SMITH FIELD PARTAKES IN PROJECT PILOT TO ENCOURAGE PILOT LISENSURES
Over the growl of the Piper Cherokee, an appreciative voice rings clear, “There’s Smith Field,” said flight instructor, Ben Hoffman.
As a participant in Project Pilot, Smith Field is offering affordable flight lessons in hopes to increase interest in private pilot licensures.
Project Pilot is an organization created by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, which advertises the affordability and opportunity of earning a pilots license. Students can expect to pay anywhere from $4,000-$7,000 in flight lessons and fees before attaining their license, however Project Pilot encourages flight schools to offer discounts up to 50 percent off of the introductory flight cost. The license is good for life, however one must pass a FAA-mandated medical exam every few years to keep it active. If you can drive a car, you are most likely qualified to fly an airplane. Teenagers are also welcome to fly. Although they are able to begin training at any age, 16 years is the minimum age to fly solo and 17 years to hold a private pilots license. Once a person attains a private pilots license, they are not required to own an airplane to fly. More than half of all pilots rent their airplanes for as little as $65 an hour, including fuel. The hourly rate only runs for as long as the engine is running. For more information regarding project pilot, visit www.projectpilot.org.
A pilot’s license serves much more purpose than a recreational tool; it could also be a doorway to a wonderful career opportunity. It is said that that aviation industry is “begging” for qualified pilots. 19,000 pilots were hired in the previous year, most of which were civilian-trained in general aviation.
A private pilots license can act as a launch pad to not only career opportunities, but other certifications as well. After attaining this license, one may move on to pilot hot air balloons, gliders, helicopters, and seaplanes. Hoffman himself is qualified to fly balloons, seaplanes, and gliders.
Ben and Smith Field are hoping to attract all those who are interested in soaring above the clouds. Take it from this reporter, flying is an exhilarating opportunity.
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