AvSport of Lock Haven: Training Modules Explained

AvSport of Lock Haven -- 353 Proctor Street, Lock Haven PA 17745

Training Modules Explained

A prospective student asks:

I am completely confused by the avsport.org website. The website lists:
Accomplish your first solo flight for only $1,999
*** Under this webpage it says it is $1,999 and sounds like you get your sport license at the end (provided you can competently operate the aircraft).
Become a fully licensed Sport Pilot for just $3,798
*** Under this webapge it says it is just $1,799
Both say that at the end, you will be able to pass your FAA Sport Pilot License....
What is the difference between the two and why would I do one over the other -- or do I need to do both? And how much does the second one actually cost?
Confused in PA

Our Chief Flight Instructor responds:

I'm sorry about the confusion. Obviously, I need to clean up the language on my website! Meanwhile, let me see if I can explain this more clearly.
I have divided the Sport Pilot curriculum into two modules, Pre-Solo and Post-Solo. To become a fully licensed Sport Pilot, you need to complete both (plus a written test and a flight test -- more about which later). The cost of the two modules is $1999 and $1799 respectively, for a total cost of $3798 (plus fuel surcharges, taxes, and FAA testing fees, over which we have no control). The pre-solo module is the more expensive of the two, both because its price includes required instructional materials, and because solo flight hours obviously cost you less than dual instruction.
I think the confusion stems from the definition of "solo flight." Your first flight alone in the airplane is a significant milestone toward becoming a pilot - but it does not make you a fully qualified pilot! Upon successful completion of the Pre-Solo module, you will be fully qualified to take off, fly around the traffic pattern, and land safely, as the sole occupant of the aircraft. You will have accomplished your first supervised solo flight, and will be fully prepared to pass your FAA written exam (all of the study materials for that are included in the training package).
To qualify for the Post-Solo module, you will need to have completed the Pre-Solo module, flown your first supervised solo flight, and passed your FAA written exam. At that point, we start working on advanced techniques: navigation, weather, planning, flight by reference to instruments, and cross-country flying. Upon completion of the Post Solo module, you will have satisfied all of the requirements to take the FAA flight test, and be fully qualified to act as Pilot In Command of a light sport aircraft. Only after you pass the FAA checkride will you be allowed to carry a passenger.
Please note that the quoted rates are our discounted pricing for those pre-paying for each module. If you pay by the lesson, fees will be about 10% higher. Also, please note that the prices assume the FAA's minimum required flight hours and experience. Most students desire (and many require) additional training beyond government minimums. A student completing one of the prepaid modules with me, who then feels he or she needs additional training, will receive priority scheduling at our affordable pay-as-you-go prices, until we both feel confident that the student is ready for the next step. As a realistic cost estimate, the average student should expect to spend about $5000 becoming a licensed Sport Pilot.
Licensed Sport Pilots desiring to continue on to the Private Pilot license can elect to complete a third training module, our Next Step Up add-on course, at a substantial discount. Realistically, one should budget an additional $5000 to upgrade from Sport Pilot to Private Pilot.
Safe skies,
Paul

If you can drive, you can fly!

Top of Page