Visit the Aero Club

Only those who have base access may join.  The best way to learn about a flight school is to make a personal visit.  You will meet with the staff, tour our facilities, explore our aircraft, and get answers to your questions about becoming a pilot.  There is no charge for this consultation.  You may also schedule an introductory flight during this time.

The introductory flight will be your opportunity to experience flight training first-hand at a very modest cost.  You will get to “try it on” and learn how flight lessons are conducted with no obligation to commit to additional flight lessons.

Let us know if you have a question or are interested in making a personal visit.  We will help you get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

​​Am I eligible to fly with the Elmendorf Aero Club?

​In short, you are eligible if you have base access: Active Duty, Retired, Dependent, Law Enforcement, DOD Contractor, Civil Air Patrol...

What is a Private Pilot?

A private pilot certificate is the certificate held by the majority of active pilots.  It is similar to a driver’s license; it allows command of any aircraft (subject to appropriate ratings) for any noncommercial purpose, and gives almost unlimited authority to fly under VFR. Passengers may be carried; however, a private pilot may not be compensated for services as a pilot (this would require a Commercial Pilot Certificate), although passengers can share the expenses by paying no more than the pro rata share of flight expenses, such as fuel or rental costs.

How much does it cost to get a private pilot license?

A lot of variables affect the cost of learning to fly, including the frequency of flight lessons, weather conditions, the kind of aircraft in which you are training and its availability for scheduling, and individual aptitude. A typical estimate would range between $12,000 and $15,000.

See Aircraft & Instruction Rates Here

How long will it take?

The same variables that affect the cost of learning to fly will affect the time it takes to earn your certificate. The FAA has established the minimum number of flight hours needed to obtain a certificate. Under Part 141 of the federal aviation regulations, the minimum is 35 hours for a private pilot certificate. However a true average flight training time for a private pilot is around 60 hours. These flight hours can be spread over a time span of a few months to a year or more. ​

​​What about VA flight training?

The Aero Club is able to provide advanced flight training for members who have the Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) and Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB Chapter 30).  For specifics on instruction, approved rates, and course information, please review our current VA Catalog or visit the VA GI Bill Website.

To apply for VA benefits, check the status of your current application, or to print forms, please visit the VA eBenefits Portal.

If you have any questions concerning our VA approved programs or rates, please contact Gagiani Jones, VA Certifying Official, 907-552-5435 ​

How can I get a student pilot certificate?

You will need to obtain a student pilot certificate before you can fly solo. To obtain a student pilot certificate, you'll need to complete an application form through the Integrated Airman Certification & Rating Application (IACRA) website with our airman certification representative and Chief Flight Instructor, Wally Hansen (907) 552-5435  

​Apply for a student pilot certificate right when you start training because it may take up to three weeks for the FAA to approve and return the student pilot certificate.  Get answers to frequently asked questions about the student pilot certificate requirements.

Do I need a medical?

Yes. The FAA requires at least a THIRD class medical certificate from an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) prior to flying solo. 

The FAA’s MedXPress system allows anyone requiring an FAA Medical Certificate to electronically complete their medical application (FAA Form 8500-8). MedXPress is located at https://medxpress.faa.gov/ How to fill out MedXPress YouTube video: https://youtu.be/1washsCSV2E

To locate an aviation medical examiner in your area, go to: http://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/

​​​I heard some tsa requirements must be fulfilled before i can do flight training.  how will these requirements affect me?

You're referring to the TSA's alien flight training and citizenship validation rule. The effects of this rule depend on whether you are a U.S. citizen or an alien. Learn more about it here. 

Requirements to become a Private Pilot

• Be at least 17 years of age

• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English

• Hold a student pilot certificate (be at least 16 years of age)

• Hold at least a third class medical certificate
• Accumulate the required ground instruction (35 hours) in accordance with our 141 syllabus.*

• Pass a knowledge test on the applicable aeronautical knowledge areas
• Accumulate the required flight instruction (35 hours) in accordance with our 141 syllabus

• Pass a practical test on maneuvers and procedures. ​

* If certifying under Part 61, you may self-study provided an authorized instructor reviews your home-study on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in 14 CFR §61.105(b) and then certifies you are prepared for the required knowledge test.

To get started we recommend fulfilling the ground instruction requirement by enrolling in our Private Pilot Ground School. Check our calendar on the Ground School page for the next available class.