Midwest Flight Academy DeKalb Airport, IL

PRIVATE PILOT

Training in the aircraft is comprised of three phases - preparation for solo, preparation for solo cross-country, and preparation for certification.  In the preparation for solo phase students are taught the basics of flying an airplane and, upon completion, will meet or exceed the necessary requirements in terms of both experience and proficiency to safely pilot an airplane without the presence of an instructor.  This phase represents approximately fifty percent of the complete Private Pilot Course.  The preparation for solo cross-country phase adds those elements necessary to navigate over long distances as well as introduction to night and instrument flying.  This phase represents approximately twenty-five percent of the complete Private Pilot Course.  In the final, or preparation for certification phase, the student pilot completes his/her solo requirements while continuing to work with an instructor to review all areas necessary to demonstrate competency as a Private Pilot.  This phase represents the remaining twenty-five percent of the Private Pilot Course and it is here that skills are honed and confidence is built in preparation for the practical test or "check ride."

FAA Minimum Course Content

• 30 hours dual instruction
• 10 hours solo
• 10 hours dual or solo
• knowledge test
• practical test

Adverage Student Course Content

• 60 hours dual instruction
• 10 hours solo
• 50 hours one-on-one ground instruction
• Weekend Ground school
• Knowledge test
• Practical test
• Course materials

INSTRUMENT RATING

• Basic attitude instrument flying
• Radio navigation
• Approaches and holds
• Cross-country flight planning and emergency procedures

In the basic attitude instrument flying phase students are taught the basics of flying the aircraft by sole reference to the instruments and, upon completion, will meet or exceed the necessary requirements in terms of both experience and proficiency to safely pilot an airplane without any outside references.  This phase represents about 25% of the complete program.  The radio navigation phase represents about 25% of the course and focuses on the use of onboard navigation systems.  At the completion of this phase the student will be able to safely navigate an airplane over long distances solely by reference to instruments.  The approach phase of the program will teach the student how to perform instrument approaches and holding procedures. Upon completion of this phase the student will be comfortable and proficient on all the procedures contained in the approach to landing phase of instrument flying.  This is the most comprehensive phase and consists of about 35% of the entire course.  The final phase, cross country planning and emergency procedures, focuses on the strategy and alternative planning behind any IFR flight.  It also serves as a time to polish and perfect the skills learned earlier in the course in preparation for the practical test.  This phase represents about 15% of the course.

FAA Minimum Course Content

• 15 hours dual instruction
• 50 hours training
• 40 must be instrument
• 10 of 50 must be complex airplane
• knowledge test
• practical test

Average Student Course Content

• 20 hours dual FTD
• 40 hours dual aircraft
• 60 hours one-on-one ground instruction
• knowledge test
• practical test
• course materials

COMMERCIAL PILOT

A Commercial Pilot Certificate enables a pilot to receive compensation for his/her services.  This certificate is required if one wishes to be a professional pilot.

The Commercial program is offered in both accelerated and standard formats.  Since much of the Commercial Certificate requirements consist of previous experience (or time) as a pilot, the time to complete the course as well as the content of the course will vary significantly from student to student.  For instance, a student with all "experience" requirements met and seeking only the training needed specifically related to the knowledge and skills of becoming a Commercial pilot might need only one week of training at an accelerated pace.  Conversely, a pilot needing all of the experience and training may need two or more months depending on whether they train at an accelerated or a more extended pace.

Both a knowledge (written) and a practical (flight) exam must be successfully completed in order to obtain a Commercial Pilot Certificate.  Students may elect to do all of their studying on a one-on-one basis with their instructor or they may focus on the knowledge test in the classroom environment with fellow students.  Although the knowledge exam may be taken prior to beginning training in the aircraft, it is recommended that both be conducted concurrently with the knowledge exam being completed midway to shortly before completion of the entire course.

The Commercial Certificate is to the pilot as the master's degree is to most other professions.  It is essentially an extensive advancement of both knowledge and skills beyond the more basic levels achieved as a Private Pilot.  Advanced flying skills, regulations, and more complex aircraft systems are the focus of the Commercial Certificate.  Since previous experience is so important with regards to the total content of Commercial training, any program outline will be unique based upon that prior experience.  If you are already a Private Pilot then it is important to contact us so that we may interview you to review your past experience and outline a program that best meets your unique circumstances.  Also, because of the significant contribution of raw experience (or time) to the Commercial requirements, typically training for the Commercial Certificate is viewed in terms of elements rather than phases.  For pilots starting their Commercial training with no prior experience a typical course consists of three elements.

Elements one and two comprise about 75% of the entire course.  The first element consists of advanced cross-country training and will increase a pilot's skill, knowledge, and confidence with regards to VFR cross-country flying.  The second element consists of building experience or time as a pilot.  This element may be achieved through a combination of solo flight, flight with other pilots (such as in the CRM or Safety Pilot Courses), or through more dual towards advanced certificates sought beyond the Commercial (such as CFI or multi engine).  The third element is comprised of training that is specific to the knowledge and flying skills required of the Commercial Certificate and includes the various different advanced maneuvers and concepts required to become a Commercial Pilot.  This element is distributed throughout the entire course with about half during the main body of the course and the remaining half focused at the end of the course in preparation for the practical test.

The duration of a Commercial Course depends upon how many and what type of total hours a student has upon enrollment in the course.  The variation is extreme and can range from 10 hours to 170 hours of training.  To learn more about this course it is important to contact us and request a Commercial Pilot Course Audit.  We provide this service free of charge.  Upon completion of this audit you will know exactly what you need to obtain your Commercial Certificate regardless of where you train. 

PROFESSIONAL PILOT ACADEMY

The Professional Pilot Academy is a disciplined and comprehensive course designed to take a student with little to no prior experience or training and educate him or her all the way to the level of Commercial Pilot.  During training students will earn college credits from Kishwaukee College leading to an Associates Aviation Degree in Applied Science/Flight Management. This Degree will allow students to transfer into select four year universities as a Junior to earn a Bachelors Degree.  All of the content of the Private, Instrument, and Commercial Courses is seamlessly covered in an efficient and highly structured format.  The Professional Pilot Academy is offered in both accelerated and standard formats.  Accelerated courses can be completed in as little as four months and standard courses will take between one and two years to complete.  Students graduating from the Professional Pilot Academy will have a minimum of 250 hours total flight experience and will be eligible for entry level positions as paid pilots.  To learn more about the Professional Pilot Academy or to schedule a free aviation career counseling session, please contact us - we're happy to assist you in pursuing your goals.