From Blue Horizons Flying Club, Toledo, OH

Overview

Learning to fly is easier than you might think. Many of our members joined the club to learn how to fly and have obtained their private pilot certificates. Several of our members have obtained instrument ratings, commercial pilot and flight instructor certificates through training with Blue-Horizons.

Several club members are also instructors. Members who seek instruction can make their own individual arrangements with instructors in pursuit of their training objectives. For more information, contact one of the club's authorized instructors.

You do not need to be a pilot to join our group. If you have the desire and commitment to learn to fly, you too can experience the dream of piloting an aircraft.

If weather and circumstances permit, you could be going up for your first flight lesson in a few days. Your first solo flight could follow in a few months.

There is only one moment greater than your first solo landing, and that is taxiing back to do it again!

How long is it going to take?

The typical student pilot in our club spends about 8 months from first flight to pilot's certificate in hand by flying occasional evenings and weekends. This varies tremendously by individual - weather also plays a large factor.

There is also a fair amount of self-study involved to learn the regulations, basic aerodynamics, weather, etc. None of it is really "hard", there's just a lot to know.

The more often you can fly, the better; you'll forget less between lessons and get your certificate closer to the minimum required number of hours (40).

What happens once I get my certificate?

Once you get your pilot's certificate you'll need to receive a few hours per year of instruction to stay current in the club. Beyond annual instruction, you should make a point of flying regularly to remain proficient. Planning to fly at least 40 hours per year is the easiest way to stay safe, have fun, and make the most of your certificate.

You'll also need an aviation medical exam ($100 or so) every 2 to 5 years, depending on your age.