Affordable Flying Becomes a Reality 

New rules recently passed by the Federal Aviation Administration have dramatically decreased the cost of obtaining a basic pilot’s license.  These rules have created a new licence called the Sport Pilot license which requires as little 20 hours of high quality instruction from an FAA certified flight instructor.  The holder of a sport pilot license may fly a light sport aircraft (a 2 place aircraft weighing less than 1320 lbs) unlimited distances within the United States, in good weather, during daylight hours.

These same new rules have allowed for the certification of a plethora of new modern light sport aircraft.  These aircraft offer state-of-the-art equipment and dramatically lower costs to rent, own, and operate than a traditional plane.

Chesapeake Sport Pilot, the only flight school in Maryland dedicated strictly to sport and private pilot instruction, offers instruction in our Sky Arrow 600 Sport.  Our Sky Arrow is a sporty Italian aircraft ideally designed for training with dual controls for the student and instructor, easy handling, and an incredible view from above, unparalleled by other training aircraft.

How do I become a Sport Pilot?

Becoming a sport pilot is easy.  Just give Chesapeake Sport Pilot a call and we will set you up with a $99 introductory flight as well as chance to purchase your pilot supply kit.  We will also assign a flight instructor to you who will be your one-on-one mentor to help you progress through the training syllabus.

The flight syllabus consists of both ground and flight training components.  Ground school is typically done at home using an enjoyable book series by expert flight instructor and aviation humorist Rod Machado.  Once you complete your ground schooling you will take a computerized multiple choice test designed by the FAA which covers the ground school material.

The flight syllabus begins with a series of lessons designed to teach you to operate the aircraft safely with ease and confidence.  These lessons build towards your first solo flight, an exciting milestone in the pilot training curriculum.  From there you will learn to navigate the aircraft to destinations beyond your normal practice area and brush up for your final exam.  The final exam, known as a checkride, will be administered by a friendly, yet thorough, local FAA designated examiner.  He will simply chat with you on the ground to “feel-out”  your comprehension of aviation subjects and then take a short flight with you ensure that you are a safe pilot.  You need to be at least 17 years old to take this final test.

How much does it cost to become a Sport Pilot?

The FAA mandates that students have at least 20 hours of flight training prior to their final exam, however most students require a bit more time than this to fully master the concepts and skills required of a sport pilot.  The cost of a full sport pilot course for a student who progresses through the course quickly is approximately $3,000. This includes both the cost of aircraft rental and hiring your instructor.  This is tremendous savings when compared to the typical $8,000 -$10,000 required for a private pilot certificate at most local flight schools.

What most often dictates the time, and hence the money, required for a student to obtain a private pilot's license is the student's commitment to home study and preparation, and ability to fly on a regular basis.

Like going to college, earning a pilot's license is an investment in yourself, one which can enhance both your personal and professional life.  Like college, your initial investment will pay off with life-long benefits and enjoyment.