. On flying days, you might spend 2–4 hours total between preflight prep, the lesson itself, and post-flight debrief. Add another hour or two for ground study or reviewing lessons. 

The workload is manageable if you stay consistent and prioritize your training. It’s intense but also rewarding, especially when you see how quickly you’re progressing.  

What’s the biggest challenge students face during training?  

The biggest challenge is balancing everything—flying the plane, learning new concepts, and staying focused when things don’t go perfectly. For a lot of students, it’s about learning to manage the mental workload of doing multiple things at once, like flying the plane, navigating, and communicating with ATC.  

Another common hurdle is self-doubt. There’s always that one lesson or maneuver that doesn’t click right away, and it can be frustrating. But trust me—stick with it, and everything will come together. I’m here to guide you through those rough patches and help you stay confident.  

How safe is flight training?  

Flight training is very safe. The FAA has strict rules and procedures in place to ensure safety at every step of the process. The planes we train in are well-maintained, and as your instructor, I’m always there to make sure everything is under control.  

We’ll also spend a lot of time learning how to anticipate and manage risks, so safety becomes second nature for you as a pilot. Flying might seem intimidating at first, but as you gain skills and experience, you’ll see how much control and awareness you have.  

Can I train if I’m afraid of heights or nervous about flying?  

Yes, absolutely. Fear of heights or nervousness about flying is more common than you might think, and it doesn’t mean you can’t become a pilot. Flying in a plane is very different from standing on a tall building or ladder—you’re in an enclosed, secure space, and it feels more like sitting in a moving car than being exposed.  

If you’re nervous about flying, we’ll take it slow at first. I’ll help you get comfortable and build confidence one step at a time. Most students find that their fears fade quickly as they gain skills and start focusing on flying the plane instead of worrying about being in the air.