Frequently Asked Questions
It very easy to get started. All you need to do is bring in a US passport or birth certificate. If you’re a permanent resident or under an eligible visa, you just need to gain TSA approval. We can help assist with that process. While not required until you solo, we do recommend everyone to get their aviation medical before begin training. Reach out to us! Our staff will start the process for you of becoming an AV8 student. Try a discovery flight to see if flying is for you. Contact 952-944-2628 to learn more about our school. We can set a time to meet with you in person.
To start training at AV8 you will need to obtain an FAA medical certificate and show proof of citizenship with either a passport or birth certificate and a valid driver’s license.
Yes! If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to apply to flight train on fts.tsa.dhs.gov. Please apply to flight train at Hummingbird Aviation. We are still in the process of updating our brand on this website currently.
To be hired as an airline pilot, you will need 1,500 hours of flight time and your Private, Instrument, and Commercial certificates. During your flight training for these certificates, you will build about 250 hours of flight time. After this training is completed, most pilots choose to become flight instructors to build the rest of their flight time.
You can start training whenever you want. You’ll need to be 16 before you can solo, 17 for your private license, and 17 for your instrument, and 18 for your commercial and other certifications. If you want to get into our University program, you can start the summer after you complete your sophomore year of high school.
It depends on the rating you’re pursuing. For a private pilot’s license, it usually costs between $15,000-$16,000. If you want to become a commercial pilot the entire program will cost between $70,000 and $80,000.
A student who is available to fly 4 to 5 times a week can complete their training in as little as 12 months! The average student who flies 2 to 3 times a week will complete their training in 1 to 2 years.
Anyone can become a pilot! Becoming a pilot takes time and dedication, but the reward of flying is unlike any other experience in life.
Starting out as an airline pilot the average salary is around $90,000 per year and only goes up from there! If you like the idea of having flight benefits, traveling the world, and being paid very well all while working a maximum of 1,000 hours per year, then I’d say being a pilot is definitely worth it!
While aircraft renters’ insurance may not be required for you as a pilot, it is an important consideration. Learn more about aircraft renters insurance here.
All you need to do is deposit funds to your account and maintain a positive balance ongoing. You can pay with a credit card via our scheduling system, or you can drop off a check. Essentially, you put funds into your account and then fly them off. You’ll be permitted to schedule flights as long as your account balance is positive.
Please feel to reach out to us at any time 952-944-2628 or info@av8flight.com. We’re more than happy to answer your questions and guide you towards achieving your dreams!
You can inquire with an Air Tour question using this form, or call us directly at 952-944-2628!
Pay ranges greatly in aviation but the average commercial pilot makes more than $120,000 per year. Senior pilots have been known to make over $400,000 annually!