Flight School

Experience the American Winds Difference

Flight Training

American Winds is an FAA certified Flight School as well as being an accredited and licensed educational institute. What does that mean for you?  Students at American Winds have the option to train two different ways. The first option is to take an induvial course from the Flight School. An FAA Certificate or Rating is awarded upon completion of each course. The second option is to enroll in one of our 5 accredited programs, which is a collection of courses, culminating to a graduation with an Associates Degree in Applied Science.

Students may elect to train under Part 61 or Part 141 operations. An approximate timeframe may be given for each course, due to weather restrictions, academic knowledge, and flight skills required, each course may be completed in less time if all academic course requirements and flight requirements are met. Veterans may use benefits such as Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® and Montgomery G.I. Bill® on courses after Private Pilot. An FAA Certificate or Rating is awarded upon completion of each course.

Single Engine or Multi Engine: The student will obtain the academic knowledge, flight skills and aeronautical experience necessary to meet the requirements for a private pilot for the airplane category and rating. This certificate allows the pilot to operate an airplane during the day or night in good weather conditions or visual flight rules (VFR). As a private pilot you can fly an airplane and carry passengers (friends, family, co-workers, etc.) but not for compensation or hire. However, you can share the operating expenses with your passengers. The private pilot certificate is the first step for those interested in a career in aviation. The following requirements must be meet to hold a private pilot certificate:
  • Obtain at least a 3rd Class Medical
  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
  • Must be a Citizen of the United States (or obtain TSA approval before training)
  • Be at least 17 years old (you may begin your training at any age)
  • Pass a computerized aeronautical knowledge test
  • Pass an oral test and a check ride
  • Log the minimum flight hours listed below in flowchart
The minimum flight training requirement is 40 hours, though it takes most pilot about 55 hours to successfully complete their Private Pilot certificate.

Initial or Add – on

The student will obtain the academic knowledge, flight skills and aeronautical experience necessary to meet the requirements for an instrument rating for the initial or add on. This rating allows the pilot to operate an airplane into instrument meteorological conditions. This means the pilot will operate in reduced visibility, near and in clouds for longer and more varied flights. The knowledge gained from being able to fly an aircraft solely with instruments adds confidence and ability to your growing experience. FAA minimum requirements:
  • Hold at least a current private pilot or be currently applying for a private pilot certificate
  • Be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language
  • Log the minimum flight hours listed below in flowchart
Initial or Add – on: The student will obtain the academic knowledge, flight skills and aeronautical experience necessary to meet the requirements for a commercial Pilot for the airplane category (initial), add on category, and add on class. This Certificate allows the pilot to fly for compensation, with the stipulation of meeting the industry requirements in order to get hired; however, there are some restrictions until certain flight experience levels are gained. Students reach the 250 hours and take the single engine commercial flight test. Minimum FAA Commercial requirements:
  • Be at least 18  years old
  • Hold a Private Pilot certificate
  • Pass a 100-question aeronautical knowledge written test
  • Pass an oral test and check ride
  • Log the minimum required flight hours listed below in the flow chart
CFI – The student will obtain the knowledge, skills and aeronautical experience necessary to meet the requirements for a Certified Flight Instructor Certificate with an airplane category rating. This certification allows you to give instruction to pilots for single engine certificates and ratings. Applicants for this certificate must hold at least a Commercial Pilot Certificate or an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate. FAA Requirements:
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Must hold a valid 3rd class medical
  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
  • Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate or ATP
  • Pass the FAA knowledge test
  • Pass FAA practical flight test and oral exam
CFII – The student will obtain the knowledge, skills and aeronautical experience necessary to meet the requirements for a Certified Flight Instructor Instrument Rating Single Engine Land. This certificate allows you to instruct pilots to fly solely by reference to the flight instrument in preparation for an Instrument Rating. Applicants must hold at least a Commercial Pilot Certificate or an Arline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate. FAA Requirements:
  • Must possess a commercial certificate
  • Must possess an instrument rating on his/her pilot certificate
  • Pass the Flight Instructor Instrument written examination
MEI – The student will obtain the knowledge, skills and aeronautical experience necessary to meet the requirements for the addition of a multi-engine, airplane class rating, to an existing flight instructor certificate. This will allow you to instruct pilots to fly an aircraft with more than one engine in preparation for the Multi-Engine Rating. Applicants must hold at least a Commercial Pilot Certificate, Instrument and Multi-Engine Ratings. FAA Requirements:
  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Hold at least a certified flight instructor certificate (airplane).
  • Hold at least a commercial certificate for multi-engine airplanes.
  • Be able to read speak, and understand the English language.
  • Obtain at least a second-class FAA medical certificate.
  • Pass the FAA practical flight test.
The student will obtain the knowledge, skills and aeronautical experience necessary to meet the requirements for an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. This will prepare the student for a test to the highest level of piloting ability. The students will acquire satisfactory skills and be able to demonstrate the competence as required by the FAA. Upon satisfactory completion of training you will be able to exercise the rights of an ATP M as dictated by the FAA. FAA Requirements:
  • Must be at least 23 years old
  • 1,500 Hours for fixed wing or 1,200 for helicopters
  • 500 hours of cross-country flight time
  • 100 hours of night flight time
  • 75 hours of instrument flight time (simulated or actual)
  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
  • Must hold an Instrument rating
  • Pass Written Exam
There is also an Airline Transport Pilot – restricted rating, which reduces the required minimum flight hours for certain individuals. The reduced minimums are as follows:
  • Cross Country reduced to 200 hours
  • Total flight time is reduced to
    • 750 Hours for former Military pilots
    • 1,000 hours for graduates of university bachelors degree programs
    • 1,250 for graduates of university associate degree program

We offer most of the additional FAA Certificates and Ratings that apply to airplanes, or even to transition your Rotorcraft license to SEL.  These are the à la carte versions of our more formalized programs that still meet all the same rigorous requirements of our FAA License.  Hours and cost vary based on your selected training. 

AVAILABLE COURSES:

  • Multi-Engine Land (MEL)
  • ATP-SEL
  • Military Transition
  • BFR
  • Instrument Proficiency Check
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