Ground School
We recommend Sporty's Pilot Training to every student. It's not required, but it's the structure we build your ground education around, and it pairs directly with what you'll cover in your lessons.
Sporty's sequences knowledge in the right order — aerodynamics, weather, navigation, regulations — so that when a concept appears in a flight lesson, you already have a mental model for it. The written test becomes a milestone you arrive at prepared, not a wall that surprises you.
Before Your First Lesson
New to Westerly Aero? Here's what to expect from your first discovery flight, what to bring, and how to prepare.
What to bring:
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
- A notepad and pen (or a tablet/phone for notes)
- Any questions you've been saving up — your instructor wants to hear them
What to expect:
- A pre-flight walk-around of the aircraft with your instructor
- A 30-minute ground briefing covering the lesson plan and goals
- Approximately 45–60 minutes of flying — you'll likely get to take the controls
- A post-flight debrief: what you did, what it means, and what comes next
Studying for the Written Test
The written exam is one of the biggest sources of stress for new students, and it doesn't have to be. We'll help you build a study plan that lines up with your flight lessons, so ground knowledge and stick-and-rudder skills grow together.
- Ground topics sequence alongside flight lesson phases — weather and airspace before your first solo; navigation and cross-country planning as you build hours.
- Sporty's Pilot Training tracks your progress and flags weak areas so review is targeted, not random.
- When you sit for the written test, you've already seen every concept in the air — the test is confirmation, not a surprise.
Scheduling & Billing
We use Flight Circle for scheduling and billing, giving you an easy way to book lessons and track your progress.
- Book and manage lessons from your phone or computer, any time
- See your upcoming schedule and cancel or reschedule with advance notice
- Track logged hours and milestones as your training progresses
- Review billing and lesson history in one place
Your instructor will walk you through Flight Circle setup at or before your first lesson. If you have questions about scheduling before you start, reach out directly — we're easy to get hold of.
Student FAQs
Answers to the questions we hear most. If yours isn't here, reach out — we're happy to talk through where you are and what comes next.
How much does it cost to get a Private Pilot Certificate?
Total cost depends on the hours you need, and how often you fly which varies by student. The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours total, but most students complete training in 55–70 hours. We track your progress honestly against real milestones — we don't pad hours.
How long does it take to get a Private Pilot Certificate?
That depends on how often you fly. Students who fly 2–3 times per week typically finish in 4–6 months. Flying once a week or less tends to extend the timeline, because skills need regular reinforcement to stick. We'll help you set a realistic schedule from the start.
Do I need any experience before my first lesson?
None at all. Your discovery flight is designed for people who have never flown a small aircraft before. Come curious and comfortable — your instructor will handle the rest.
How do I book lessons once I'm enrolled?
We use Flight Circle for all scheduling and billing. Your instructor will walk you through setup at or before your first lesson.
What happens after I pass my checkride?
You walk out with your Private Pilot Certificate and the ability to fly as pilot in command. From there, you can continue to an Instrument Rating, Commercial Certificate, or simply enjoy flying. We'll talk through your options and help you decide what's next.
Can I put training on hold and come back?
Yes — life happens. If you need to pause, let your instructor know. When you return, we'll do a refresher assessment to get you back on track quickly and safely.