At Aspen Flight Academy, we’re dedicated to making aviation accessible to everyone, no matter your experience level. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions below for helpful information, and feel free to reach out if you have any additional questions—we’re here to help!
Of course! The flying program is open to all members of the community wanting to learn how to fly or continuing flight education. Contact us today to sign up or get more information!
It’s very easy to get started and flying can be a fun and challenging skill to master! People of all ages, abilities and backgrounds have learned to fly and you can too. While flying isn’t difficult, you will need to stick with it and commit to learning both in the air and on the ground.
Yes! We work very hard to make our flight training the safest and most fun experience possible for our students. Although there are risks involved in all adventures, our airplanes are meticulously maintained and our flight instructors are very well trained.
No degree is required to become a commercial pilot, and most airlines do not require you to have a bachelor’s degree either.
Pilots need extensive training and employable skills in science and math due to the complexities of navigating aircraft through the skies. However, language comprehension is also a valuable asset that can help when applying for pilot jobs. One must also be aware of their surroundings and willing to work with other people in a team setting, as planes require complex teamwork between multiple crew members.
The training required to become a professional pilot can be challenging, but remains an enjoyable, rewarding experience. Though careers in aviation can be tough when the industry slows or companies face financial hardship, those with the patience and determination to succeed will undoubtably receive excellent career opportunities throughout the 21st century.
Candidates for pilot careers should be prepared for a lifetime of learning; the best pilots remain focused on always becoming better pilots through additional training and experience. Though the destination that is “airline pilot career” seems an attractive goal, any airline pilot will tell you flying is, of course, about the journey between departure and arrival.
A Private Pilot’s certificate allows you to fly an airplane on good weather days. You can enjoy scenic flights, cross country flights and amaze your friends and family! A Private Pilot’s certificate allows you to fly recreationally. More advanced training is required to fly for hire, but we can help you with that too!
Per FAR part 61, student pilots must log a minimum of 40 hours of flight training to be eligible to take their Private Pilot checkride. This is a minimum and most pilots take closer to 60 – 80 hours of flight training. Learn more on our Private Pilot training page!
Start with a discovery flight. Whether you have always wanted to become a pilot or are curious about the world of aviation, this is a great way to discover what flying is all about. Your instructor will give you a great introduction to the airplane and flying in beautiful Aspen. You will even get to take the controls of the plane and discover the magic of flying for yourself! Contact us to set up your discovery flight today.
No, a medical certificate is not required to begin training, but it is required before you can solo. It’s a good idea to go ahead and get an FAA medical early in your training so you are aware of any conditions that may prevent you from obtaining a medical. Learn more about aviation medical certificates.
A third class medical is sufficient for a student pilot or private pilot, but you are welcome to get a first or second class medical certificate.
Yes! Many organizations offer flight training scholarships. For a full list of our recommended scholarships, head to our scholarships page.
You’ll get to fly on your very first day and experience the beauty of flying in the Roaring Fork valley! Don’t worry, your Certified Flight Instructor will be there to help you. As you progress through training, you will need less and less help from your CFI and soon be ready to fly solo!
Documents & Identification:
Pilot Gear: For your very first flight, you just bring yourself! If you would like to invest in your pilot gear, here are a few recommendations:
Students can start aeronautics classroom training as early as middle school. Actual flight instruction and training can begin at age 15.5 years.
A private pilot certificate in Colorado is similar to a driver’s license for cars. It allows people to fly an aircraft legally. Earning your private pilot license in Colorado requires lots of time and hard work, but the reward is well worth it!
While there are many types of private pilots, most fall into two categories: pleasure flyers or career aviators.
A private pilot certificate is similar to a driver’s license for cars. It allows people to fly an aircraft legally. Earning your private pilot license requires lots of time and hard work, but the reward is well worth it!
While there are many types of private pilots, most fall into two categories: pleasure flyers or career aviators.
Pleasure flyers fly private aircraft for fun or to travel from place to place and are not paid for their services as pilots. Career aviators get their private pilot license as a first step to obtaining their commercial pilot license, which allows the pilot to get paid for flying.
