Frequently Asked Questions
WHERE DO I LEARN TO FLY?
At Great Basin Aviation, we’d love to be the place where your aviation journey begins, but more than that, we want you to find the right fit. Earning your pilot certificate is a big deal, and where you train matters. This isn’t just a hobby, it’s a skill you’ll carry for the rest of your life. That’s why we encourage you to explore your options, visit a few schools, and choose the one that aligns with your goals, learning style, and future flying plans. You should feel comfortable with your instructor, be able to communicate openly, and train in aircraft that make sense for the type of flying you want to do, especially in an environment like Reno’s. We also recommend choosing a flight school that offers flexibility and availability, like being open seven days a week, so your schedule doesn’t limit your progress.
At GBA, our instructors aren’t just time-building pilots, they’re experienced teachers and communicators who are passionate about helping you succeed. So before you decide where to start your flight training, stop by, meet our team, check out our fleet, and let us show you why we believe Great Basin Aviation is the best place to launch your wings.
HOW MANY HOURS OF TRAINING DO I NEED BEFORE GETTING A PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATE?
The FAA requires a minimum of 40 total flight hours to be eligible for a private pilot certificate, including at least 20 hours with a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). That said, these are just minimums. Everyone learns at a different pace, and flight training isn’t one-size-fits-all. Nationally, the average student earns their private pilot certificate around 65 hours, and that’s right in line with what we typically see at Great Basin Aviation. Some students finish closer to 40 hours, while others take a bit longer, depending on factors like frequency of training, study habits, and individual progress. Our goal isn’t just to get you to a number, it’s to make sure you’re truly ready. You’ll be signed off when you’re safe, confident, and proficient, not just when you hit a certain hour mark.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
How long it takes to earn your private pilot certificate depends largely on how often you fly. Some students who train consistently can finish in as little as two months, while others may take four to six months or more. On average, most students complete their training in about six months. Flying regularly and staying engaged with ground study can help keep you on track and reduce the overall time (and cost) to certification.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
The total cost to earn your private pilot certificate varies depending on how quickly you progress, but most students can expect to spend between $16,000 and $19,000 from start to finish. Each lesson typically runs 1.3 to 1.7 hours, and depending on the aircraft you're flying, that comes out to roughly $350 to $400 per lesson.
You don’t pay everything upfront — training is paid as you go, starting with a $250 Discovery Flight. Some lessons, like longer cross-country flights to distant airports, may cost a bit more than average, but we’ll always keep you informed.
To help offset costs, ask us about our tips/hints to reduce costs, which can save students hundreds of dollars over the course of their training. Also, the pace and, ultimately, the total cost are largely up to you.
WHY DOES FLIGHT TRAINING SEEM SO EXPENSIVE?
Flight training can feel expensive, and that’s because it is a complex, equipment-intensive, and highly regulated process. Here’s why:
1. Aircraft Costs: Planes are expensive to purchase, insure, maintain, and fuel. Every flight hour includes wear and tear, regular inspections, and compliance with FAA maintenance requirements, all of which add up quickly.
2. Instructor Time: You're working one-on-one with a certified professional who’s not just a skilled pilot, but also trained to teach. That expertise and time come at a cost.
3. Fuel Prices: Aviation fuel (especially 100LL avgas) is significantly more expensive than automotive fuel, and fuel costs are a major factor in each lesson’s price.
4. Insurance: Flight schools carry hefty liability and aircraft insurance policies to protect both students and instructors, especially in a training environment where risk is higher.
5. Regulatory Compliance: Schools must meet strict FAA standards, maintain detailed records, keep aircraft airworthy, and follow safety protocols, all of which take time, money, and staff.
6. Ground Instruction & Materials: Beyond flying, students need ground training, study materials, test prep, simulator time, and access to knowledgeable instructors.
7. Pace of Progress: The longer you take between lessons, the more review you’ll need, and the more it can cost overall. Frequent, consistent training helps reduce total cost.
In short, flight training is expensive because you're learning a high-skill profession using expensive, safety-critical equipment. That said, it’s also one of the most rewarding investments you can make, in yourself and in your future freedom to fly.
WHEN WILL I SOLO?
You’ll solo once you’ve completed a few key steps: passing a third-class medical, completing a pre-solo written exam, and, most importantly, when both you and your instructor feel confident that you can fly safely on your own. For most students, this milestone happens around 20 hours of flight training, but it can vary depending on how often you fly and how quickly you progress. The requirements for solo can be found here.
WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENTS?
The FAA states that an applicant for a student-pilot certificate must be at least 14 years old for the operation of a glider or balloon and 16 years old for other categories of aircraft. Some teenagers solo an airplane on their 16th birthday. For licensing, the minimum age for a private pilot certificate is 16 for balloons and gliders, and 17 for powered flight.
DO I NEED ANY SPECIAL EDUCATION?
