PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATE
What type of Flight School is Brazos
Valley Flight Services (BVFS)?
Brazos Valley Flight Services is an FAA Approved Part 141 Cessna Pilot Center
Flight School. BVFS provides instruction under both Part 61 & Part 141
regulations. BVFS utilizes Cessna aircraft for training
along the Cessna Pilot Center
training syllabus.
How do flight lessons work?
BVFS encourages each client to fly at minimum, two to three times per week.
This schedule is considered full time enrollment and allows the customer to
consistently make progress. Flying less than twice per week will extend the
course duration and cost significantly.
Flight Lessons are scheduled in two or three hour blocks of time with both
aircraft and instructor. Private Pilot students will need to schedule all
training flights during daylight hours although towards the end of the course
they will schedule specific flights at night for night flying lessons. During
the cross country phase some lessons will be four to five hours in duration.
How does ground school work?
As a Cessna Pilot Center,
BVFS follows Cessna's Computer-based Instruction course "Cleared for
Takeoff." This program is a fully integrated curriculum where students
view lab lessons at home on their computer and then come to the airport for
flight lessons. Most ground instruction is computer directed and will be done
at home rather than in a classroom lecture environment. Of course, instructors are always available
to clear up questions the student my have.
How are students paired with instructors?
BVFS employs seasoned flight instructors that are available seven days a week. Students
choose the instructor they want and may change at any time. All our instructors are approved for Part 141
and Part 61 instruction.
How much studying is involved?
Students should expect to spend about two hours studying and utilizing the
Computer-based Instruction Course before each flight lesson.
How long does it take to complete the course?
Students flying two to three times per week and studying can expect to finish
in 3 to 4 months, weather permitting. Customers flying only once a week up take
longer. Accelerated classes are
available.
What type of aircraft are used for training?
As a Cessna Pilot Center,
BVFS performs all Private Pilot training in Cessna 172 Skyhawks. BVFS operates both
the older round gauge instrument equipped Cessna 172's and the new state of art
G1000 glass cockpit Cessna 172's. BVFS
will also do training in personally owned and properly licensed aircraft under
Part 61.
How old do you have to be to enroll in flight training?
Students must be at least sixteen years of age to solo and seventeen years of
age to get their Private Pilot's License. BVFS does provide training to young
men & women who don't yet meet the FAA age minimums. However, for those
under age students, BVFS recommends are part time training schedule.
How do foreign citizens enroll in training?
All non-US citizens, permanent residents included, must go through the TSA
procedure prior to receiving flight training.
To start this process, go to www.flightschoolcandidates.gov and
registered. For help call BVFS.
How does enrollment work?
Enrollment may be done online by filling out the "Student Enrollment"
form under Flight
School. In addition, students
are asked to fill out the "Become a Member" portion of the online
scheduling system so they have access to Schedulemaster.
After completing these two forms, customers will meet with the Flight School
Manager to be assigned an instructor and to purchase the Computer-based
Instruction Kit.
For customers enrolling in Part 141 training, an FAA Third Class Medical and
Student Pilot Certificate must be obtained before flight training begins.
Can the GI Bill be used to pay for training?
BVFS is approved for VA training benefits.
Once a private certificate is earned, then the VA will pay 60% of new
ratings such as instrument and commercial certificates.