Jeff Air Pilot Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a student pilot license and private pilot license?

A student pilot license is used as certification for flight training before you obtain your private pilot license.

When you begin flight training, your flight instructor will help you apply for a student license. There is no testing required to obtain a student license, but it is required before taking solo flights. Student pilot licenses are for training only and they do not carry the same privileges as a private pilot license. For example, you cannot fly passengers with a student license.

What are the steps in obtaining a private pilot’s license?

The private pilot license (PPL) requires a minimum of 40 training flight hours, a ground school course, written test, practical test and at least a third-class medical certificate.

What is the medical examination?

The FAA requires all pilots to have a current and valid medical exam completed by an aviation medical examiner (AME). This medical certificate must accompany all pilots while flying. For student pilots, a medical certificate isn’t required until the student needs to solo fly the aircraft.

What if I can’t pass a medical exam?

If you have medical conditions, you will need to discuss this with your aviation medical examiner (AME). Having certain medical conditions may not stop you from obtaining the medical certificate, but you will need to discuss this with the examiner. Here is a link to find approved AMEs in your area: https://designee.faa.gov/#/designeeLocator

What is Part 61 and Part 141?

Title 14 CFR Part 61 and 14 CFR Part 141 are the codes of federal regulations that define the requirements for flight training.

What is the difference between Part 61 and Part 141?

You have the option on deciding which you would like to enroll into. Both curriculums teach the same requirements under the FAA Airman Certification Standards, but Part 141 is particularly focused and perhaps better suited for full-time students with goals of a professional flight career. Part 61 is more flexible and doesn’t have time-sensitive requirements like 141. At Jeff Air, we can help you decide which would be best for your overall goals.

How much will it cost to obtain a private pilot license?

The price range for a private pilot license ranges from $11,500-$14,500, depending on additional flight time needed for proficiency. This price range includes the cost for the medical exam, ground school course, books, written test and the final practical test. We cannot guarantee the license will be completed in this price estimate.

How do I pay for flight training?

Payment is accepted in the form of cash, check and credit card. Payment is taken after each flight or ground lesson. There is also the option of putting an amount of money on your account and payments can be withdrawn as needed.

Does Jeff Air Pilot Services do loans or financial assistance?

Jeff Air isn’t a lender. However, we are registered as a provider for Pilot Finance, Inc. This company offers flight training finance if approved. If interested, you can apply directly at their website: www.pilotfinance.com.

How long will flight training take to complete?

Students flying three to four times per week complete the program in about three months. Flying once per week, students can complete the program in about one year. These time frames aren’t guaranteed, and additional time may be needed to reach the proficiency required to successfully pass the final practical test.

Besides flying, are there classes I have to take?

Yes, besides flying you will need to complete an online ground school course. This course is given at the beginning of training and the stages of the course coincide with the flight training. The course is done during your own time, not in a classroom setting, for your convenience. We offer two different options for ground school, AV8 Prep and Jeppesen. Students enrolling in Part 141 training are required to take the Jeppesen online ground school course.

What is the difference between the written test and practical test?

The FAA written test is a computer-based knowledge exam requiring a score of at least 70% to pass. The practical test is your final exam you must take with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). You will be reviewed orally of your knowledge gained throughout the program and also reviewed on flying skills. Should you not pass the practical test on your first attempt, you will need to receive additional training.

What documentation do I need to show before beginning flight training?

The documentation needed include a current driver’s license or similar identification and a birth certificate or passport to verify US citizenship. Jeff Air will also need you to fill out a renter’s agreement for insurance purposes. If you are a minor, we will need a parent or guardian to sign a financial responsibility form. If you are not a current US citizen, the TSA will need to verify citizenship through the Alien Flight Student Program with the Department of Homeland Security (www.flightschoolcandidates.gov).

Do I need to buy books and supplies?

Along with the ground school course, we offer what is called a flight bag kit through Jeppesen. The kit includes all the necessary reading materials, books, checklists and other tools needed for initial flight training. Due to COVID-19 precautions, we no longer allow headsets to be shared and borrowed for flight training. Instead, we have a headset supplier we partner with to provide headsets at an affordable price.

I want to rent an airplane. How can I do that with Jeff Air?

We currently rent our fleet of Cessna 172 aircraft out of the Greenwood Municipal Airport. To become a renter, you will need to complete and sign a renter’s agreement and have at least a private pilot license. We will need to make copies of your pilot license, driver’s license and current medical certificate. There will also be a checkout for insurance purposes and a logbook audit to confirm currency. Renters will be expected to maintain currency and also update any information needed in MyFBO. We charge rentals by the Hobbs time accumulated.

What are Jeff Air’s rates?

Airplane rental is $175 per hour, instructor fees are $65 per hour and ground instruction is $50 per hour.

I’m interested in learning to fly, but I’m not sure if it’s right for me.

Jeff Air offers customers what is called a discovery flight. It’s an intro flight for those interested in learning to fly. It’s approximately a 30-minute flight lesson in a Cessna 172 with a certified flight instructor. You will be able to fly the airplane and manipulate the controls. We block out a one-hour time slot so there is plenty of time for any questions before, during and after your discovery flight. The price for discovery flights is $120 before tax. For scheduling, call the Greenwood location office at (317) 887-5723 to check into available dates and times. We recommend discovery flight participants be at least 14 years of age or older.

I have military benefits. Will that cover flight training?

Jeff Air holds an air agency certificate that accepts VA benefits for advanced ratings.

Can Jeff Air help me get to the commercial airlines?

Yes, Jeff Air Pilot Services can help you soar the sky and reach your career goals! We offer resources for private, instrument, commercial, multi-engine and certified flight instructor (CFI) training. To reach the commercial airlines, you will ultimately need to obtain your airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate. We can further discuss the necessary requirements for obtaining the ATP certification with you at Jeff Air.

Testimonials

"Earned my private pilot single engine land at Jeff Air. What an awesome experience to work with the entire staff. Friendly and more than happy to work with whatever schedule you have. Working on IFR with the team there now."
J. Bennington
"Jeff Air helped both of my sons become commercial pilots in less than 18 months. They are professional, and they are really great people...look forward to my third son starting his lessons toward his career."
T. Van Deman
"Friendly staff and instructors, great facility, and conveniently located just south of Indianapolis!"
A. Bowman
"Loved the experience of flying a plane. Staff here is friendly and careful about safety. My husband enjoyed his flight lesson. It was fun and unique experience!"
K. Sankaran