Learn to Fly!

Career Pilot Program

Flight Club

Ground School

Flight School

What do I need to become a pilot?
Age: You must be at least 16 to solo a powered aircraft, and at least 17 to take the private pilot practical test.

Medical and Student Pilot Certificate: You must have a medical certificate from a physician who is an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). AV-ED has a list of AMEs in this area. On the reverse side of the first medical certificate is the student pilot certificate. You may start training without a student pilot certificate, but you must obtain the combination medical and student pilot certificate before you can fly solo.

Ground Training and Knowledge (Written) Test: In order to pass the FAA’s knowledge test, ground school is highly recommended. AV-ED’s top-notch ground training course provides instruction on aerodynamics, aircraft systems, airspace, meteorology, navigation, regulations, flight physiology, and many other subjects. This instruction prepares you to pass the FAA’s computer-based “knowledge test,” which is another requirement for getting a private pilot certificate. AV-ED offers ground instruction courses at the Leesburg Airport and at our ground training school in Tysons Corner. Classes run twice a week for six weeks from 6:30pm to 10:00pm. The first ten sessions cover all required material. The eleventh session is a review and “practice” FAA exam, which you must pass with a score of 80% or better to get an AV-ED instructor’s authorization to take the knowledge test. AV-ED has computer facilities at Tysons Corner, and the twelfth session is set aside for the knowledge test.

Flight Training: You need a minimum of 40 hours of flight training -- at least 20 hours of dual time (i.e., with a flight instructor) and at least 10 hours of solo time. The required hours are subdivided into various flight operations. In practice, most people need 65 to 70 hours to achieve proficiency in all the required maneuvers. AV-ED Flight School operates from the Leesburg Executive Airport, and is open from 8am to 6pm (8am to 8pm in summer) every day of the week.

Practical Test: Flight training culminates with a “checkride” given by an FAA examiner or an FAA-designated examiner. The examiner looks to determine whether you meet the standards set forth in the Practical Test Standards (PTS) for each area of operation.
What is involved in flight training?
The AV-ED flight training course is divided into three major parts. or “stages.” The first stage focuses on developing proficiency in the 15 maneuvers the FAA requires prior to solo. In addition to takeoffs and landings and the four fundamental skills (straight-and-level flight, turns, climbs, and descents), these maneuvers include ground reference exercises, flight at different speeds and configurations, and emergency procedures. The second stage begins with high performance takeoffs and landings, and moves onto navigation, night operations, and other skills. During this part of the course, students practice solo flight both locally and through trips to other airports. The third stage reviews and polishes maneuvers in preparation for the practical test (“checkride”). At the end of each stage, you will have a “stage check” session with one of the school’s assistant chief flight instructors. The stage check gives you a chance to fly with a different instructor, and it serves as one of the school’s “quality control” mechanisms.
How much does it cost to fly?
The total cost of flight training varies according to the type of airplane used and the total amount of time it takes for training. Flight instruction is $49 per hour. (See our "Meet the Fleet" page for rental rates.)

Many people use the “pay-as-you-go” method. AV-ED also offers a “prepayment” accounts, in which there is a 5% rebate on prepayments of at least $2,000 once the initial deposit is spent.
How do I know if I will like flying enough to enroll for flight and ground school?
AV-ED offers introductory “discovery flights” in each type of aircraft we have. Prices for these half-hour flights range from $49 to $99 in various types of aircraft used for primary training. A discovery flight is a great way to get acquainted with flying and get started on a wonderful adventure! AV-ED also offers a variety of gift certificates for flight and ground training.
My partner flies, and I’d like to know more about flying without necessarily becoming a pilot myself. Can you help me?
Yes! AV-ED periodically offers “right-seat pilot” training for anyone who flies with a spouse, partner, friend, or associate. You will learn how airplanes fly, how to navigate, how to read the gauges, and how to tune and use the radios. This course is ideal for flying spouses, friends, or associates, and it provides a greater sense of comfort. You will also get first hand practice at landing the airplane!
Can you tell me about AV-ED’s Ground School and Flight School?
Certainly. Click on the link to go to our Ground School information and course schedule page, or to our Flight School information page!
How can I keep flying once I get my private pilot certificate? Do you have a Flying Club?
You can rent planes from AV-ED, and/or you can join our Flight Club once you have your Private Pilot Certificate. Members of the Flight Club enjoy discounts on aircraft rental and pilot services, and can take designated aircraft on weekend cross-country trips. The Flight Club also makes it easy for you to keep working on additional FAA certificates and ratings.