There are many benefits to earning a private pilot certificate. Here are some of the most common reasons people decide to get their private license:
The length of time it takes to obtain a Private Pilot Certificate depends on how often you fly. Typically, if a student schedules 2 lessons each week, training can be completed in around 8 months. However, we are able to tailor our program to fit your needs. Many of our students schedule several lessons a week, depending on their availability. A typical lesson lasts 2 hours and includes both ground and flight instruction. Most students will obtain their Private Pilot Certificate after completing between 40 and 65 hours of flight training.
The private pilot certificate costs anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands. The price includes all ground school materials (books), flight time with an instructor, and solo flights necessary to get your private pilot license.
The cost also depends on how long it takes to complete private pilot training, the type of airplane you fly, and where in the country you live.
Liability insurance also affects the overall cost of getting your private pilot license.
Remember, it’s an investment that will pay off for years to come! You’ll be able to fly wherever you want, whenever you want, without having to rely on commercial airlines or private charters.
Aspen Flight Academy offers comprehensive private pilot training designed to be both accessible and rewarding. Our fleet and expert FAA-certified instructors provide top-tier instruction, guiding you through everything from fundamental flight maneuvers to advanced techniques like landing in challenging conditions. With flexible training options tailored to your schedule, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to exceed FAA requirements and become a skilled, safety-focused pilot. Start your journey with us and take your first step toward the skies!
An instrument rating is a new pilot certification course that allows aviators to fly in instrument meteorological conditions. Instrument-rated pilots can operate an airplane or helicopter under instrument flight rules, and flight training (IFR) and solely use the tools inside their aircraft for navigation. In some cases, instrument ratings are also required for specific flying jobs, such as those in commercial aviation. Airline pilots, for example, must have instrument ratings as part of their commercial pilot license.
When instrument-rated pilots fly in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), they follow air traffic control instructions or a specific flight plan filed with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Instrument-rated pilots must maintain instrument proficiency by completing instrument flying training every six months.
In the United States, there are three levels of instrument ratings: private pilot, commercial pilot, and airline transport pilot. Pilots must meet specific experience and knowledge requirements to obtain an instrument rating.
There are instrument ratings for single-engine, multi-engine, and rotorcraft (helicopter) aircraft.
A pilot instrument rating is obtained by completing specific training tasks with an instrument instructor. At the end of these tasks, pilots take an FAA instrument knowledge test and practical test to demonstrate their instrument proficiency and other requirements that the FAA has set for the best flight training.
There are several reasons pilots should get instrument training and instrument ratings. They include the following: instrument-rated pilots can fly in instrument meteorological conditions, instrument training makes for safer flying overall, and instrument-rated pilots have a higher earning potential in commercial aviation fields.
Instrument-rated pilots have the training and experience to fly in all weather conditions by following instrument flight rules (IFR). When bad weather hits, many non-instrument-rated pilots are forced to land at the nearest airport, regardless of the conditions. This can often lead to unsafe flying conditions and even new accidents.
Instrument-rated pilots can fly in instrument meteorological conditions. Instrument flight rules (IFR) allow instrument-rated pilots to fly safely by following instrument approach procedures and departure procedures, as well as following air traffic control instructions or a specific flight plan that is filed with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Instrument-rated pilots are required to use instrument approach procedures and course of flight training when flying in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
Instrument-rated pilots have a higher new earning potential because many commercial airlines require their pilots to be instrument-rated. Instrument ratings are also an advantage for airline transport pilot job candidates.
This type of training can be beneficial for pilots in both commercial flying careers as well as private piloting. Instrument-rated aviators are more prepared to fly in IFR situations and qualify for specific commercial aviation jobs.
There are two instrument flight rules: visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR). VFR allows pilots to fly in weather conditions with flight training that they can see with their own eyes. IFR will enable pilots to pass in all types of weather, including instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), by following instrument approach and flight procedures.
To fly under instrument flight rules (IFR), pilots must have an instrument rating and meet the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. VFR flights are typically conducted in clear weather conditions, while instrument-rated pilots can fly in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Instrument-rated pilots have more options for flight paths and destinations than non-instrument-rated aviators because instrument training gives them the skills necessary to operate their aircraft safely, even in low visibility conditions. Instrument-rated pilots can also fly in clouds, which a VFR pilot cannot do.
