FAQ

We offer the following certificates:
Private Pilot Airplane Single Engine Land
Instrument Airplane
Commercial Pilot Airplane Single Engine Land
Commercial Pilot Airplane Multi-engine Land
Flight Instructor Airplane Single Engine
Flight Instructor Instrument Airplane
Flight Instructor Airplane Multi-engine
Airline Transport Pilot

Yes.  All of our courses can be accelerated to reasonably meet your needs.  Our full time flight instructors are available 7 days a week to help you accomplish your goals.

Students have earned their Private Pilot Certificate in as little as 35 hours of flight time under our 14 CFR 141 program. However, this is rare. The primary factor that influences both the total cost of training and the total time until completion is the frequency of your training. Students that approach their training like a “job” and train every day and study every night move forward very rapidly with very little regression between flights. Students who train only once per week can experience significant regression between lessons and will take many more hours of total training to complete any course. Remember, you cannot purchase a pilot’s license or any rating from any flight school or independent flight instructor. You must be able to pass the written and practical exams in order to achieve your license or rating.

No.  All of our personalized training is conducted one-on-one and our ground school is offered through a multi-media platform that is also available online. You can progress as quickly as you are able or as slowly as you would like. Our degree program with A-B Tech requires attendance to regularly scheduled classes as would be expected in any traditional college environment. You can learn more details about schedules and offerings at A-B Tech by clicking here.

Yes.  Financing is available from Pilot Finance Group and AOPA.  Applications are available at the school. In addition, we have been successful helping to secure financing through local financial institutions for career oriented students. Further, we are a fully approved to accept VA benefits for our veterans. Degree seeking students are also eligible for traditional student loans and financial aid. Both degree seeking students and non-degree seeking students may apply for scholarships through organizations like the Western North Carolina Pilot’s Association.

Yes.

Yes.

The Asheville Regional Airport has the largest runway in western North Carolina. It is 8001 feet long, 150 feet wide and free of obstructions on both ends of the runway. That means AVL has more than 1 and 1/2 miles of runway for you to train on. This makes our field very comfortable for new pilots.

Yes. Because we are an FAA Certified school, our training operations, as well as our aircraft, are required to be inspected by the FAA on a regular basis. Schools that are not certified, as well as independent flight instructors, are not regularly inspected in any of these areas. In fact, many uncertified schools and independent flight instructors may go years without any inspection by the FAA; many have never been inspected.

No.

No. U.S. citizens are not required to pay a deposit, keep funds on account or pay an application fee. However, international students are required to pay an application/VISA fee and meet other proof and source of funding requirements set by the US Government.

There is currently no school sponsored housing available. However, we can assist you in finding suitable housing.

There is no age minimum for training, however, you must be at least 16 years old to solo and 17 years old before you take the Practical Exam better known as your “Check Ride.”

Flying an airplane is not an excessively taxing physical activity.  Persons of modest physical ability and strength are routinely able to serve as pilots.  Individuals seeking a Private Pilot Certificate or higher will need to obtain an FAA medical certificate from a Designated Medical Examiner (DME).  This exam is non-invasive and usually takes about 30 minutes.  Overall health is assessed.  Individuals taking long-term medications are strongly encouraged to contact a DME early in the process. WNC Aviation does not and cannot give medical advice, however, we can share our experiences with you should you choose to disclose your medical history to us. For more information please visit:  http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/medical_certification/get/

Yes.  Most, if not all, of your training is transferable for most ratings.  We will carefully review your records and build a training plan that best utilizes your previous training. However, if you desire an aviation degree or desire to obtain a R-ATP certificate, your training outside of WNC Aviation may not qualify. If you have additional questions, please contact us directly.

Yes.  Many of our students become renters after achieving their license or certificate.