No special education is required to learn to fly. As long as you can read, speak, write, and understand English, and meet the basic medical and age requirements, you can earn your private pilot certificate. People from all educational backgrounds have successfully learned to fly, it’s more about dedication, consistency, and a willingness to learn than any specific academic experience.
CAN I BECOME A PILOT IF I WEAR GLASSES?
Yes, you can absolutely become a pilot if you wear glasses. Perfect 20/20 vision isn’t required — as long as your vision is correctable with glasses or contact lenses to the standard required to drive a car, you can qualify for a medical certificate and become a pilot. Many pilots wear corrective lenses, including airline and military aviators.
WHAT IF I HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION?
Only certain severe medical conditions will prevent you from becoming a pilot. Many common conditions can still be approved through the FAA’s medical certification process, sometimes with additional documentation or a special issuance. This is why we strongly recommend completing your medical exam before starting flight training, it ensures there are no surprises down the road. If you have questions about a specific condition, feel free to speak with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) or AOPA to get clarity before you begin. (Click Here for more information from the FAA website)
CAN I BRING A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER ON TRAINING FLIGHTS?
Yes, in many cases you can bring a friend or family member on a training flight, as long as a flight instructor is on board and approves it. That said, there are some things to consider. Training flights often include maneuvers that can be unfamiliar or uncomfortable for passengers, even if they’re routine for you and your instructor. For that reason, your instructor will make the final call on whether it's appropriate to have someone join the flight. Once you begin solo flights, however, passengers are not allowed, it's just you and the airplane at that point.
HOW YOU CAN BE SURE TO HIRE THE BEST FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR?
Hiring the best flight instructor isn’t just about hours in the logbook or how fast someone passed their checkrides, it’s about finding someone who can teach, communicate, mentor, and represent your flight school’s values. A strong instructor knows how to break down complex topics clearly, adapt to different learning styles, and build student confidence while maintaining high standards. Professionalism is key, showing up prepared, communicating clearly, and modeling good aeronautical decision-making are all non-negotiables. It’s also important to look at how they interact with students and peers. What do current students say about them? Are their checkride pass rates high because they prepared students well, or in spite of their approach? Passion matters too. Someone who truly wants to teach will go the extra mile, and that energy is contagious in a flight school environment. Watch how they teach, observe a ground or flight lesson, and don’t be afraid to ask scenario-based questions during the interview to see how they think. And most importantly, make sure they’re a good fit for you, because one great instructor who brings professionalism, humility, and genuine interest in student success will always be more valuable than someone just time-building to their next job.
At Great Basin Aviation, we’d love to be the place where your aviation journey begins, but more than that, we want you to find the right fit. Earning your pilot certificate is a big deal, and where you train matters. This isn’t just a hobby, it’s a skill you’ll carry for the rest of your life. That’s why we encourage you to explore your options, visit a few schools, and choose the one that aligns with your goals, learning style, and future flying plans. You should feel comfortable with your instructor, be able to communicate openly, and train in aircraft that make sense for the type of flying you want to do, especially in an environment like Reno’s. We also recommend choosing a flight school that offers flexibility and availability, like being open seven days a week, so your schedule doesn’t limit your progress.
At GBA, our instructors aren’t just time-building pilots, they’re experienced teachers and communicators who are passionate about helping you succeed. So before you decide where to start your flight training, stop by, meet our team, check out our fleet, and let us show you why we believe Great Basin Aviation is the best place to launch your wings.
HOW MANY HOURS OF TRAINING DO I NEED BEFORE GETTING A PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATE?
The FAA requires a minimum of 40 total flight hours to be eligible for a private pilot certificate, including at least 20 hours with a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). That said, these are just minimums. Everyone learns at a different pace, and flight training isn’t one-size-fits-all. Nationally, the average student earns their private pilot certificate around 65 hours, and that’s right in line with what we typically see at Great Basin Aviation. Some students finish closer to 40 hours, while others take a bit longer, depending on factors like frequency of training, study habits, and individual progress. Our goal isn’t just to get you to a number, it’s to make sure you’re truly ready. You’ll be signed off when you’re safe, confident, and proficient, not just when you hit a certain hour mark.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
How long it takes to earn your private pilot certificate depends largely on how often you fly. Some students who train consistently can finish in as little as two months, while others may take four to six months or more. On average, most students complete their training in about six months. Flying regularly and staying engaged with ground study can help keep you on track and reduce the overall time (and cost) to certification.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
The total cost to earn your private pilot certificate varies depending on how quickly you progress, but most students can expect to spend between $16,000 and $19,000 from start to finish. Each lesson typically runs 1.3 to 1.7 hours, and depending on the aircraft you're flying, that comes out to roughly $350 to $400 per lesson.
You don’t pay everything upfront — training is paid as you go, starting with a $250 Discovery Flight. Some lessons, like longer cross-country flights to distant airports, may cost a bit more than average, but we’ll always keep you informed.
