Frequently Asked Questions - from New Students
- Can I start my flight training to become a pilot anytime?
---YES---You can start your training the moment you decide to start taking lessons. You can start today. There are no age requirements for starting your training although, when it comes to obtaining a pilot certificate, you must be at least 16 year-old for a STUDENT pilot certificate; at least 17 year-old for a PRIVATE pilot certificate. However, otherwise, come visit us anytime for your FIRST FLIGHT. - goto top - Live Help
- If I get a pilot certificate for an airplane, can I also fly a helicopter?
---NO--- Aircraft with major difference in characteristics of flying are categorized differently. If you have an airplane pilot certificate, the regulations require you to receive training in a helicopter and be tested by an FAA examiner to see if your skills qualify for flying a helicopter. And vice-versa. - goto top - Live Help
- A friend has told me that I can save a lot of money if I get my airplane certificate first; then a helicopter certificate. Is that true?
---YES and NO---The total flight and ground instruction time that a student needs to obtain a pilot certificate varies due to various factors. The dominant factor is always the student's motivation. The next factor would be how the instructor guides the student through his/her training. Generally speaking, in the long run, it's not going to make a big difference. If you happen to save a lot, then we would say that you are one of the few exceptions. - goto top - Live Help
- How long does an average student take to get a pilot certificate? 3 weeks or 3 months? Can I work out a fixed schedule and expect my flight training to go as scheduled?
---NO---It will depend on how much time you can commit to training; along with other factors, such as, weather, unpredictable aircraft maintenance, scheduling conflict with other students/customers, etc. You should start off with a fixed schedule. However, always allow us or the instructor to customizes your schedule to enhance your training accordingly to your skills. You will have a better result in the long run. Someone that is committed to fly everyday could obtain a certificate rather quickly(one month), otherwise, you can expect 3 to 4 months. - goto top - Live Help
- Do I always fly with an instructor?
---NO---The instructor will always be flying with you until you can safely operate the aircraft by yourself. Once you have demonstrated that you are ready to act as a Pilot-in-Command(PIC), then it is time to move on to the next stage of the training, which is referred to as, "SOLO." This is where the instructor feels confident enough for you to operate the aircraft without his/her assistance. The instructor will step out of the aircraft and have you go fly so you can build Single-Pilot Competency - confidence in flying. - goto top - Live Help
- Can I be a safe pilot with 40 hours of flight training?
---YES---In order to be certified as a private pilot, the regulations ensure that you have at least 40 hours of flight time. We do not know how accurate the numbers are but the national average is said to be somewhere between 60 to 80 hours to obtain your Private Pilot Certificate. As far as "safety" is concerned, there are many safe pilots that only have 40 hours; on the other hand, there are many pilots that are not-safe pilots although they have thousands of hours. So, the total hours do matter to some extent, but otherwise, it's not about how many hours you have. What kind of hours you have is more important to be a safe pilot. - goto top - Live Help
- Is there a test that I have to take other than the flight training?
---YES---Some tests are multiple choice tests and some are written test. Some tests are referred to as oral exams and you might hear somebody mention "a practical test." There are various test that you need to pass in order to move on to the next stage of your training as a pilot. - goto top - Live Help
- I do wear glasses. Can I still become a pilot?
---YES---When it comes to the eyes or other body related or medical issues, there are FAA designated Medical Examiners that specialize in medical conditions for pilots. You must consult the Medical Examiner. If, you would like to schedule a medical examination to see if you are physically fit to become a pilot, we will be more than happy to refer you to a FAA Medical Examiner. Please, contact us for further information. There are many pilots in the world that wear eye glasses. - goto top - Live Help
- I don't know anything about airplanes/helicopters. Can I still dream of becoming a pilot?
---YES---That's why we are here to guide you! Everybody has different reasons to start taking flight lessons. For some people it was a childhood dream to fly. But for others, not so. It might have been a surprise birthday present(gift certificate) from a friend or a family member that got him/her into aviation. Or just a helicopter flying over your house one day. It might have been a friend that shared his/her experience of being pilot. Or it might be a Hollywood movie that you saw on TV. Lessons are structured so that anybody can become a pilot one day. You do not need any aviation background to start. - goto top - Live Help
- How do I schedule my first flight training? Should I just call?
---YES---Just call us and say something like this:
"I saw you website and I am interested in taking airplane/helicopter lessons. I'd like to schedule a Demo Flight."
Then we will ask you when you can come visit us and schedule you for the DemoFlight. The cost of a demo flight will usually be around $80.00USD to $200.00USD depending on what aircraft you choose to fly in. You can also use our online chat to schedule flights during business hours. - goto top - Live Help
- Are you the only flight school in California?