The first step is to find an instrument flight instructor (IFI) for amazing flight training. Once you have found an new instrument flight instructor, your instrument training can begin. Instrument training consists of 40 hours of instrument flying time in any type of aircraft (including helicopters).
Before beginning instrument training, make sure you are familiar with the Federal Aviation Regulations part 61 and 91A as well as all other applicable federal aviation regulations for instrument flight procedures (IFR) operations.
After completing the instrument flying time, you will need to pass a written test and a practical test. The written test is administered by an FAA-approved testing center, and the practical (or check) ride is given by an examiner who is authorized by the FAA to give instrument check rides.
Once you have successfully completed all of these steps in this course, you can apply for an instrument rating on your pilot certificate.
You will also need to keep a logbook of instrument flying time in an instrument-rated aircraft as well as 100 hours of cross country flight experience (with at least 50 hours being Instrument Flight Time). This includes takeoffs and landings at airports other than the one from which the flight originated. We can also train ourselves with the help of full flight simulator.
Once you have completed instrument rating training, instrument-rated pilots can fly in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Instrument rated pilots are more prepared to fly in IFR situations and also qualify for certain jobs in commercial aviation.
VFR flights are typically conducted in clear weather conditions, while instrument rated pilots can fly in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Instrument-rated pilots have more options when it comes to flight paths and destinations than non-instrument rated aviators because instrument training course gives them the skills necessary to operate their aircraft safely even in low visibility conditions. Pilots who are instrument-rated can also fly in clouds, which a VFR pilot is not allowed to do. In order to fly under instrument flight rules (IFR), pilots must have an instrument rating and meet the requirements set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
It typically takes about three months to complete instrument rating training or instrument flight training. The amount of time it takes to complete the training depends on how much flying experience you already have and how often you are able to fly with an instrument instructor because in the beginning we must need flight training device .
If you already have a lot of flying experience, you may be able to finish your instrument rating in less time than someone who has just started their instrument training course which is new for them. It is also possible to complete instrument rating training in less time if you have access to an instrument-rated aircraft or are able to travel often for instrument flight instruction (IFI).
The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of instrument flying time, so that is something that should be considered when choosing how long you want to take instrument training.
It is important to consider how many instrument-rated aircraft are available for use at the flight training school or FBO where you will be taking instrument rating training, as well as what days and times these aircraft are available for instrument instruction. If there are not any instrument-rated airplanes on hand when you need them, then it might take longer than three months to complete instrument training.
It is also beneficial if your instrument instructor has experience flying in instrument flight conditions.
The instrument rating tests is one of the most expensive flight ratings to get. It can cost anywhere from $15,000-$30,000 depending on how much instrument flying time you need and what instrument-rated aircraft are available for use at your local flight school or FBO.
Some people choose to take instrument training course in a smaller plane like a Cessna Skyhawk or Piper Warrior because they cost less than instrument-rated aircraft like the Diamond DA40.
The instrument rating is usually more expensive in airports where instrument flight instruction (IFI) may be limited due to weather or terrain.
When budgeting for instrument flight training, it is important to consider all of the associated costs, such as aircraft rental, instructor fees, and written and practical test fees.
Commercial pilots oversee the smooth and safe operation of aircraft that carry passengers, cargo, or other specialized missions. Depending on their area of expertise, piloting skills, and level of training, they may also be involved in firefighting or search and rescue operations. Some fly passenger charter ops while others are responsible for crop dusting duties or conducting aerial photography, but most especially, commercial pilots work as Certified Flight Instructors.
Commercial pilots require increased skill in order to identify any potential problems with their plane, its instrumentation, or the conditions outside and relate that to the legal, safe operation of the aircraft. They must also be able to accurately land without an operating engine and do advanced flight maneuvers.
Generally speaking, if you want to be paid to fly, a commercial pilot’s certificate is required.
Aeronautical experience requirements for commercial pilot applicants are necessary before attempting to pass the FAA checkride as a flight time requirement. Flight schools establish the aeronautical experience requirements for commercial pilot applicants with their students to participate in a training program or certificate. Commercial pilot applicants must have at least a Private pilot certificate before attempting to pass the FAA check ride.
