AvSport of Lock Haven: Training Modules Explained

AvSport of Lock Haven -- 353 Proctor Street, Lock Haven PA 17745

Training Modules Explained

A prospective student asked way back in 2010:

I am completely confused by the avsport.org website. The website lists:

Accomplish your first solo flight for only $2500
*** Under the webpage for "Up, Up, and Away," it says it is $2500 and sounds like you get your sport license at the end (provided you can competently operate the aircraft).

Become a fully licensed Sport Pilot for just $5000
*** Under the webpage for "Out On Your Own," it says it is just $2500

Both suggest that at the end, you will be able to pass your FAA Sport Pilot License....

What is the difference between the two and why would I do one over the other -- or do I need to do both? And how much does the second one actually cost?

Confused in PA

Our Chief Flight Instructor's response (updated in June 2023 to reflect current prices):

I'm sorry about the confusion. Over the twelve years since this question was asked, I have worked hard to clean up the language on my website! Meanwhile, let me see if I can explain this more clearly.

I have divided the Sport Pilot curriculum into two modules, Pre-Solo and Post-Solo. To become a fully licensed Sport Pilot, you need to complete both (plus a written test and a flight test -- more about which later). The cost for each of the two modules is currently $5,040, for a total cost of $10,080 (plus FAA testing fees, over which we have no control). The pre-solo module includes all required books and materials, and the post-solo module includes slightly more flight hours. The above figures were last updated in 2023, are (admittedly) quite a bit higher than our introductory prices when we first launched our school 14 years ago. We have also expanded our curriculum significantly since those early prices were posted, and brought it into line with what the average student can reasonably expect to become licensed (as opposed to representing the minimum training required by the FAA). Because of uncertainties in the economy, our prices are also (unfortunately) subject to change without notice.

Another factor to consider is that historical documents found on the Web seldom reflect financial reality years or decades later. Every year since our flight school was established, our prices have been revised upward to keep up with escalating operating costs. In recent years, our dominant cost driver has been insurance premiums (which have been increasing at a rate of about 20% per year, and now represent about half of our total operating costs). Of course, no aviation business can operate without carrying ample insurance to protect both ourselves and our customers. It is a sad reality that insurance premiums are now our greatest expense, exceeding aircraft maintenance, depreciation, tools,fuel, oil, tires, brakes, lubricants, hangar rent, inspections, and taxes combined!

And then, there are energy costs. The summer of 2022 saw automobile fuel prices exceed $5 per gallon. Aviation fuel was similarly affected, with the cost of 100 octane leaded fuel jumping 25% overnight. As this is being written, fuel prices continue to fluctuate.

Getting back to your original question, I think your confusion stems in part from the definition of "solo flight." Your first flight alone in the airplane is a significant milestone toward becoming a pilot. It is a rite of passage to be celebrated with your fellow aviators, but it does not make you a fully qualified pilot! Upon successful completion of the Pre-Solo module, you will be able to take off, fly around the traffic pattern, and land safely, as the sole occupant of the aircraft. You will have accomplished your first supervised solo flight, having become what I like to call an airplane driver, and will be fully prepared to do some self-study, and pass your FAA written exam (all of the study materials for that are included in the training package).

To qualify for the Post-Solo module, you will need to have completed the Pre-Solo module, flown that first supervised solo flight, and passed your FAA knowledge test (written exam.) At that point, we start working on advanced techniques: short and soft field operations, navigation, weather, flight planning, flight by reference to instruments, and cross-country flying. Upon completion of the Post Solo module, you will have satisfied all of the requirements to take the FAA practical test (checkride), and then be fully qualified to act as Pilot In Command of a light sport aircraft. In other words, that course takes you from airplane driver all the way to pilot. Only after you pass the FAA checkride will you be allowed to carry a passenger.

Please note that the quoted rates are our discounted pricing for those pre-paying their tuition for each entire academic quarter. If you pay by the lesson, fees will be slightly higher. Also, please note that posted prices assume you complete AvSport's stringent training requirements, which in fact exceed the FAA's minimum required flight hours and experience. Many students desire (and some actually require) additional training beyond our minimums. A student completing one of the prepaid modules with me, who then feels he or she needs additional training, will receive priority scheduling at our affordable pay-as-you-go prices, until we both feel confident that the student is ready for the next step.

There are certainly less expensive ways to learn to fly. My goal is not to be the world's cheapest flight school, but rather to graduate the world's safest pilots.

Licensed Sport Pilots desiring to continue on to the Private Pilot license can elect to complete a third set of training modules, constituting our Next Step Up add-on course, at a substantial discount. The Private Pilot add-on course is currently priced at $5,040, the same cost as our Pre-Solo and Post-Solo courses.

Safe skies,
Paul

If you can drive, you can fly!

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