Some Frequently Asked Questions

I have never flown a small plane?
If you have never flown in a plane or never flown in a small plane and would like the opportunity to do so before entering the program you may contact Robert Frey at Charis Air to schedule a free trial flight. Charis Air also invites prospective students to visit their flight school at Barnes Airport, please call for an appointment.
Can anyone learn to fly?
Yes, anyone who is 16 years or older can solo an airplane (fly alone). People from every occupation, from diverse backgrounds, and from every geographic location in the U.S. are pilots.
How hard is it to learn to fly?
Flying is a step-by-step process. It is a skill that most anyone can master with practice. Flying is often challenging, but not particularly difficult. With an investment of a little time and effort almost anyone can learn to fly.
What are the requirements for learning to fly?
The basic requirements for learning to fly are few. The main requirement is a desire to fly. Second, to solo a powered aircraft in the U.S. you must be 16 years old. Third, you will need to obtain an FAA medical certificate. And finally you have to be able to speak, read and understand English.
How long will it take me to learn to fly?
For the Private Pilot certificate most individuals finish in only 45-55 hours of flight time. This time includes instruction (dual) and solo flight time. Flight training includes some instrument flight time, some night flying, as well as some cross-country flying (beyond 50 miles). Charis Air is open seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Instructors are flexible and willing to accommodate student schedules. Scheduling flight time will be accomplished directly by the student with Charis Air. Flight schedules and progress will be monitored by the Aviation Coordinator at Westfield State College. We suggest a minimum of two flights per week to build proficiency. Students who start flying during the Fall Semester should be licensed private pilots by the Spring Semester.
What happens after I get my pilot's certificate?
That is determined by the individual student. Some students may desire to continue flying, working toward becoming Airline Transportation Pilots. Some students may enter military service as pilots. Others may wish to pursue management careers in the aviation industry, without becoming pilots.
What are the requirements for becoming a Private Pilot?
  • Be 17 years old to obtain License
  • Be 16 years old to solo
  • Read, speak, write, and understand English
  • Pass a written, oral & flight tests
  • Pass a FAA physical examination
What are the requirements for becoming a commercial pilot?
If you want to be a professional pilot you need a Commercial Pilot Certificate. This allows you to carry passengers for compensation or hire. The Commercial Pilot Certificate requires a higher level of precision and smoothness as a pilot. The commercial certificate allows you to operate aircraft with retractable landing gear and a constant speed prop.
During your training for the Commercial Pilot Certificate, you will study performance, complex aircraft systems and Federal Aviation Regulations. Your flight training will include: maneuvers required by the Practical Test Standards, advanced takeoff and landing techniques, normal and emergency procedures. Being located in the Northeast Corridor allows us to provide you with the most sophisticated Class B airspace in the United States, our close proximity to Canada allows for flying out of as well as into the US and clearing customs. The geography of the Northeast provides experience flying in mountainous areas as well as at sea level.