PILOT SCHOOLS UNITED STATES ARKANSAS – There is ample information to help anyone make the right decision when choosing a pilot school in this location. Currently, Arkansas has about thirteen pilot schools offering training courses, each with its unique offerings. The state’s geographical location provides good weather conditions that allow students to train safely for most of the year, except during periods of strong weather. This makes Arkansas an ideal location for those who wish to pursue a pilot career.
Admission
The admission process at any of the pilot schools in Arkansas follows FAA regulations. Many schools offer detailed information through their official websites, and students can apply online or contact the schools directly for the latest details. Most schools offer professional training toward various pilot licenses and ratings. Students can reach out via email or by calling the admissions office to confirm courses and get started with the enrollment process. The following are some of the pilot schools in Arkansas:
- Henderson State University
- Sky Venture Aviation Inc
- Central Flying Service
- Wallis Aviation
- Sparrow Flying Club
- Southern Eagle Aviation LLC
- Superior Aviation Arkansas
- Ozark College
- Fly Jonesboro
- Tail Wheel Inc
- Runway Aviation Training
- Vx Pilot Academy
- Little Rock Air Inc
Ground School
Ground school provides theoretical knowledge about flying an airplane. Classes are conducted by instructors who help students learn essential subjects that contribute to obtaining a private pilot license (PPL), commercial pilot license (CPL), and airline transport pilot (ATP) license. Additional training may include ratings such as night and instrument ratings, which are essential for advancing a pilot’s qualifications.
Single Engine Airplanes
Single-engine airplanes, like Cessna, Piper, and Cirrus, are widely used in Arkansas for pilot training. These aircraft are well-suited for initial flight training, and they are used by nearly all of the pilot schools in the state. The planes are typically piston-engine types, and their usage helps keep flight costs down. Some schools also have tailwheel aircraft, like the Cessna 170A, which are particularly useful for tailwheel training. The prices for flying these planes typically range around $200 per hour, depending on the aircraft and whether an instructor is included.
Multi-Engine Airplanes
Multi-engine airplanes are used for more advanced training, such as obtaining a commercial pilot license (CPL) or ATP qualifications. These aircraft, like the Piper Twin Comanche and Cessna models, are available at a few schools in Arkansas, and training on them is necessary for students wishing to pursue careers in commercial aviation. The cost to fly multi-engine planes is usually higher, with hourly rates often exceeding $200 per hour.
Simulator
Simulators are essential tools in pilot training, especially for instrument rating training. They provide students with a chance to practice flying without the cost of flying an actual airplane. Most pilot schools in Arkansas have simulators that can simulate various weather conditions, flight maneuvers, and emergency situations. While some schools may not have simulators, those that do offer a significant advantage, as they help accelerate the learning process and ensure better preparation for real-world flight conditions.
License
Pilot licenses in Arkansas are issued by the FAA. After completing the required training and passing both theoretical exams and practical flight tests, students are awarded a license. The three main types of licenses available are:
- Private Pilot License (PPL)
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
- Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) License
The process for obtaining a license varies depending on the type of license, with the PPL taking about three months, the CPL taking about nine months, and the ATP requiring at least 1,500 flying hours.
Rating
Ratings are additional qualifications that pilots can earn to increase their skills and eligibility to operate under specific conditions. Common ratings include:
- Night Rating: Allows pilots to operate at night.
- Instrument Rating: Allows pilots to fly in poor weather conditions without relying on visual references outside the aircraft.
- Instructor Rating: Allows pilots to teach other students to fly.
While most schools in Arkansas offer these ratings, type ratings are not currently available at the schools mentioned above.
Special Training
Some schools in Arkansas offer special training for specific types of aircraft or operations. For example, Tail Wheel Inc offers training on tailwheel aircraft, while other schools offer programs like seaplane training or skydiving. Special training is typically designed for students who wish to further their skills or pursue niche flying careers. While the availability of seaplane training is currently limited, skydiving and other flying clubs may offer additional opportunities to build flying hours.
Conclusion
Choosing a pilot school in Arkansas depends on various factors, such as the school’s reputation, available training programs, and the costs associated with obtaining a pilot license. Arkansas offers many affordable options for aspiring pilots, and its good weather conditions for most of the year make it an ideal place to learn to fly. While there are some limitations, such as the lack of type rating programs, there are still many opportunities for students to gain valuable experience and qualifications that will help them succeed in their aviation careers.