To help offset costs, ask us about our tips/hints to reduce costs, which can save students hundreds of dollars over the course of their training. Also, the pace and, ultimately, the total cost are largely up to you.
WHY DOES FLIGHT TRAINING SEEM SO EXPENSIVE?
Flight training can feel expensive, and that’s because it is a complex, equipment-intensive, and highly regulated process. Here’s why:
1. Aircraft Costs: Planes are expensive to purchase, insure, maintain, and fuel. Every flight hour includes wear and tear, regular inspections, and compliance with FAA maintenance requirements, all of which add up quickly.
2. Instructor Time: You're working one-on-one with a certified professional who’s not just a skilled pilot, but also trained to teach. That expertise and time come at a cost.
3. Fuel Prices: Aviation fuel (especially 100LL avgas) is significantly more expensive than automotive fuel, and fuel costs are a major factor in each lesson’s price.
4. Insurance: Flight schools carry hefty liability and aircraft insurance policies to protect both students and instructors, especially in a training environment where risk is higher.
5. Regulatory Compliance: Schools must meet strict FAA standards, maintain detailed records, keep aircraft airworthy, and follow safety protocols, all of which take time, money, and staff.
6. Ground Instruction & Materials: Beyond flying, students need ground training, study materials, test prep, simulator time, and access to knowledgeable instructors.
7. Pace of Progress: The longer you take between lessons, the more review you’ll need, and the more it can cost overall. Frequent, consistent training helps reduce total cost.
In short, flight training is expensive because you're learning a high-skill profession using expensive, safety-critical equipment. That said, it’s also one of the most rewarding investments you can make, in yourself and in your future freedom to fly.
WHEN WILL I SOLO?
You’ll solo once you’ve completed a few key steps: passing a third-class medical, completing a pre-solo written exam, and, most importantly, when both you and your instructor feel confident that you can fly safely on your own. For most students, this milestone happens around 20 hours of flight training, but it can vary depending on how often you fly and how quickly you progress. The requirements for solo can be found here.
WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENTS?
The FAA states that an applicant for a student-pilot certificate must be at least 14 years old for the operation of a glider or balloon and 16 years old for other categories of aircraft. Some teenagers solo an airplane on their 16th birthday. For licensing, the minimum age for a private pilot certificate is 16 for balloons and gliders, and 17 for powered flight.
DO I NEED ANY SPECIAL EDUCATION?
No special education is required to learn to fly. As long as you can read, speak, write, and understand English, and meet the basic medical and age requirements, you can earn your private pilot certificate. People from all educational backgrounds have successfully learned to fly, it’s more about dedication, consistency, and a willingness to learn than any specific academic experience.
CAN I BECOME A PILOT IF I WEAR GLASSES?
Yes, you can absolutely become a pilot if you wear glasses. Perfect 20/20 vision isn’t required — as long as your vision is correctable with glasses or contact lenses to the standard required to drive a car, you can qualify for a medical certificate and become a pilot. Many pilots wear corrective lenses, including airline and military aviators.
WHAT IF I HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION?
Only certain severe medical conditions will prevent you from becoming a pilot. Many common conditions can still be approved through the FAA’s medical certification process, sometimes with additional documentation or a special issuance. This is why we strongly recommend completing your medical exam before starting flight training, it ensures there are no surprises down the road. If you have questions about a specific condition, feel free to speak with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) or AOPA to get clarity before you begin. (Click Here for more information from the FAA website)
CAN I BRING A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER ON TRAINING FLIGHTS?
Yes, in many cases you can bring a friend or family member on a training flight, as long as a flight instructor is on board and approves it. That said, there are some things to consider. Training flights often include maneuvers that can be unfamiliar or uncomfortable for passengers, even if they’re routine for you and your instructor. For that reason, your instructor will make the final call on whether it's appropriate to have someone join the flight. Once you begin solo flights, however, passengers are not allowed, it's just you and the airplane at that point.
HOW YOU CAN BE SURE TO HIRE THE BEST FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR?
Hiring the best flight instructor isn’t just about hours in the logbook or how fast someone passed their checkrides, it’s about finding someone who can teach, communicate, mentor, and represent your flight school’s values. A strong instructor knows how to break down complex topics clearly, adapt to different learning styles, and build student confidence while maintaining high standards. Professionalism is key, showing up prepared, communicating clearly, and modeling good aeronautical decision-making are all non-negotiables. It’s also important to look at how they interact with students and peers. What do current students say about them? Are their checkride pass rates high because they prepared students well, or in spite of their approach? Passion matters too. Someone who truly wants to teach will go the extra mile, and that energy is contagious in a flight school environment. Watch how they teach, observe a ground or flight lesson, and don’t be afraid to ask scenario-based questions during the interview to see how they think. And most importantly, make sure they’re a good fit for you, because one great instructor who brings professionalism, humility, and genuine interest in student success will always be more valuable than someone just time-building to their next job.
