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?
To obtain a Private Pilot License (PPL), you must be at least 17 years old and hold a valid third-class FAA medical certificate. Begin by selecting a flight training program, such as those offered by Jeff Air Pilot Services, which provides flexible training options and a collegiate partnership with Indiana Wesleyan University. Next, complete a ground school course covering essential aviation knowledge. Then, accumulate a minimum of 40 flight hours, including dual instruction and solo flights. Afterward, pass the FAA written knowledge test. Financial payment options are available through Stratus Financial. Finally, demonstrate your skills in a check ride with an FAA examiner. Upon successful completion, you’ll receive your PPL, allowing you to fly as pilot-in-command of an aircraft .
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 $12,500-$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. We also offer financing solutions with Stratus Financial.
Does Jeff Air Pilot Services do loans or financial assistance?
Jeff Air isn’t a lender. However, we are partnered with Stratus Financial. This company offers flight training finance if approved. If interested, you can apply directly at their website: https://apply.stratus.finance/
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 if needed to reach the proficiency required to successfully pass the final practical test.
Acquiring a commercial pilot license offers a wider range of possibilities, like earning money, and freedom to fly a wider variety of aircrafts. Jeff Air Pilot Services can help you gain the right training, preparation and experience to fulfill commercial flight requirements and standards within a year.
Besides flying, are there classes I have to take?
In addition to flight training, all students are required to complete an online ground school course. This course is designed to align with your flight training stages and is completed at your own pace, on your own time, not in a classroom setting—making it convenient and flexible.
We offer two ground school options: Jeppesen and King Schools.
Part 141 Students: Enrollment in the Jeppesen online ground school is mandatory.
Part 61 Students: You may choose any FAA-approved commercial ground school, including Jeppesen or King Schools, in accordance with 14 CFR Part 61 guidelines.
This structure ensures you’re gaining essential knowledge alongside hands-on flying experience.
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 (https://www.fts.tsa.dhs.gov/home).
I want to rent an airplane. How can I do that with Jeff Air?
We currently rent a diverse fleet of aircraft—including the Piper Archer, Cessna 150, Cessna 172, Cessna 172RG, and Cessna 310—out of Shelbyville Municipal Airport and Anderson Airport.
To become a renter, you must hold at least a Private Pilot License and complete a renter’s agreement. We will need to make copies of your pilot certificate, driver’s license, and current medical certificate. A checkout flight is required for insurance purposes, along with a logbook audit to verify currency.
Renters are responsible for maintaining currency and ensuring their information is up to date in 4 Forces. Aircraft rentals are charged based on Hobbs time.
What are Jeff Air’s rates?
Airplane rental is $182 per hour, instructor fees are $75 per hour and ground instruction is $65 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 Shelbyville location office at (317) 887-5723 or the Anderson location at (765) 387-0046 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.