At Vermont Flight Academy, we’re committed to making aviation accessible to everyone, regardless of your experience or knowledge level. Explore our Frequently Asked Questions below for helpful information, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have additional questions—we’re here to help!
Yes! VFA currently offers introductory flights, which we call Discovery Flights. Our Discovery Flight includes a brief ground lesson in addition to about an hour of flight time. We also offer longer flights as requested. Our instructors are available every day of the week for Discovery Flights. Please visit our Discovery Flight page to learn more.
When you have decided to take a Discovery Flight or purchase one for someone you know, simply go to our Store page. The Gift Certificate will be sent to your email of choice, after the purchase. On the Gift Certificate will be instructions for redemption and a member of VFA will call you to schedule your flight!
We offer both part 61 and 141 flight training to our students.
VFA is a unique group of very highly skilled and experienced aviation professionals. We know how to maintain a fun and rewarding atmosphere while attaining the highest standards of excellence in flight training. Our number one goal is helping you achieve success. Check out our About Us page to learn more about our organization!
We will agree that Vermont’s weather can be challenging, but think of it on a different level. You are gaining experience in multiple different factors that you may not experience in a fair weathered school. Learning to handle your aircraft in winds, cooler temperatures, and precipitation make your skills stronger, and therefore a stronger skilled pilot.
The cost of flight training is highly variable and dependent on a number of factors. Please contact us for more information!
If you are looking to become an airline/professional pilot, most companies are going to require that you hold a bachelor’s degree. The degree does not have to be in aviation, it can help make you stand out from other candidates. If you are interested in getting a degree in aviation, we are partnered with the Vermont Technical College to provide flight training from Private-Multi-Instructor to CFII. If you already hold a degree or are not interested in obtaining a degree at this time, we offer both part 61 and 141 flight training to our students.
Check out the program now: Vermont State University Professional Pilot Technology Program
Yes. While you can take flying lessons at any age, a student pilot must be no younger than 16 to solo and at least 17 to be eligible for a Private Pilot Certificate. There is no upper limit for age, provided the pilot routinely renews his or her medical certificate.
Absolutely! We encourage you to come in and meet our team. One of our Flight Instructors would be happy to take you on a tour of the aircraft and the facility. At this point we can discuss in more detail with you about your aviation goals, and if you choose, get the process started. We also have a facility tour linked here.
Yes, we have multiple Advanced Aviation Training Devices (AATD). A Redbird FMX, full-motion simulator with G100 or GNS430/530 Avionics, a Precision Flight Controls CR-12 with wide aircraft selection including single and multi-engine capabilities and a Redbird TD with G1000 Avionics.
We know that Aviation is a high-risk environment, so VFA has developed and implemented a company-wide Safety Management System (SMS) that conforms to the Standards and Recommendations of the Federal Aviation Administration and International Civil Aviation Organization. We understand that safety management affects everything we do and everywhere we operate including all areas of safety, security, health, environmental and quality management of our people, our guests, and our customers. If you want to learn more about our Safety Policy, please see our Safety Page.
For sure! We want to make sure that you are making the best choice for your learning environment and career goal.
You will be assigned a primary CFI (Certificated Flight Instructor) who will be responsible for your training program. Occasionally your instructor will schedule a lesson with a separate instructor in order to obtain another perspective of your progress. These are called “stage checks” and are very helpful for the training process. To learn more about our current flight instructors, click here.
Yes. VFA accepts students who fulfill the Visa and TSA requirements for flight training students in the United States. If you are a non-US citizen, you can find out more about your specific requirements for flight training here.
When you enroll in our flight school, you will start an account with us. You may pay by cash, check, or credit card after each lesson or you can make deposits into your account. We offer a 3% bonus on amounts over $3000 (cash or personal check only) placed on account before training begins and anytime thereafter provided the account balance remains positive. For example, if you deposit $3000, you will have $3090 on your account.
