Connecticut Flight Academy - Sky's the Limit

Q: How do I get started?

A: Connecticut Flight Academy has several ways for you to take your first flight. The Discovery Flight is a half-hour flight with an instructor during which you will get to fly the plane with the instructor's assistance. Priced at $79, it's a very affordable way of flying a small plane for the first time. The second option is the Scenic Flight. This package is for up to three passengers. It is an hour lesson with an hour of flight time with an instructor on our four seat Piper Warrior plus an additional half hour of ground instruction and a tour of the school for only $169

Your flight instruction hours will be recorded in your complimentary Pilot Logbook which will count towards your private pilot license should you decide to enroll.

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Q: Will I be able to fly the airplane after my first lesson?

A: You will be flying the airplane not only after but also during your first flight lesson under your instructor's supervision! Depending on the weather and your desire, your instructor may even allow you to perform the take-off during your first lesson. After only a few hours of instruction, you will work on communications, navigation, taxiing, taking off, and landing.

Q: What are the requirements to become a pilot in the U.S.?

A: Most people meet the requirements to become a licensed pilot in the U.S.

Speak and understand English (the language of air traffic control)
Must provide a valid passport or birth certificate.
If you're not a US citizen you must meet the requirements per the Transportation Safety Administration's regulations.
Pass a basic medical exam administered by an FAA approved doctor
Be 16 years old to fly an airplane solo and 17 to get the Private Pilot's License
A desire to fly

Q: How much does it cost to get my license?

A: At CFA we have several programs, all designed so you can achieve your goal the fastest and most affordable way. The more frequently you fly, the better, since you will retain more from lesson to lesson. The cost largely is up to the student. The more dedicated you are the less will cost.

The FAA has requirements for each of the various pilots' licenses. They specify skill capabilities and aeronautical experience... flight time. If you were to get your Private Pilot's License in the legal minimum, it would cost minimum $5,900 and take 40 flight hours. However, nationwide the average flight time to get the Private Pilot License is about 60 hours. At CFA, we are graduating pilots in 50-60 hours. When we meet, we will give you all of our tips for obtaining your license as quickly as suits you and as economically as possible.

Q: How long does it take to get my license?

A: A student takes approximately 40 to 70 lessons to get their license. The lessons are typically 1.0-1.4 hours of flying time and 1.3-1.8 hours of instructor time. If you fly three times per week, it will take 3-6 months. If you fly once a week, it can take 9-12 months. The schedule is up to you.

Q: Do you have financing available?

A: CFA is pleased to offer several options for those who wish to finance their flight training. We work several companies who specialize in financing flight training. Included in this list are Pilot Finance, AOPA Flight Training Funds from MBNA, and Sallie Mae Financial. All provide financing for flight training. We'll give you information on all so you can choose the source that is the best fit for your needs.

Q: What makes Connecticut Flight Academy special?

A: Several things distinguish Connecticut Flight Academy.
We offer a complete range of fixed-wing flight training, from the Private Pilot License through the Airline Transport Pilot. Whatever your dreams in aviation, chances are we can get you there.

Our fleet of aircraft is complete. From a two seat trainer, four seat instrument, complex to a twin six seat aircraft and a modern flight simulator.
We are located in of the most attractive airport in Connecticut. Hartford Brainard airport is located in the heart of Connecticut. Close to downtown Hartford and the convenience of major highways I91, I84 and 15 gives it an easy commute from everywhere.

We are located in Class D Airspace with a control tower. There for our students learn how to deal with a controlled airspace.

Q: How experienced are your instructors?

A: Since having excellent instructors is a key to this Industry, we are proud to say that CFA has the best. From a instructor with over 10,000 hours of experience , FAA Gold Seal Instructor to an FAA Certified “Instructor Of The Year” .

Q: What licenses do you offer?

A: We offer a full range of fixed-wing aircraft licenses at CFA. The first license you would typically get is the Private Pilot's License. From there we offer a complete range all the way through the Instrument, Commercial, Certified Flight Instructor, Multi-Engine, and Airline Transport Pilot.

Q: What can I do with my license?

A: The “Private” is often called a license to learn. It allows you to rent an aircraft and fly outside of the clouds. With it, you can take a trip out to Nantucket for lunch, fly down to the Outer Banks of North Carolina for the weekend, or just fly circles of beautiful Long Island.

Q: What is the next step after I get my license?

A: Most people fly local day flights and longer exploratory flights with friends and family after getting their Private. When time, opportunity, and desire meet, they pursue the next license, the Instrument Flight Rules certificate that allows a pilot to fly through clouds to get to their destination.

Q: Can I rent an aircraft or do I have to own one?

A: After getting your Private Pilot's License, we (and thousands of other flight schools) would be more than happy to rent an aircraft to you at an hourly rate. You only pay for the time the propeller is turning.

Q: When can I schedule lessons? When are you open?

A: The office is staffed 9-5, seven days per week. However, we schedule lessons from 6 a.m. - 10p.m. In short, we work to your schedule.

Q: Will I always have the same instructor?

A: We will try to find an instructor who can meet your schedule and who is well suited to you. Once that is done, you will fly most lessons with "your" instructor. However, there will be stage checks with other instructors periodically to provide an independent review of your progress.

Q: Where can I sign up?

A: Give us a call at (860) 722-9667 or email us and we'll set you up with your tour of the school and first flight! We look forward to seeing you and once again, thank you for your interest in Connecticut Flight Academy.