---NO---Just like there are many driving schools for cars, there are many pilot training flight schools. In El Monte Airport, we are one of the couple on the field. We are the only flight school where you can receive both helicopter and airplane flight training in El Monte, California. - goto top - Live Help
- I have a full-time day job. Can I still enroll and get flight training at your flight school?
---YES---You and the Instructor can work something out to get your training started. Our office hours are from 08:00AM to 08:00PM during the summer time and 08:00AM to 06:00PM during the winter time. But we operate 24/7. As long as you don't feel too tiered after work, we can get you started and guide you toward your goal of becoming a pilot. - goto top - Live Help
- I have a couple of demo flights at different flight schools. Can I still get a demo flight at your flight school to evaluate which flight school is the best for me?
---YES---We are here to serve our customers whenever you are ready to start. Check out a couple of flight schools before you start. Do your research. That will help you start to learn about various airports in the local area of Los Angeles. Every time you walk into a flight school(FBO), you might see common books that pilots refer to or somebody might show you what a "pilot's lounge" looks like or what a flight planning room or a computer to check weather looks like! You are learning already by doing your research! Go see what is out there and start to familiarize yourself with General Aviation. - goto top - Live Help
- How far is the practice area? Am I going to be wasting time to fly to a practice area to get my flight training?
---NO---Our location is the BEST in California for Basic to Advanced training. Our practice area is ONLY 4 minutes from the airport and that's the closest it can ever get!!! Most of the training can be done in the airport and in the practice area. - goto top - Live Help
- How is the weather and winds at El Monte? Will I be able to practice in calm wind when I start my flight training?
---YES---For initial training El Monte is the BEST airport. You can check the weather for all the airports in the LA Basin in the morning. The winds are nice and calm and the sky conditions are usually great or fair for training. In the afternoon the winds will pick up gradually just enough to enhance the training. Elsewhere, you would always have to be blown around by the wind and not understand if it you or the wind that's flying the aircraft. - goto top - Live Help
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Frequently Asked Questions - from Airplane Pilots
- I haven't flown for more than two years. Can I get a flight review to be current again?
---YES---We have qualified instructors that will be able to conduct a flight review to refresh and enhance your flying skills and get you up to date on the changes and improvement that have taken place in the period of time that you have not been flying. Just contact us to schedule a BFR. - goto top - Live Help
- I have a pilot certificate. Can I get checked out on one of your 172s? What do I need to do?
---YES---You will be required to present a copy of your Pilot Certificate, Current Medical, Photo ID and a proof of Citizenship. Then we will schedule you with one of our instructors to ensure that you can operate the aircraft safely and in the manner that the operator requires you to handle the aircraft. We call this process an "aircraft check-out" and usually, consists of a short ground session and a minimum of 1 hour flight. This would apply to any aircraft. That you would like to get checked out on. On most of the aircraft, the entire process will take a minimum of 2 hours. - goto top - Live Help
- I have a pilot certificate. Can I rent an airplane to fly with my friends?
---YES---If you have enrolled in our training course, you will be able to rent an airplane and carry passengers. If you have not enrolled in our training course, then you will be required to have an aircraft check out prior to renting the aircraft by yourself. Once we feel that you can operate the aircraft safely, you will be able to rent the aircraft by yourself to carry your passengers.
NOTE: Upon receiving your private pilot certificate, it is highly recommended to fly another couple of hours to ensure that you are "really" ready to carry passengers. This is just a friendly advice so that you stay away from trouble. - goto top - Live Help
- I have not flown during nighttime for over 90 days and I am planning to carry passengers. Can one of your instructors fly with me to practice a couple of takeoffs and landings?
---YES---Don't be shy or hesitate to ask for an instructor to come on-board as another set of eyes just in case you really do need them. Because you will be very sorry if you didn't have them when you needed it. It is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended to fly with an instructor on-board. - goto top - Live Help
- Do you have a San Francisco Sectional and Terminal Chart?
---YES---We do have a small pilot shop that provides basic pilot needs. - goto top - Live Help
- I have a passenger. Do you have a headset that I can borrow?
--YES---We do have headsets for rental. - goto top - Live Help
- I'm thinking of getting a helicopter add-on. Do I need to take another written test?
---NO---The FAA does not require that you take another multiple choice written test that you probably remember taking when you got your airplane certificate. However, you are required to take a pre-solo written test and a check ride plus any kind of tests that the instructor requires you to take. - goto top - Live Help
- I checked the weather this morning, I don't feel comfort flying today. Can I cancel my flight for today?
