Getting started is easy. Just give us a call to set up an appointment. While not required, most students like to get their feet wet by first taking an introductory flight with us first before signing up for lessons. There are no strings are attached, but you will want to schedule your flight at least a week out.
Once you are ready to sign up for lessons you should make an appointment and bring in both your birth certificate or passport (as proof of citizenship) and your calendar to schedule flights. You should be prepared to schedule lessons two or three times per week a month in advance. For each lesson, you should plan about three hours of home study.
Can't fly that often? We will accommodate whatever schedule you provide us but you should recognize that flying less frequently will increase the length and cost of your training while decreasing your chances of completion. The best way to complete flight training efficiently is by setting aside the time and money to commit to completion.
There is a $300 annual fee that is due at the time you take your first lesson (not including your introductory flight lesson). This fee helps us keep our hourly rates as low as possible despite rising insurance and administrative costs.
Things to bring to your first lesson:
- Birth certificate or passport (not required for intro flights)
- Checkbook - paying by cash or check helps us keep our rates as low as possible
- Calendar - because you are going to have such a great time you will want to schedule future flights
FAA Safety
The FAA Safety Program Notification System is the main way in which the FAA notifies pilots of upcoming seminars and special events. All pilots should subscribe. Setting up an account here will also allow you to take the SFRA course that is required for all pilots flying in the DC area.
Alien Registration
Not a US citizen? If you plan to earn your pilot's license with us you will need to register with the TSA first.
AOPA Legal Insurance
AOPA Legal Insurance provides members with free and discounted aviation legal services in the event of an incident as well as help with such things as aviation contracts. This inexpensive insurance can be invaluable.
Financing
There are a couple of companies that specialize in financing flight training:
Medical Certificate
STOP: If you are not certain if you will pass a medical, do not make an appointment for a medical to find out. This could cost you thousands of dollars in medical tests not covered by your insurance or worse yet, disqualify you completely from getting a pilot certificate. Instead, call the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association for a free, off the record consultation about your ability to get a medical certificate. Some common things that may disqualify you include many over the counter allergy meds, diagnosis of ADHD, anti-anxiety or depression medications, and heart history. 800.872.2672
You do not need a medical unless you are pursuing a recreational or private certificate and then not until you are ready to solo. Click here for more about the medical.
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Our Curriculum
We use the Rod Machado Private/Commercial Handbook as our primary text book for all initial rating. We keep this in stock but you are welcome to purchase this or any of Rod's other materials including e-learning classes through his website.
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Alien Registration
Not a US citizen? If you plan to earn your pilot's license with us you will need to register with the TSA first.
AOPA Legal Insurance
AOPA Legal Insurance provides members with free and discounted aviation legal services in the event of an incident as well as help with such things as aviation contracts. This inexpensive insurance can be invaluable.
EAA
The Experimental Aircraft Association is large organization that represents those of us on the lighter side of general aviation including sport pilot and home-building. CSP customers participate in may EAA activities such as their annual fly-in in Oshkosh, the largest fly-in in the world. We recommend membership for all CSP customers.