Yes. A student pilot, to be eligible for a solo flight, must obtain at least a “third class medical certificate” by undergoing a physical exam administered by an FAA-designated physician. These physicians arae called Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) and are typically family, or occupational health doctors who practice at area clinics and hospitals. If you are in good health, obtaining a medical is not difficult, and it is not an issue if you wear glasses or contacts.
3rd class medical certificates must be renewed every 60 calendar months if the pilot is under age 40 and every 24 calendar months thereafter. Your flight instructor or anyone else on staff can provide the contact information for a local AME upon request.
Yes, you will need to obtain Renters Insurance. We require a minimum of $250,000 Non-Owned Bodily Injury and Property Damage, $1,000 Medical Limit, and a $25,000 Non-Owned Physical Damage Liability. These minimums and our recommended Insurance Provider’s information is available on our Insurance Page.
Yes! If you are properly rated, you simply need to receive brief instruction in the type of plane you wish to rent and take a “rental checkout quiz”. Typically the necessary instruction will consist of a brief ground session and a short flight with an instructor to verify that you are able to safely operate the new airplane.
No, as long as you hold a valid aviation medical certificate, renter’s insurance, and current Pilot Certificate and appropriate ratings, you may rent aircraft from VFA. A “rental checkout quiz”, brief ground instruction and a short flight with an instructor to verify that you are able to safely operate the airplane of choice will need to be conducted prior to rental.
VFA has a satisfaction survey which may be completed at any time and by anyone. VFA is committed to maintain a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment wherever we operate – for our people, for our guests and for the valued customers we are employed to serve. We welcome your comments and feedback! Want to leave feedback now? Use our Feedback Form to tell us what you think!
Unfortunately, we do not offer scenic flight tours at this time.
Yes, you must have a passport or a drivers license and Birth Certificate on file in order to take a flight lesson. You will have the option to supply all necessary documentation when you redeem your gift certificate. You will be e-mail our Liability Waiver, which will need to be signed prior to your flight. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the conditions you are taking your flight in. We ask that you refrain from bringing heavy bags or backpacks, or any food/drink besides water
Discovery Flights are about an hour or .9 hours of flight time. You may extend the flight time an extra 30 minutes to an hour for an additional cost. Please see the front desk prior to your flight to arrange.
Yes! Your Discovery Flight will be logged in a complimentary soft cover log book, given to you after your flight. This flight time will count towards a Private Pilot Certificate; should you continue to train
Yes! We offer gift certificates for Discovery Flights and for any monetary amount. Please see our Store Page to learn more!
Absolutely! We will be happy to help take pictures of you in or outside of the aircraft while on the ground, before and/or after your flight. A passenger may take photos while you are in flight.
*Please note, you will not be able to take pictures yourself while taking the flight lesson
Yes. Any type of flight training requires proof of citizenship via a U.S. passport, or drivers license and Birth Certificate. If you would like to learn more about flight training and are not a U.S Citizen please review our AFSP Page.
There is no age requirement to participate in a Discovery Flight, however the level of participation may change depending on the age of the participant. A parent or guardian must sign the liability waiver on behalf of any minor participant
A Discovery Flight Experience usually take 2 hours.
Yes! If you are properly rated, you simply need to receive brief instruction in the type of plane you wish to rent and take a “rental checkout quiz”. Typically the necessary instruction will consist of a brief ground session and a short flight with an instructor to verify that you are able to safely operate the new airplane.
No, as long as you hold a valid aviation medical certificate, renter’s insurance, and current Pilot Certificate and appropriate ratings, you may rent aircraft from VFA. A “rental checkout quiz”, brief ground instruction and a short flight with an instructor to verify that you are able to safely operate the airplane of choice will need to be conducted prior to rental
The length of time it takes to obtain a Private Pilot Certificate depends on how often you fly. Typically, if a student schedules 2 lessons each week, training can be completed in around 8 months. However, we are able to tailor our program to fit your needs. Many of our students schedule several lessons a week, depending on their availability. A typical lesson lasts 2 hours and includes both ground and flight instruction. Most students will obtain their Private Pilot Certificate after completing between 40 and 65 hours of flight training.
