Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I take your seminar?

Here are 12 good reasons:

Up-to-date class curriculum vs. impersonal and dated cdrom's & videos
Small class size with personal attention
State of the art classroom environment
FAA certified professional flight, ground and instrument instructors
A two-day course means you get it done
Live instruction
A fun learning experience
Convenient local location
Learn with your peers
Easy, fast & economical
No hidden costs -- we supply all needed class materials
You will learn formulas and short cuts to make the test taking easier

What are the class times?

Classes go from 8:00AM to 6:00PM both Saturday and Sunday.

Will you be administering the FAA exam at the class?

No, we do not administer the FAA Knowledge Tests, nor do we recommend your taking the exam Sunday evening after the class. Here's why:

During the course, we give periodic quizzes - at lunch time on Saturday and Sunday reviewing the morning material and evening quizzes after class both days. Saturday evening's quiz reviews all of Saturday's material and Sunday's reviews the entire course. These quizzes are part of the curriculum and are specifically weighted and balanced to help you, the student, find areas of weakness still remaining.
When we wrap up the class on Sunday, we will show you how, using these quizzes and the materials we provide to add another 10-15 points to your score.
We recommend you take the FAA exam within the first couple of days after the class, after you have had a chance to strengthen any areas of weakness and, equally as important, while you are fresh.
Since most students agree, they'd rather not have to take the FAA Knowledge test a second time, we have found this to be a much better format.

Will I be given a Flight Instructor Recommendation Certificate so that I may take the appropriate test or do I have to get that elsewhere?

Absolutely. Upon completion of the seminar you will be given the necessary Instructor Recommendation Form that will enable you to take the appropriate FAA Written Test.

What should I bring to class with me?

All you need to bring with you to the seminar is a couple of sharpened pencils, a notepad to take some notes, and your E6B Flight Computer;* a magnifying glass and 4-function calculator is highly recommended. Provided to you as part of the seminar package will be a current year Course Workbook, the FAA Test Supplement Booklet, Handouts and Practice Quizzes.

*A limited amount of E6B Flight Computers will be available for purchase at the seminar should you not be able to locate your own.

Should I study ahead of time for the class?

Although any additional studying you might do would be additional knowledge gained, the class has been designed to be all encompassing. We will thoroughly cover ALL material necessary for you to pass the written test.

Are your courses suitable for helicopter and would-be helicopter pilots?

Absolutely. Although your instructor may not necessarily be a Helicopter instructor per se, the materials we use for the Private Pilot and the Commercial Pilot Knowledge Tests and for the add-on Instrument Rating cover all the questions in the FAA database for the appropriate Helicopter Ratings as well. Perhaps 85% of the questions are generic: it doesn't matter whether you're flying fixed-wing or rotary, weather is weather, the instruments operate the same way, etc.

I haven't been flying that long. Is it too soon to get my instrument rating?

Although that's a personal decision, we believe it is never too soon to increase your knowledge, enhance your skill level, and increase your personal confidence. Think of the instrument rating as a Masters Degree in aviation. The skills you will derive learning to fly on instruments will make you a safer and more confident pilot and, if you're an aircraft owner, probably save you some money on your insurance.

Where will I be able to take the actual FAA Written?

The FAA has contracted with independent businesses to administer their Computer-generated Knowledge Tests. The two predominant providers of the FAA exams are: Lasergrade and Computer Assisted Testing Service (CATS).

If I understand your Graduate Refresher Program (GRP) correctly, even after I get my rating, I can take the course again as a refresher for only the cost of materials. How can you afford to do that?

This question comes up a lot. The way we look at it is, if we are teaching the course in your city anyway, the cost to have you reattend is minimal. Therefore, we charge a small administrative fee to cover our out-of-pocket expenses but the seminar itself is free.

This tends to create goodwill and is a win-win situation for all concerned.

Attendance is on a space available basis and, of course, at our discretion.

I have a rating yet I would not mind a refresher. Are your courses suitable?

Absolutely! These reasonably-priced seminars are ideal to refresh your knowledge and get you up-to-speed on changes that have occured. You can e-mail us through the contact page to find out about our next scheduled seminar in your area.

Fail Safe Guarantee? Are you NUTS?

Nope! We have such confidence in our seminars helping you achieve your goals that our guarantee allows you to take the seminar as often as necessary during the first 12 months at no charge. After 12 months, to cover the cost of new materials and out of pocket expense you will only pay $55. Yet, we are betting that you will not have to.