First you might want to check out
the Occupational
Outlook Handbook from the US Department of Labor, which will give
you an introduction to the career of a Pilot.
Q: How is Ground School provided?
As a CESSNA PILOT CENTER The Flight School At Palm Springs
has access to the multimedia interactive CESSNA-KING CD courses which represent the most modern and efficient learning tool currently available in the aviation industry. You will study at the school computers under the supervision of an instructor and do some additional computer based learning at
your accommodation. Ground school
at The Flight School At Palm Springs is given, without exception, on a "One-to-One-Basis" which allows you - in combination with the CESSNA-KING CD program - to choose your own rate of speed and intensity. Since you have the
opportunity to view the material over and over again whenever you like to, you progress through theory of flight and FAA rules much faster than in the traditional class room
environment.
Q: Do I need my own computer ?
You do not need to buy your own computer when you start your training if you plan to study only at our school facilities. However, if you have access to a laptop computer, that can be really handy, as you can work from different locations.
Q: Do I have to pay all training costs upfront before I start my training?
No - It is not required to pay the tuition in full prior to your training. There are three equal
installments. The first one is due three days after your arrival (that gives you the opportunity to tour our facility and to feel comfortable with our "Flight School Family"). The second payment is due the day of your PPL check ride and the third and last one at the day of your IFR check ride.
Q: What aircraft are available for training?
All your training will take place in Cessna 172's, 172RG's (complex a/c) and PA-34 or Beech Dutchess for multi engine.
Q: What if I don't like my instructor?
You are completely free to choose the instructor you want. If you change your mind later, that's o.k., too.
Q: Where is Palm Springs?
Palm Springs, a huge Oasis in the Coachella Valley, is located in the Southern California desert, 2 hours by car from Los Angeles and 2 1/2 hours from San Diego.
Q: What is the climate like in Palm Springs?
Palm Springs enjoys all year around warm and dry weather with temperatures 5-10 degrees Celsius above the nearby Pacific coast.
With day time temperatures in the mid twenties Celsius (70-80
degr. Fahrenheit) from September through May Palm Springs attracts visitors and
celebrities from all over the world. The summer months are hot but dry; therefore still comfortable.
The sunny climate and low humidity provides an ideal environment for flight training. You never will have to spend time on the ground waiting for the
weather conditions to improve before you can go flying.
Q: What kind of licenses can I get at the flight school ?
Students at The Flight School At Palm Springs enroll with different objectives. Most of our full-time students enroll in our Professional
Pilot Programs, and will finish with either a Commercial License (CPL), or a Flight Instructor Certificate (CFI). You can also enroll to
take just the Private Pilot License or the Instrument rating if you like.
Q What software do I need tohave to listen to Live ATC
You'll need RealPlayer Basic
(free) or RealPlayer Plus from Real.com,
and at least a 14.4K bps connection to the Internet. See the complete list of system
requirement . If you have
the software installed already, click here to
listen: You can keep ATC in the background while
you browse through the rest of the website.
Q: In what order does one normally get the different licenses and ratings?
The most efficient way is as follows:
-Private Pilot License - PPL
-Instrument Rating - IFR
-Multi-engine Rating
-Commercial License - CPL
-Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI)
-Airline Transport Pilot - ATP
Q: What training is required to become a Certified Flight Instructor?
After you have taken your Commercial License, you can start your training to become a Certified Flight Instructor.