---YES---Cancelation due to bad weather will always be accepted at no charge. However, cancelation due to any other reason may be subject to a cancelation fee. If you have an aircraft scheduled to fly but you do not show up, there will be a cancelation fee(minimum 1/2 hour of aircraft and instructor time) that will be charged on your account. There is no limit to the charge that will be applied to your account. Make sure you contact one of our staff for cancellations. - goto top - Live Help
- Are there any local TFRs in effect, today?
---ALWAYS THINK YES---When you obtain a standard weather briefing, the weather briefer might tell you about the Disneyland TFR in the LA Basin. However, they will not let you know about TFR that might be in effect over the Rose Bowl, LA Dodgers Stadium, LA Coliseum, Anaheim Angels Stadium, etc. The pilot has the responsibility to check the scoreboards prior to the flight to be aware of TFRs. - goto top - Live Help
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Frequently Asked Questions - from Helicopter Pilots
- I am a private pilot certificate holder and I am thinking of building up flight time towards my commercial rating. Can I rent a helicopter?
---YES---If you have not enrolled in our training program, you will be required to have an aircraft check out. Usually, the check out will consist of a minimum of 1 hour ground and 1 hour flight. - goto top - Live Help
- I saw your rates on the website for the R22 and R44. I think they are great compared to other helicopter operators. Can I be checked out in your helicopter so that I can start flying at Universal Air Academy?
---YES---We have aircrafts at competitive and affordable rates so helicopter pilots earn their certificate to use it; not store it. Contact us on our live chat, or call us to schedule a flight for the check out. - goto top - Live Help
- What does a checkout consist of? How long is the check out? Is it a hard test of everything?
---NO---The main part of the check out is to get you familiar with the procedures in and out of the airport, traffic pattern altitude and limitations that we set ourselves to make helicopter flying at El Monte as noise friendly to the neighbors as possible. At the same time, we will check your flying and give you practical suggestions to make your flying even safer. - goto top - Live Help
- I got my flight training elsewhere but the flight school did not let me rent the helicopter solo or with a passenger? Can I go fly with a passenger at Universal Air Academy?
---YES---As long as you have a Private Pilot Certificate and have completed the Robinson Helicopter Company Safety Course, you are eligible to rent a helicopter. Please, schedule a flight over the phone or live chat for an "aircraft check out." - goto top - Live Help
- I got my training in a Schweizer. I have no previous experience in a Robinson Helicopter but I am thinking of getting familiar with them and getting checked out. Are the Robinson Helicopters safe?
---YES---Any FAA approved aircraft is safe. - goto top - Live Help
- Do you provide SFAR73 flight training?
---YES---We provide high quality Basics to Advanced helicopter training including SFAR73 training in both R22s and R44s so you can get your R22 and R44 transitions at Universal Air Academy. - goto top - Live Help
- I was impressed with the teaching techniques at Universal Air Academy. I'd like to learn more and eventually work towards my CFI. Do you provide CFI training?
---YES---We have qualified instructors that will guide you through the training to become a Certified Flight Instructor. We recommend everyone flying helicopters to get their instructor's certificate. It is not an easy certificate to get, but it is worth getting. It will open a whole new world to your aviation life. - goto top - Live Help
- I'm not familiar with the local streets in the vicinity of El Monte Airport and the tower told me to "turn base at Lower Azusa." What is "Lower Azusa?" Is it a name of a street?
---YES---Lower Azusa is a road just north of the field that runs east and west. If you are suggested to "turn base over Lower Azusa," that's what they mean. - goto top - Live Help
- What are your solo rental agreements? Do I need to go to the Robinson Helicopter Company Safety Course?
---YES / NOT REQUIRED---We will need to see a proof of completion of the Robinson Helicopter Company Safety Course. To get information about the safety course, keyword: "RHC Safety Course" on any internet search engine and you will get all the information you need. - goto top - Live Help
- I'd like to get an airplane pilot certificate. Does Universal Air Academy offer airplane flight training?
---YES---Universal Air Academy encourages all helicopter pilots to eventually obtain an airplane pilot certificate just to be familiar with different view of aviation. We operate both high and low wing airplanes and multi-engine airplanes as well. Qualified airplane flight instructors will guide you with ease according to Part 141 standards. - goto top - Live Help
- I'd like to get the 5 hour R44 transition to get the SFAR73 endorsement. Do you provide the flight training?
