Proudly Serving Southwest Ohio Pilots Since 1929!
Private Pilot
Introduction
Our private pilot training program is designed to guide you through every step of the process—from your first flight to your final check ride—ensuring you meet all FAA requirements with personalized instruction and support.
Minimum Requirements
The requirements listed below are based on 14 CFR 61.102- 61.109 of the FAR/AIM publication. On average, most people will exceed the minimum requirements before completion of their certificate.
- Age: 17+ years old / 16+ years old to solo
- Medical: Third class medical
- Total Flight Time: 40 hours
- Dual Instruction: 20 hours, including 3 hours of night training and 3 hours of instrument training
- Solo Flight Time: 10 hours, including 5 hours of cross-country flights
- Night Operations: 3 hours, including 10 night takeoffs and landings
- Check Ride Preparation: 3 hours within 2 months prior to the check ride
How Much Does It Cost On Average?
The cost to earn your Private Pilot Certificate can vary depending on the flight school and how quickly you progress through your training.
On average, you can expect to spend between $10,000 and $16,000. This includes flight time, ground school, instructor fees, and other expenses like books and testing fees.
Keep in mind, the faster you train and fly consistently, the more efficiently you’ll complete the program, which can help control costs.
What Can I Do As A Private Pilot?
As a Private Pilot, you’ll have the freedom to fly solo or with passengers, day or night, under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
You can take family and friends on trips, explore new destinations, or even rent planes for personal use. However, you cannot fly for hire or compensation.
But with additional ratings, like an Instrument Rating or Commercial Pilot License, you can open up more advanced flying opportunities.
When Can I Solo For My First Time?
You can solo for the first time once you’ve demonstrated the necessary skills and judgment to your instructor, which typically happens around 15-20 hours of flight training.
Additionally, you must be at least 16 years old, hold a Student Pilot Certificate, and hold a medical.
Your instructor will guide you through this process and determine when you’re ready to take the controls on your own.
What Should My Expectations Be?
Learning to fly is both exciting and challenging. Expect to spend time on ground instruction, self study, and actual flight time.
You’ll cover topics such as aerodynamics, weather, flight planning, and emergency procedures.
Flight training is highly individualized, and how quickly you progress depends on your availability, frequency of lessons, and your comfort level in the aircraft.
Stay patient, be ready to learn, and you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable journey toward becoming a Private Pilot!
Tailwheel Endorsement
Introduction
Our tailwheel endorsement program is designed to equip you with the skills needed to safely and confidently operate tailwheel aircraft. With focused training, you’ll learn advanced techniques for ground handling, takeoffs, and landings in various conditions.
Minimum Requirements
The requirements listed below are based on 14 CFR 61.31(i) of the FAR/AIM publication.
- Minimum Certificate: Hold a private pilot certificate.
- Flight Training: Master takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds with an instructor until proficient.
- Endorsement: Instructor sign-off upon demonstrating safe operation and control of a tailwheel aircraft.
How Much Does It Cost On Average?
On average, earning your Tailwheel Endorsement costs between $1,000 and $1,500. This includes flight time in a tailwheel aircraft, ground instruction, and your instructor’s fees.
The total cost depends on how quickly you become proficient, as training typically takes between 5-10 hours of flight time.
Some pilots may need a bit more or less time, depending on their skills and experience.
Why Should I Get My Tailwheel Endorsement?
A Tailwheel Endorsement will significantly improve your flying skills, particularly your “stick-and-rudder” abilities, making you a more confident and versatile pilot.
Tailwheel flying is often seen as more challenging, as it requires precise control during takeoff and landing, especially in windy conditions.
Many pilots seek this endorsement to broaden their experience, access a wider variety of aircraft, and because tailwheel flying is a lot of fun!
Additionally, having a tailwheel endorsement opens the door to flying classic aircraft, bush planes, and certain aerobatic aircraft.
What Should My Expectations Be?
Expect a hands-on learning experience focused on fine-tuning your control inputs.
Tailwheel flying requires precise rudder and stick coordination, especially during takeoff and landing. You’ll spend time on ground instruction learning about the unique characteristics of tailwheel aircraft, followed by in-flight practice with your instructor.
The goal is to make smooth landings, handle crosswinds, and master control at slower speeds.
It’s a rewarding challenge that will make you a more skilled and confident pilot.
