So, you want to become a pilot. Congratulations! Learning to fly is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. Step into the wide world of aviation with our experienced staff of instructors here at Columbia Jet Center. Our aircraft are all equipped with the latest in modern avionics and are maintained to the very highest level for your safety and enjoyment.

Requirements

Eligibility

For a Private Pilot Certificate, a pilot must:

  • Be 17 years of age (16 to solo)
  • Understand the English language
  • Hold at least a Third Class Medical Certificate
  • Non-US Citizens need to pass a TSA Background check before training commences

Flight Time

Minimum flight hours required (FAA):

  • 40 hours total time (national average 70 +), including at least:
    • 20 hours dual instruction (with a flight instructor), including
      • 3 hours dual Cross-Country training
      • 3 hours night training
      • 3 hours Instrument training
    • 10 hours Solo flight, including
      • 5 hours solo Cross-Country

Testing

  • Take and Pass the FAA Private (PAR) Knowledge Test (Computer Written Test)
  • Take and Pass a Practical Test (Check ride) consisting of an oral test and a flight test with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner

Our Planes

We are currently training in Piper Warrior, Cessna 172, and Tecnam aircraft. All aircraft are extremely well maintained and a joy to fly.

Pricing

Rates are as follows:

  • Piper Warrior—$160/Hour
  • Cessna 172M—$160/Hour
  • Cessna 172N 180 HP TAA — $185/hour
  • Tecnam P2006T Twin—$350/hour
  • Single Engine Flight Instruction—$55/hour
  • Multi-Engine Flight Instruction—$65/hour

Let’s Get Started

Introductory Flight

If you’ve never flown before, and even if you have and it’s been a while, schedule a time to get introduced to our facility, instructors, office staff, and aircraft. We’ll spend some time getting to know you and what your mission is. We will go around the aircraft and learn about its basic structure, pre-flight checks, flight controls, engine, etc. Then we will get in the aircraft, with you in the pilot’s seat. You will learn to taxi, take off, and fly the aircraft. Plan on about two hours total with approximately one hour of time at the controls. We will log this into your logbook as training toward your Private Pilot’s License. All for the low price of $100.

Schedule Your Training

We’ll sit down and discuss your availability, your goals, and your mission. As well as the pace at which you would like to pursue your training. We’ll do our best to match you with an instructor that you will be most compatible with. Once we’ve accomplished that, we’ll work up a schedule for training.

Student Requirements

When you begin your training at Columbia Jet Center, please bring the following documents:

  • US Passport or Birth Certificate (if US Citizen)
    • Foreign Passport and TSA Approval if non-US Citizen for initial Sport/Private rating, Instrument Rating, or Multi-Engine Rating. TSA Instructions here: FTSP Home (dhs.gov)
  • Drivers License
  • FAA Third Class Medical Certificate (or higher – you may start your training before you have this)

Important Medical Note: Certain medical conditions and medications can disqualify you from earning a First-Class Medical (required to be an airline pilot). Learn more from the following resources:

  • FAA Disqualifying Conditions
  • FAA Disqualifying Medications
  • AOPA Medical Resources

Recommended Equipment

As your training progresses, we recommend the following items.

  • iPad Wifi + Cellular Model (no cell service required): ForeFlight iPad Buyers Guide
    • Note 1: CJC recommends iPad mini or the next size up at the most.
    • Note 2: Cellular Model is needed for GPS receiver, not Service.
  • Headset
  • Flight computer E6B electronic
  • Flight bag
  • Kneeboard
  • FAA Chart Kansas City Sectional
  • King Schools Digital Ground School (Buy online or CJC)
    • We use King Schools digital pilot courses. These self-paced courses include videos, written material, and practice tests that help prepare students. These courses ($364 on average) are more time and cost-effective than working with a flight instructor (at $50/hr). Time with your flight instructor on the ground will then be primarily for review and any additional questions. Instructors can monitor your progress and keep track of your efforts through an online portal.

Apps Used

We use the following Applications:

Cancellation Policy

We require 24-hour notice for changes/cancellations. Please arrive 15 minutes before your lesson start time. Late shows, no-shows, and late cancellations for lessons (not related to weather/health) will be charged an additional 1.5 hours of airplane rental time and possibly 1 hour of CFI time after one courtesy warning.

Go at Your Pace

Whether you work full-time and only have a few hours a week to dedicate to training or are here to advance your ratings as quickly as possible with unlimited availability, we have a program to fit your needs.

Everyone Learns Differently

The best teachers are the ones that recognize that not all students are created equal and there is no “one size fits all” prescription for learning. With that in mind, we strive to match our students with instructors that can adjust the way they train to fit the student’s learning style. A firm commitment is required from the student and instructor. Our experience has taught us that with perseverance, almost everyone can learn to fly safely and enjoy all the benefits and personal freedoms that come along with flying!

Start Anytime

Columbia Jet Center has a full complement of aircraft and instructors ready and willing to give you the training you need. Whether it is your Private Pilot’s License, and Instrument Rating, Commercial, CFI/CFII, or Multi-engine rating, we are here and ready to go to work.

Get Started Now

Contact us today to learn more and sign up.

Contact Us

Columbia Jet Center is committed to providing our students with an enjoyable experience along with the best quality training available.