---YES--- We have provided the R44 transition training for many pilots. Some pilots will schedule the aircraft and the instructor to get the training in one-day or otherwise, spread it out into a couple of days to meet the requirements. Some pilots have a couple of hours here and there at different flight schools and finish up the 5 hour requirement to get signed off to rent the R44 at Universal Air Academy. In this case, our flight instructor will determine how many hours of flight training you need to be qualified to act as a safe Pilot-in-Command in our R44, based on his/her flight experience with you. - goto top - Live Help
- Can I rent the R44 to fly around the LA Basin with my friends?
---YES---All you need is a proof of completion of the Robinson Helicopter Company Safety Course and an aircraft check out with one of our helicopter flight instructors. - goto top - Live Help
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Frequently Asked Questions - Others
- In your website you say "0(zero) to COM." What do you mean by "0(zero)." Does it mean "from nothing?"
---YES---This is another way of saying, "I have no prior flying experience but I'd like to start taking lessons and work my way towards up to a Commercial Pilot Certificate." - goto top - Live Help
- I've been researching various flight schools and they refer to words like "Part 61" or "Part 141." Are you a Part 141 flight school?
---YES---We operate both Part 61 and Part 141. - goto top - Live Help
- I want to learn how to talk on the radio? Is there any studying material that you recommend?
---YES---There are various great and easy to understand books that explain Radio Communication Procedures for Aviation. Once you start your training, your instructor will teach you about Radio Communication at some point and refer to specific books to read before you come to class. But for the mean time, if you'd like to listen to the actual radio communication you can visit a website called, "LiveATC.net." Somebody has put a lot of effort in this website and we should all thank him or her or them! - goto top - Live Help
- I already bought a FAA Written Test Prep Book and I think I am ready to the actual test. Where can I take the test? Can I take the test at your flight school?
---YES---We have the test center available for you at the flight school. Whenever you are ready, come and take the test. We also have computers ready for you to take practice tests before you go for the real one. - goto top - Live Help
- I was on the internet and purchased a home-study course DVD set. Was that a good idea?
---YES---Today, there are many helpful products for you to learn about becoming a pilot. We encourage you to read, listen, watch and research any of the home-study courses. They will give you a great foundation of basic to advanced aviation knowledge; which is what a "safe pilot" is all about - "knowledge" - goto top - Live Help
- I'm thinking of purchasing your Private Pilot Package in a Cessna 152. Are there any other costs that I should be aware of upon starting my flight training?
---YES---Unless otherwise specified, packages do not include fees such as, Medical Examination Fees and Practical Test Fees. - goto top - Live Help
- I'm looking at a brochure/publication that I picked-up at an airport but your rates on the AD are not the same as the rates on the website? Where can I get the most current rates? On the web?
---NO---Please, contact us via phone or online chat to confirm the most current rates for our aircrafts. - goto top - Live Help
- I want to purchase a "Gift Certificate." Do you offer any at Universal Air Academy?
---YES---Gift Certificates are the best present that you can give to your friends or family members. Just contact us and ask for a "gift certificate." We will ask you if you would like the gift to be an airplane flight or a helicopter flight. Many people get hooked and eventually become pilots a couple months later. - goto top - Live Help
- I don't live in Southern California/USA. Do you offer any housing or accommodation?
---NO / YES, Now we do.---We will be more than happy to recommend motels and hotels in the vicinity of El Monte Airport. However, we do not offer housing for non-local trainees at this time. We now do provide housing and/or accommodation for your stay during your flight training at the flight school. - goto top - Live Help
- How many times can I fly per day? Do you always have an aircraft available?
---YES---You can fly as much as you want in one day, however, you might encounter situations where there might be scheduling conflicts between you and another student/customer that booked an aircraft just before you do. Otherwise an aircraft is always available for you. - goto top - Live Help
- How many instructors do you have? How much flight time do they have? Are they good?
---YES--At Universal Air Academy, we have experienced instructors with thousands of hours and also fresh instructors that know exactly what FAA Examiners are looking for pilots that fly today. - goto top - Live Help
- Do you have a large group of students in one classroom or do you have a small group class? I learn better with one-on-one based sessions with a teacher. Can you offer one-on-one instruction?
---YES---We believe one-on-one lessons are very important for student pilots to understand what they are learning new. In some cases, we do provide small group classes as necessary. - goto top - Live Help
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MOST Frequently Asked Question
- Can I become a pilot? Can my husband become a pilot? Can my wife become a pilot? Can my son become a pilot? Can my daughter become a pilot? Can my boyfriend become a pilot? Can my girlfriend become a pilot?
---ALL YES---Everybody has a chance to become an AIRPLANE or HELICOPTER PILOT! - goto top - Live Help
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