To obtain a commercial certificate in an airplane under FAR Part 61 rule, here are the requirements:
For pilots, there are industry-approved programs that are economically and time-efficient, such as the FAR Part 141 program. Pilots in these training schools can earn commercial licenses and certificates with fewer hours required.
You need to meet specific requirements to become a commercial pilot. If you are 18 years or older, hold a valid private pilot’s license, and can speak English fluently, you must decide whether you want to fly multi-engine or single-engine aircraft as a commercial pilot. It is VERY common to become instrument rated prior to applying for the CPL, otherwise, limitations are imposed by the FAA on your pilot certificate which prohibit most commercial operations beyond 50 nautical miles and any distance at night.
Ground school training is the foundation of your pilot certificate – without it, you cannot become a pilot! Although there is no specific time requirement prescribed or required by the FAA, in order to be eligible for the CPL, there are over a dozen areas of knowledge that an applicant is required to be educated in. This is typically accomplished one-on-one with your flight instructor.
To get a commercial pilot’s license, in an airplane, you must have logged 250 hours of flight time – 100 in powered aircraft and 50 in airplanes. Also, one hundred of those hours must be pilot-in-command, fifty of which must have been in an airplane. You must also have logged fifty hours of cross-country flying, ten of which in airplanes.
As part of the FAA commercial pilot licensing process, you will take a two-part exam administered by a designated pilot examiner or DPE. The first phase, or oral test (Part 1), will check for your knowledge based on what you studied in ground school. The next phase (Part 2) involves flying with the DPE to be evaluated against the airmen certification standards for the flight portion of the exam. Both are done on the same day, and passing both will mean you have become certified!
Commercial airline pilots must keep their licenses and certifications up-to-date, which is regulated by the FAA in the form of a flight review. Though 18 years of age is all you need to become certified by the FAA, you will likely need to be at least 23 years of age to work for most airlines, and in many instances, you will also be expected to have several hundred hours of flying experience under your belt. Most companies also require that you pass several aviation examinations. In addition, the BLS’ reported 20% job growth for commercial pilots through 2025.
An FAA Commercial Pilot’s license will open up a lot of different career paths for you since a Commercial Pilot License is highly sought-after and recognized internationally. One skill you will learn after earning your Commercial Pilot Certificate is that it can make you more employable because there are many jobs you can get in both commercial freight and passenger aviation.
Here are the other career paths you can pursue:
A commercial pilot license (CPL) is required to become an airline pilot. Suppose you are, however, looking to become a first officer on smaller planes. In that case, some airlines provide temporary positions to people who have not yet achieved the 1,500 flight hours needed for receiving the ATPL.
To become a flight instructor, a pilot must first get a private pilot license (PPL). Once acquired, a pilot may continue training for additional certifications. The Commercial Pilot certification is a prerequisite to being a CFI-A. A CFI-S, on the other hand, does not have the same prerequisites.
Commercial pilot salaries can fluctuate wildly, depending on where and what the job is. For example, flying for a local shop could earn you as little as $15,000 per year with a pilot certificate. Still, if you were to become a co-pilot for an airline or private company with a multi-million dollar budget, you might be looking at as much as $186,000 per year with a pilot certificate.
No degree is required to become a commercial pilot, and most airlines do not require you to have a bachelor’s degree either.
Pilots need extensive training and employable skills in science and math due to the complexities of navigating aircraft through the skies. However, language comprehension is also a valuable asset that can help when applying for pilot jobs. One must also be aware of their surroundings and willing to work with other people in a team setting, as planes require complex teamwork between multiple crew members.
The training required to become a professional pilot can be challenging, but remains an enjoyable, rewarding experience. Though careers in aviation can be tough when the industry slows or companies face financial hardship, those with the patience and determination to succeed will undoubtably receive excellent career opportunities throughout the 21st century.
Candidates for pilot careers should be prepared for a lifetime of learning; the best pilots remain focused on always becoming better pilots through additional training and experience. Though the destination that is “airline pilot career” seems an attractive goal, any airline pilot will tell you flying is, of course, about the journey between departure and arrival.
