Saturday, August 31, 2013

Journey to pilot's license lengthy: Coyote Flight Centers at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (KAMA), Amarillo, Texas

When obtaining a pilot’s license, learning to fly the plane might be the easiest part.

Federal training requirements include learning to fly the aircraft, maintenance upkeep and multiple hours of on-ground safety preparation, said Josh Collier, a flight instructor and owner of Coyote Flight Centers in Amarillo.

The journey starts with the procurement of a private pilot’s license. From there, students can gain instrument ratings, a commercial license or become an instructor. The cost of obtaining all these certifications can soar to an estimated $40,000.

A private license requires 40 hours of training within an aircraft, 20 with an instructor and 10 in solo flight.

Armed with this license, a pilot is permitted to fly anywhere in the United States and may carry passengers and cargo, but cannot fly for compensation or hire or fly in or near clouds.

An instrument-rated pilot has the same limitations, but is allowed to fly in the clouds.

Fifty hours of cross-country flying must be logged, along with 40 hours of simulated or actual instrument training and 15 hours of
instructor-supervised learning.

Only a commercial license allows a pilot to carry passengers for compensation. That license requires an additional written test and more than 300 hours more than initial training standards.

Coyote Flight Centers offers private and instrumental training. Collier said the firm hopes to acquire a complex aircraft for commercial and instructor ratings.


Original article:    http://amarillo.com