Welcome and thank you for your interest in flying with Livingston Aviation. We are truly committed to providing you our best, and accommodating your needs as a student and customer. Please take some time to review these frequently asked questions about learning to fly. We will be happy to answer any additional questions you may have.
Why Fly With Livingston Aviation?
How long does it take to learn?
As with any complex skill, this can vary. It helps if you are able to come to the airport regularly (preferably 2-3 times a week). This will prevent you from losing too much material between lessons. Also, you can prepare in advance for each lesson by studying materials assigned by your instructor. Your instructor will keep you advised about your progress, and can answer any questions you may have.
The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of flying time before you can earn your private pilot certificate. Some of this time (about 25 hours) will be with your flight instructor. The rest will be solo, flying alone, and practicing. When you and your instructor both feel you are ready, you will take your check ride to earn your certificate. On average, it takes about 5 months to complete your training.
What is an "Intro Flight"?
An "Intro Flight" is an excellent, low cost, opportunity for you to experience flying and have your questions answered about flight training in person. A Livingston instructor will introduce you to pre-flight procedures, airplane controls, etc… You will then take-off for a half hour local area flight. You will fly in the left seat and have the chance to take the controls under an instructor's close supervision. Relatives and friends are welcome to ride along (you and two other people). After the flight, your instructor will answer any questions you may have. There is no obligation to continue lessons, although most people are eager to schedule lessons right away. The cost of the intro flight is only $59.
What can I do as a private pilot?
A private pilot certificate allows you to fly yourself, family, or friends almost anywhere you like! You can fly during the day or night. However, there are restrictions on what kind of weather you can fly in. Also, you cannot be paid to fly (other than sharing expenses for the plane).
I heard you have to have perfect vision/health/hearing to learn to fly. Is this true?
Not really. All private pilots must have a valid Basic Med Certificate or a minimum of a 3rd class Medical Certificate. The Aviation Medical Examiner will evaluate your vision, hearing, and general health. Your Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) can answer any questions you may have about your health and flying.
Dr. David Schweizer, Charles City 641-228-5151
Although not required, we suggest you take this exam before starting your flight training.
What airplanes will I fly?
Livingston has a Cessna 152 and a Piper Archer. The C-152 rents for $91 per hour, and the Piper Archer rents for $135 per hour (fuel is included!). Dual flight instruction is $45 per hour, plus aircraft rental.
How much does it cost?
This is probably our most commonly asked question! Please consult the attached price breakdown sheets for an estimate of the costs of flight training. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about these costs.
Students have three payment options available to them:
What is "ground school?"
In addition to the flying lessons you take in the airplane, there is a certain amount of academic material you must learn in order to be a safe and smart pilot. This includes navigation, weather, communications, rules of flying, and aerodynamics.
Your instructor will cover this material one-on-one with you on the ground. Your instructor may use videotapes, textbooks, and lectures to cover this material. Ultimately, you will be required to take a multiple choice FAA examination (the "written test") that will cover all these subjects.
Ground school test preparation sessions are offered, at reasonable prices, approximately every month to assist students in preparation for the FAA "written test". Contact a Livingston Instructor for more details.
How do I schedule lessons?
You may schedule lessons in person with your instructor. Alternatively, you may call Livingston at 319-234-1783 and talk to the instructor to set up a time. Instructors are typically at the airport Mon – Friday 9am to 4pm; and are available, by appointment to meet your needs. We do ask that if you are unable to make a scheduled lesson, please call as soon as possible to free up the instructor and the aircraft.
Flight Training Estimate
Piper Archer N82048
| 25 Hours Dual Instruction | |
| Aircraft Rental @ $135/hour | $3,375.00 |
| Flight Instructor @ $45/hour | $1,125.00 |
| Total Cost $180/hour | $4,500.00 + tax |
| 15 Hours Solo Flight Time | |
| Aircraft Rental @ $135/hour | $2,025.00 |
| 10 Hours Ground Instruction @ $45/hour | $450.00 |
| Textbooks and materials | $200.00 |
| FAA Airman Medical Exam (3rd class) | $150.00 (estimate) |
| FAA Private Pilot Written Test | $175.00 (estimate) |
| FAA Practical Test (check ride) | $600.00 (estimate) |
| TOTAL $8,100.00 |
Please understand that this is just an estimate. The amount of training varies from student to student and can hinge on such things as natural ability, motivation, frequency of training sessions and amount of time spent studying. The FAA has established that a minimum of 40 hours of flight time is required. Additional time may be required to achieve the necessary proficiency. Other costs have been estimated. Therefore, the actual total may be slightly more or less than the total shown. Please ask a flight instructor or the Livingston Aviation Operations Supervisor about payment options.
We hope that you will let us help you achieve your goal of becoming a private pilot!
Flight Training Estimate
Cessna 152 IFR N67483
| 25 Hours Dual Instruction | |
| Aircraft Rental @ $91/hour | $2,275.00 |
| Flight Instructor @ $45/hour | $1125.00 |
| Total Cost $136/hour | $3,400.00 + tax |
| 15 Hours Solo Flight Time | |
| Aircraft Rental @ $91/hour | $1,365.00 |
| 10 Hours Ground Instruction @ $45/hour | $450.00 |
| Textbooks and materials | $200.00 |
| FAA Airman Medical Exam (3rd class) | $150.00 (estimate) |
| FAA Private Pilot Written Test | $175.00 (estimate) |
| FAA Practical Test (check ride) | $600.00 (estimate) |
| TOTAL $6,340.00 |
Please understand that this is just an estimate. The amount of training varies from student to student and can hinge on such things as natural ability, motivation, frequency of training sessions and amount of time spent studying. The FAA has established that a minimum of 40 hours of flight time is required. Additional time may be required to achieve the necessary proficiency. Other costs have been estimated. Therefore, the actual total may be slightly more or less than the total shown. Please ask a flight instructor or the Livingston Aviation Operations Supervisor about payment options.
We hope that you will let us help you achieve your goal of becoming a private pilot!
Piper Archer N82048
A stable and stylish aircraft; great for a new pilot. It contains four seats, new paint and a new interior. This aircraft rents for $135/hour.
Cessna 152 N67483
Have a budget? Need your instrument? Try our IFR 152. This aircraft rents for $91/hour.
