BOERNE STAGE AERO SERVICE

Flight Training

Consider the 40 hr Private Pilot

or the 20 hr SLSA Certificate

The FAA Regulations require:

• 20 hours of dual, which will include dual cross country and night training
• 20 hours of solo, which will include your cross county time and other solo requirements.

Let’s suppose you make it in the minimum time, here’s the math based on a $95/hr aircraft and $40/hr CFI:

• 20 x [95+40] = $2700 DUAL, your time with an instructor
• 20 x 95 = $1900 SOLO, your time as Pilot in Command

Books $250
Examiner $350
Exam rental $150

TOTAL $5350.00

A daunting challenge. More realistically, though, you’ll be looking at about $6900.00. This gives you an extra 10 or 15 hours solo mixed with some dual and practice time you’ll probably need, and catch up time for those long gaps that come up when there’s a crisis at home or severe weather limiting your time up.

Beware the "revolving door CFI". There's a purpose for big, production line flight schools. But it will cost you more, and quite often you'll have several instructors before you finish. This increases costs as each CFI has his own "particulars" and you'll have to prove your competency to the new CFI every time they change you. We don't fault the CFI moving up the ladder and taking off for his next career move, but short tenure turnover is something we try to avoid at Boerne, and it is more likely than not that you will finish with the CFI you start with when you train here.

The SLSA certificate require 15 hours dual and 5 hours solo. Instructor rates are the same but the aircraft rental is $69/hr, for $1980 plus books, examiner, etc., for $2730.00. Still, allow for some extra hours solo time beyond the published minimums. Very few make it in the minimum time.

It can cost more if flying is difficult for you to grasp. It’s like singing, not everyone can carry a tune, and some folks couldn’t find middle C if you pounded it for them on the piano continually. This same genetic challenge occurs with one’s ability to manage an aircraft. It does happen, but you’ll likely know after a few hours of dual whether or not you’re cut out to become a pilot. You’re instructor will be patient and will never rush you, but sooner or later you’ll need to know if you can solo, and usually YOU are the best judge of whether or not to continue.

It is the most fun you’ll have for a long time to come, and you’ll soon see why so many youngsters start their careers early flying at the local field close to home, which Boerne and Northwest San Antonio is lucky to have at Boerne Stage Field.

For more information or a personal answer to a question, please click flyme@5c1.net and send us an e-mail.

BOERNE STAGE AERO
400 Boerne Stage Field
Boerne, TX 78006
830-981-2345 x21 830-755-8108 fax