Frequently Asked Questions
The best kind! All jokes aside, Brazos Valley Flight Services is a 14 CFR part 61 Flight School, according to the FAA definition. This means that we have the flexibility to adapt our training to your needs and must follow the path to certification defined in part 61 of the federal regulations. We are also a Cessna Pilot Center, which gives you the confidence of a tried and trusted training curriculum, together with beautiful, safe, and fun aircraft.
BVFS encourages each client to fly two to three times per week on a regular basis. This schedule is considered full-time enrollment, supports consistent progress, and provides the best overall training experience. Flying less than twice per week may extend the course duration.
Flight lessons are scheduled in two or three-hour blocks of time by reserving both aircraft and instructor, at the student’s convenience. During the cross country phase, some lessons will be four to five hours in duration. Once endorsed by the instructor, some of the flights will be “solo.”
Private Pilot students must schedule all initial training flights during daylight hours. Later in the course, there are additional training flights which will be performed at night with the instructor. After certification, you may continue to fly with us by renting our aircraft to fly to your favorite destinations.
BVFS is an official Cessna Pilot Center and follows Cessna’s computer-based instruction course. This program is a fully integrated curriculum where students view ground lessons at home on their computer or tablet and then come to the airport for reviews and flight lessons. Most ground instruction is computer directed and can be completed at home rather than in a classroom environment. BVFS instructors are available to answer student questions and provide clarifications at any time. Instructors will also complement the computer based training by probing your knowledge during the lessons and reinforcing any weak spot they perceive. Toward the end of the training, instructors will also schedule with you comprehensive review sessions to prepare you for the practical test. The combination of online curriculum and instructor support provides a complete and effective training experience.
BVFS employs seasoned flight instructors that are available seven days a week. We recommend that students fly with several instructors at the beginning of their flight training to find which instructor best suits their learning style. Students choose the instructor they want and may change at any time.
Students should expect to spend about two hours studying and utilizing the computer-based Instruction Course before each flight lesson.
Students flying two to three times per week on average and studying regularly before coming to the flight lessons can expect to finish in 3 to 4 months, weather permitting. Students flying or studying less regularly may take longer. In any case, BVFS’ instructors will make a training program that is right for your needs.
Intensive training classes are also available, but there are limited slots! With Intensive training, you can complete your training in as little as 8 weeks. Contact us for more information and book your slot to ensure availability.
As a Cessna Pilot Center, BVFS performs all Private Pilot training in Cessna 172 Skyhawk and Cessna 162 Skycatcher. BVFS operates both the classic analog instruments (round gauges) Cessna 172’s and the new state of art G1000 glass cockpit Cessna 172’s. For Commercial, CFI ratings, and “Complex” endorsement, BVFS has a retractable gear aircraft, the Piper Cherokee Arrow (PA28R-200). BVFS will also do training in personally owned aircraft that are airworthy and well maintained.
Students must be at least sixteen years of age to solo and seventeen years of age to obtain a Private Pilot’s License. BVFS does provide training to younger students who don’t yet meet the FAA age requirements. However, for younger students, we recommend a less intensive part-time training schedule.
BVFS does not provide financial assistance. However, we can refer you to reputable financial assistance providers. For instance, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) can help you in financing for flight training. Go HERE to find out more.
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Website: https://bvfs.net/
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