You need to be at least 17 years old in order to take the Private Pilot practical exam. You must be at least 16 years old to solo in an airplane
You can keep your Private Pilot Certificate current in one of two ways. You can add another certificate or rating, or alternatively, you can complete a flight review (required every 24 calendar months) with an authorized flight instructor
As a Private Pilot, you may not receive any form of compensation for flying. You can, however, fly with friends and share the expenses of the flight. You must fly within the legal weather limitations as prescribed by the FAA. You may require specific training and special endorsements to fly into Class B airports, which typically are high traffic volume international airports
With a Private Pilot Certificate, you can fly alone or with friends and family and share in the aircraft rental expense. Certain weather minimums must be met if you do not have an instrument rating
Your Private Pilot training will involve flight and ground instruction. You can lessen the hours spent doing ground training with your instructor by studying the material at home. Remember, ground training is not required, but you will need it to pass your written and oral exams
Unfortunately, the documents needed to unlock your test are necessary, and there is no way to bipass the requirement. If you have any questions or concerns about what documents are needed for your test at check-in, please contact PSI Candidate Support PRIOR to your reservation
Yes, upon approval, we do allow aircraft owners to fly in to take their FAA written tests here at Vermont Flight Academy. We have areas for tie down, or the aircraft can be chocked in front of our building. Please call ahead first for approval
Payment will not be taken at Vermont Flight Academy. Payment for your examination is remitted to PSI when you book the examination.
You are allowed to bring a plotter, E6B and a calculator. If you do not have these items, Vermont Flight Academy will supply you with them for the duration of the test
Vermont Flight Academy reserves the right to cancel your examination appointment if you arrive after the late arrival window of 15 minutes allowed for your test.
In most cases the score report is available at the end of the examination. Please see the receptionist for your score report prior to leaving the testing center.
Please refer to your specific test criteria. In most cases you are able to re-take the exam after a waiting period.
No, Vermont Flight Academy is unable book same day testing. If your exam appointment has not been confirmed by PSI, or if there are any issues with your previously scheduled booking, we will not be able to assist you. If you have any concerns about the status of your examination appointment, please contact PSI candidate support prior to the day of your examination.
You may start your training at any point during the application process, however you will need to pay for your training out of pocket until the funds have been applied to your account with VFA.
Please understand that Vermont Flight Academy does not offer, but will accept financial assistance from outside sources. It is your responsibility to reach out to the entity which you are applying for for addition support and explanation of benefits
Each financial assistance program has specifics on the usage and reimbursement of funds. Please reach out directly to the entity which you received the assistance from.
You need to be at least 17 years old, and hold a Current Private or Commercial Pilot Certificate
With an Instrument Rating you are able to fly in IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) conditions. It will increase your safety knowing how to fly using instruments/non visual aids. It will also prepare you to handle any change in the weather you may encounter on a flight
It may take 6-8 months to earn an Instrument Rating, however there are many variables that affect how quickly one earns their Instrument Rating. For example, bad weather on a day you are scheduled to fly. Generally, if a student studies the material and flies frequently, he or she will complete training in the shortest amount of time.
Training for the Instrument Rating will involve a lot of flying by reference to instruments. Some of this can be accomplished in one of our flight training devices. In the aircraft, you will be doing a lot of flying “under the hood”, meaning using a view limiting device, which confines your field of view to only the flight instruments. Some of your training also may be in “actual” IFR conditions
You can keep your Instrument Rating current in one of two ways. (1) You can perform at least six instrument approaches; perform holding procedures; and intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigation systems every six months. (2) Alternatively, You can take an Instrument Proficiency Check with an authorized instructor.
You need to be at least 18 years old in order to take the Commercial Pilot practical exam.
It may take 10-12 months to earn a Commercial Pilot Certificate, however there are many variables that affect how quickly one earns their Commercial Pilot Certificate. For example, bad weather on a day you are scheduled to fly. Generally, if a student studies the material and flies frequently, he or she will complete training in the shortest amount of time.
