Frequently asked questions.
Answers to the questions we hear most from new and current pilots.
Becoming a pilot starts with flight training under a certificated flight instructor. Most students begin with a Discovery Flight, then work toward a Private Pilot Certificate through a combination of ground and flight instruction, culminating in an FAA knowledge test and practical test (checkride).
The easiest starting point is a Discovery Flight or a conversation with AeroWings about your goals, schedule and experience level. From there we’ll help you build a practical training plan.
A Discovery Flight is an introductory flight experience with a certificated flight instructor. It typically includes a preflight briefing, aircraft familiarization, hands-on flying time, and a discussion of next steps. No previous flying experience is required.
No. Most students begin with no prior flying experience. Training is structured to build knowledge and skill from the ground up.
The FAA sets minimum flight-hour requirements, but those minimums are not a promise of completion time. Actual training time depends on training frequency, student proficiency, weather, aircraft availability, schedule consistency and individual learning progress.
Consistency matters more than volume. Training more frequently — ideally multiple times per week — generally helps students retain skills and progress more efficiently than infrequent, spread-out lessons.
Most pilots need an FAA medical certificate (or, for some certificates, BasicMed) before flying solo and taking a practical test. Requirements vary by certificate sought. We recommend discussing your specific situation with an Aviation Medical Examiner early in training.
Part 61 refers to the FAA regulations governing individualized flight training, as opposed to a structured Part 141 school curriculum. Part 61 training allows instruction to be tailored around an individual student’s schedule, pace and goals. AeroWings provides Part 61 flight training.
A Private Pilot Certificate allows a pilot to fly for personal, non-compensated purposes. A Commercial Pilot Certificate requires additional training, precision and knowledge, and is generally a step toward flying for compensation, subject to additional FAA requirements.
An Instrument Rating is an additional qualification that allows a pilot to operate an aircraft by reference to instruments, including in reduced visibility, and within the IFR air traffic control system.
Yes. Part 61 training is well suited to part-time schedules. We’ll work with you to build a training plan around your available time, while emphasizing the consistency that helps training progress efficiently.
Weekend availability depends on instructor and aircraft scheduling. Contact AeroWings or use the online schedule to see current availability.
Yes. Ground instruction includes preparation for the applicable FAA knowledge (written) test, tailored to the certificate or rating you’re pursuing.
Yes. AeroWings provides Flight Reviews for current certificate holders, combining a ground knowledge review with a flight proficiency review.
Yes. AeroWings provides Instrument Proficiency Checks (IPCs) for instrument-rated pilots who need to regain or demonstrate instrument currency.
Yes. Rusty pilot / return-to-flying training is designed specifically for pilots returning to the cockpit after time away, rebuilding knowledge and proficiency gradually and safely.
Yes. Checkride preparation is available for Private, Instrument, Commercial and CFI/CFII candidates, focused on the applicable Airman Certification Standards and each student’s specific areas of need.
AeroWings Flight Academy is based at Trenton-Robbinsville Airport (N87), 106B Sharon Road, Robbinsville, NJ 08691, in Central New Jersey.
You can schedule online through our Schedule page, or contact AeroWings directly by phone or email.
Yes — a Discovery Flight is a great way to start, whether or not you’ve decided to pursue a certificate yet.