Introductory flights are available for only $59.

Coyote provides instruction for private pilot, instrument rating, commercial, instructor and instrument instructor certificates.

Three Phases to flight instruction: You could be working on up to 2-3 phases at the same time. The skills you learn in one phase will help you with another. It is not uncommon to learn these concurrently.

1. Knowledge - Information you need to pass your Knowledge Test. This is also called ground training. It is what you learn on the ground (weather, aerodynamics, regulations, etc.). We require students complete this prior to solo. It will save you time and money in the long run.

2. Oral - Be able to talk about flying and communicate on the radio. You will have an oral exam the day of your Check-Ride. You will also need to be able to communicate with air Traffic control. Best way to learn this is to talk aviation with other pilots. Best way to do this is hang out at the flight schools. (Coyote Students can also check out your Mentors Safety Pilots and Study Buddies list.)

3. Flying - Many people find the flying part to be the easiest. When you start to fly, some of the pieces and confusion will start to come together and make sense.

 

 

How do I start?

1. Talk to various schools and instructors and ask questions. (See the Choosing an instructor page for tips)

2. Take an introductory flight lesson ($59 at Coyote and the flight runs just like a lesson. It lasts an average on 45 minutes to an hour including pre-flight and post-flight inspections).

3. Decide how you want to get your ground training.

• Ground School- This is the best method if you learn better in a classroom setting. This generally takes longer than on your own but, most cost effective.
• DVD/CD-ROM - Great if you learn better on your own. This can be done on your own time.
• One-On-One with an instructor - This method is more costly and can be very lengthy. You will still have to study on your own.
  

4. Set up your first flight lesson. Have a few times when you are able to fly ready.

5. Bring the following to your first lesson:
Proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate)
Your current driver's license.

6. You will need to get a medical exam by a designated medical examiner prior to soloing. This also doubles as your student pilot certificate.

7. When you are ready and have an instructor's endorsement, you will take the Knowledge Test.
Coyote Flight Centers is a designated testing center for the FAA.

8. You will solo. It is important to follow regulations regarding Pre-solo requirements.

9. You will continue to fly solo and with an instructor for the remainder of your training. This will also include some cross-county time.

10. Take your Check-Ride. When you have logged the minimum hours AND have the appropriate skills, you will set up a day to complete your Oral Exam and Practical Exam with an examiner of your choosing.

Requirements/Regulations
To start, you must meet the general qualifications set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You must be 17 years of age to get your license. (You can start lessons prior to age 17.) You must be able to read, speak and write fluently the English language and have a Medical Certificate (Class 3)from a FAA designated medical examiner. In addition, your instructor must make a copy of your proof of citizenship (Official Birth Certificate or Passport) as well as a current photo ID such as your driver's license before your first flight.
Each certificate (Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, etc) and rating (Instrument, Multi-Engine, etc) will vary in the number of ground and flight training a pilot must have. You will start by aiming for your private pilot certificate.

Flight training is a combination of ground training and flight time. The ground training portion covers information that will help you while you are in the air learning to fly. This is usually done in conjunction with your flight training.

To keep expenses to a minimum, most of the ground training is done on your own time. You can do online or with CD courses, (King has good program) or work with an instructor. No matter how you choose to do the ground portion, you must have an "endorsement" from an instructor. You will be required to take and pass a "knowledge test" at a FAA approved testing center. Coyote Flight Centers is the only FAA testing center within 100 mile radius of Amarillo.

The minimum flight time for a private pilot is 40 hours in the aircraft. This is the bare minimum allowed and includes time for flying with an instructor (20 hours minimum), time flying solo (10 hours minimum) and hours as deemed necessary by your instructor (10 hours minimum). The above hours are minimums set forth by the FAA. You may be required to fly more hours solo or with an instructor before you and your instructor feel you are ready. Don't be discouraged, the national average is between 60-75 hours to achieve training and skills necessary to pass your "check-ride." The "Check-ride" is a practical test and oral test with an examiner. This will cover a variety of operations and tasks.

The cost of flying will vary with the hours you need to become proficient in flying, the type of aircraft you are flying and instructor fees. We suggest planning on a minimum of $6,000 for your private license training. Don't forget to add materials and exams. We use teaching methods that can help lower the cost of flying. Feel free to stop in or give us a call to discuss ways to keep your flying cost to a minimum.

 

Flying. How Safe Is It? Visit this AOPA Article Click Here
AOPA Interactive Training Click Here
Coyote Students can refer to the files on AircraftClubs.com for a list of Mentors, Safety Pilots and Study Buddies in addition to training materials, aircraft specific weight/balance charts, check-lists and more. Don't forget to check out your student handbook for information.