If you already have the minimum required flight experience, the amount of time needed to prepare for the Commercial Pilot Practical Test will largely depend on how long it takes to become proficient in the required maneuvers.
Your Commercial Pilot training will involve a certain amount of dual instruction (with an instructor). You will also need some ground instruction. You can lessen the hours you spend going over ground training with your instructor, if you study the material at home.
With a Commercial Pilot Certificate, you can get paid to do certain types of flying. Some examples are: flying skydivers, scenic and photo flights, banner towing, or crop dusting. The Commercial Pilot Certificate is also a requirement to become a Certificated Flight Instructor.
You can keep your Commercial Pilot Certificate current in one of two ways. You can add another certificate or rating or, alternatively, you can take a biennial flight review (once every 24 calendar months) with an authorized flight instructor.
You need to be at least 18 years old and hold a Current Commercial Pilot Certificate
There are many variables that affect how quickly one earns their Certified Flight Instructor Certificate. If you are self-motivated, then you can complete this rating in as little as 2 months from start to finish. The FAA is required to be notified prior to your check ride, and this process can be lengthy, however Vermont Flight Academy has a great relationship with the FAA and we do everything to expedite this process.
Your training for your Certified Flight Instructor Certificate will involve all Commercial maneuvers while commanding the aircraft from the right seat (the instructor’s seat). Commercial maneuvers such as chandelles, lazy 8s, steep spirals and stalls are all a part of the training. An applicants biggest challenge is the muscle memory to fly the aircraft from the right seat. However, practice makes perfect, and with our team of flight instructors to guide you through the process, you will be flying as well as, if not better than you were in the left seat.
Another component of your training is the Oral Exam prep you will do with your instructor. This is the time to master your instructional abilities and learn what it takes to share the gift of flight.
As a Certified Flight Instructor, you may be compensated for instructing others. You are limited to the aircraft that you are rated with the exception of Multi Engine, which requires a separate certificate. You are allowed to instruct Private and Commercial students, but in order to instruct Instrument students you will require a Flight Instructor Instrument Certificate, which is an addition to your Certified Flight Instructor Certificate.
CFIs are required to renew their Flight Instructor Certificate every 24 months. This can be done by either taking a Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC), a check ride with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), or demonstration to a DPE of 5 successful student signoffs in the past 24 months.
There are many variables that affect how quickly one earns their Certified Flight Instructor Instrument Rating. For example, bad weather on a day you are scheduled to fly may cancel a flight. Generally, if a student studies the material and flies frequently, he or she will complete training in the shortest amount of time.
Working with an instructor, you will both make the determination as to when you are ready to take the required exams; approximately 10-15 hours.
A combination of simulator training and flight training under the hood will occur during your training. You will train to proficiency; approximately 15 hours of flight time.
If you already have a Certified Flight Instructor Certificate, obtaining the Certified Flight Instructor Instrument Rating will reset your expiration date for 24 more calendar months. If you are training prospective instrument pilots, you must remain instrument current if you are instructing an aircraft in actual instrument meteorological conditions.
You need to be at least 17 years old, and hold a Current Private or Commercial Certificate.
With a Multi-Engine Land Rating you are able to safely fly a multi-engine aircraft.
Part 61 multi-engine instructor training is “train to proficiency”. The training is very individualized to each individual and where they are at in their training.
You must renew your Multi-Engine Land Rating every 24 calendar months by way of a flight review.
You need to be at least 18 years old, and hold a Current Commercial Certificate, and have 15 hours PIC.
With a Multi-Engine Instructor Rating you are able to instruct pilots to safely fly a multi-engine aircraft. You can also gain hours towards your ATP.
You must have a minimum of 15 hours PIC in a multi-engine aircraft. Part 61 multi-engine instructor training is “train to proficiency”. The training is very individualized to each individual and where they are at in their training.
Learn how to instruct the added complexities, normal and emergency procedures of multi-engine aircraft with a combination of simulator and in flight training utilizing VFA’s Twin Aircraft.
You must renew your MEI rating every 24 calendar months
