Learn to Fly

If you’ve always dreamed of taking the first step in flying, let us help start you on your path!  We’ve taken hundreds of students from their first flight lesson to flying on their own.  Our instructors will see you all the way to your exciting first solo flight and then to your private license.

Discovery Flights

Knowing where to start is one of the toughest aspects of learning how to fly.  At Above and Beyond Aviation, we offer the perfect solution to this problem by offering a hands-on, scenic Discovery Flight.  For 30-40 minutes, one of our experienced instructors will accompany you for a breathtaking flight around the downtown Austin area.  Imagine seeing prominent landmarks such as the Lady Bird Johnson Lake, the University of Texas campus, and the Texas State Capitol.

One of the most exciting aspects of a Discovery Flight is YOU will be at the controls, flying one of our well-maintained training aircraft for most of the flight under an instructor’s supervision.  Discovery Flights are perfect for the aviation enthusiast trying to decide if flying is a true passion, as a gift for any occasion, or as satisfying a long held curiosity. 

Flight Training

If your Discovery Flight stems an interest to initiate pilot training, we will answer any questions and offer personalized guidance on how to start.  With several training aircraft and experienced instructors, we offer a unique, efficient, and personalized approach on learning how to fly.  Safety has always been the number one emphasis of our flight school and it shows with our excellent safety record.  Below are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions about flight training.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is it hard to learn how to fly?

Flying a plane is surprisingly simple. It’s like driving a car that can climb, descend, and bank — even roll, if you receive aerobatic instruction.

What is a Private Pilot's License and what does it allow me to do?

A Private Pilot’s License is one the first licenses a new pilot can obtain.  It allows the pilot to fly a small aircraft without an instructor’s supervision and with passengers in visual flight conditions.  The pilot may not make a profit off passengers or cargo with this particular license.

What are the minimum requirements for getting my Private Pilot’s License?

You must be:

  • At least 17 years of age:
  • Be able to read, speak and understand English:
  • Able to pass a FAA 3rd class physical;
  • Able to accumulate the necessary flight experience and pass an oral, written and practical exams.

How long will it take to get my Private Pilot’s License?

The time it takes to get your Private Pilot’s License depends on how quickly you master the necessary knowledge and skills. Like anything else, the more often you practice (fly), the quicker you’ll progress.

How many lessons should I take each week or month?

The amount of lessons you take each week or month depends on your budget and schedule.  Most students find that taking 2-3 flight lessons per week fits the Private Pilot’s License training into one semester.

How long is the average flight lesson?

A flight lesson usually lasts about 2.5 hours, with 1.5 to 2 hours being actual flight time.  The rest of the time is spent one-on-one with your personal instructor discussing the flight lesson before and a critique at the end of the lesson with subjects to study for the next flight lesson.

What will I learn?

You will obtain the knowledge, skill and aeronautical experience necessary to meet the requirements for a private pilot certificate with an airplane category rating and a single-engine land class rating. See the basic course summary below for more details.

What will I be expected to know to obtain my Private Pilot’s License?

You must demonstrate through knowledge tests, flight tests, and show through appropriate records that you meet the knowledge, skill, and experience requirements necessary to obtain a private pilot certificate with an airplane category rating and a single-engine land class rating.  Our experienced instructors will ensure you are fully prepared before taking your Private Pilot Checkride with a Designated Pilot Examiner.

How can I fly alone (or “solo”)?

Solo flight is one of the first major accomplishments towards getting your Private Pilot License.  Before you can fly solo, you must hold a student pilot certificate and at least a current 3rd class medical certificate. You also must be at least 16 years of age in order to obtain a student pilot certificate and be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.  Solo flight operations require specific training, successful completion of a pre-solo written exam, and an instructor’s endorsement in your logbook.

How much does a Private license cost?

At a minimum, you can expect to spend $8,000. This includes:

  • 40 hours of flight time in a Cessna 152
  • 20 hours of instructor time
  • Books and supplies
  • Third Class Medical flight physical
  • FAA Written Private Pilot Knowledge Test
  • FAA Practical Private Pilot Checkride
Many students do need more practice and most spend between $8,000 and $11,000 for their training. Larger students can expect to fly the Cessna 172 which adds $1000 of cost.

How can I reduce the cost of flying?

  • Follow your instructor’s guidance on studying the appropriate lesson material before your lesson.
  • Purchase a flight simulator program and basic yoke controller to help practice your lesson, rudder pedals are not necessary
  • After your initial lessons, arrive early to your lesson to preflight your assigned aircraft for the day. This saves valuable instructor time and money.
  • After a lesson, pay attention to your instructor’s feedback and evaluation of the day’s lesson. Take notes to study and practice for next time.
  • Join AOPA, the Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association. Go to AOPA.org for more information and to signup. As a member, you will have access to a wide range of helpful information and member benefits.

 

About the Basic Course Summary

Each lesson is fully described within the syllabus, including the objectives, standards, and measurable units of accomplishment and learning. The stage objectives and standards are described at the beginning of each stage with the syllabus.

Basic Course Summary

  • Obtaining and interpreting a weather briefing
  • Preflighting and postflighting the aircraft
  • Airport operations, taxi, and radio procedures
  • Takeoff, and the four basics of flight – straight and level, climbs, descents, and turns
  • Slow flight and turns
  • Approach stalls and departure stalls
  • Steep turns – 45 degree bank
  • Ground Reference Maneuvers
  • Following a road, turns about a point, s-turns over a road and rectangular patterns
  • Pattern entries and go-arounds
  • Instrument flying and Unusual attitudes
  • Landings
  • Emergency procedures
  • Cross country planning and flying
  • Solo landings
  • Solo Cross country flight
  • Diversions
  • Night Flying
  • Advanced landings and takeoffs – Short field and Soft field
  • Checkride review

Contact Us To Get Started Today!

Call 512.415.2466.