Instrument Rating
Introduction
Our instrument rating program prepares you to safely navigate and operate aircraft in various weather conditions, using only your instruments. This training expands your flight skills, increases safety, and opens up more flying opportunities.
Minimum Requirements
The requirements listed below are based on 14 CFR 61.65 of the FAR/AIM publication.
- Minimum Certificate: Hold a Private Pilot Certificate.
- Total Time: 50 hours of cross-country flight as Pilot in Command (PIC).
- Instrument Training: 40 hours, including 15 with an instructor.
- Cross-Country: 250 nautical mile flight under instrument flight rules (IFR).
- Check Ride Preparation: 3 hours within 2 months prior to the check ride
How Much Does It Cost On Average?
The average cost for earning an Instrument Rating is typically between $8,000 and $12,000. This depends on factors like aircraft rental fees, instructor rates, and how long it takes to meet the required flight hours.
You’ll need at least 40 hours of instrument flight training, which may be completed alongside your Private Pilot training or after.
Budget for additional costs such as ground instruction, exam fees, and study materials.
What Can I Do As A Instrument Pilot?
As an Instrument-Rated pilot, you’ll have the ability to fly in a wider range of weather conditions that would otherwise ground VFR-only pilots.
This rating allows you to fly through clouds, fog, and other low-visibility environments by relying on your instruments and navigation systems.
You’ll also have the flexibility to complete cross-country flights more efficiently by using airways and instrument approaches, making you a safer and more capable pilot.
It’s an essential step if you’re planning to advance to commercial flying or just want to increase your overall flying proficiency.
What Should My Expectations Be?
Expect a steep learning curve as you transition from visual flying to relying solely on your aircraft’s instruments.
You’ll undergo extensive training in areas such as reading and interpreting navigation systems, flying precision and non-precision approaches, and managing complex air traffic procedures.
This rating takes discipline and focus, but it will drastically improve your flying skills and situational awareness. Your confidence as a pilot will increase as you master flying without outside visual references, ensuring safer flights for yourself and your passengers.
Commercial Pilot
Introduction
Our commercial pilot training program is designed to elevate your flying skills and prepare you for a career in aviation. This program focuses on advanced maneuvers, precision flying, and cross-country proficiency to meet all FAA requirements for commercial operations.
Minimum Requirements
The requirements listed below are based on 14 CFR 61.129 of the FAR/AIM publication.
- Age: 18+ years old
- Medical: Second Class Medical Certificate
- Total Flight Time: 250 hours, including 100 as Pilot in Command (PIC)
- Dual Instruction: 20 hours of training, including complex or turbine aircraft experience
- Solo Flight Time: 10 hours of solo or 10 hours of PIC with required maneuvers and cross-country flights
- Check Ride Preparation: 3 hours within 2 months prior to the check ride.
How Much Does It Cost On Average?
The cost to earn your Commercial Pilot License typically ranges between $15,000 and $30,000, depending on factors like the type of aircraft you train in and the number of hours needed to meet FAA requirements.
You’ll need to log at least 250 hours of total flight time, which may include dual instruction, solo flights, and cross-country trips.
The costs will also include instructor fees, aircraft rental, exam fees, and ground school.
What Can I Do As A Commercial Pilot?
With a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), you can legally be paid to fly.
This opens the door to various career opportunities in aviation such as aerial photography, crop dusting, banner towing, cargo flights, scenic tours, and even flight instruction (with a CFI endorsement).
Many pilots use their CPL to gain experience and flight hours before moving on to airlines, corporate aviation, or other advanced roles. You’ll also have the skills to take on more complex flights and demonstrate precision flying.
What Should My Expectations Be?
Expect to build on your foundational skills and take your flying to the next level with advanced maneuvers and precise control.
Your training will involve mastering steep turns, chandelles, lazy eights, and emergency procedures. You’ll also need to perfect your landings, including dead-stick landings where you simulate engine failures.
Cross-country flights will become more demanding, requiring careful planning and execution.
The level of precision expected from a commercial pilot is high, and you’ll need to demonstrate this during your check ride.
The journey requires dedication, but it’s incredibly rewarding as you transition from a recreational pilot to a professional, setting you up for a variety of paid flying opportunities.
CFI / CFII
Introduction
Our CFI program equips you with the skills and knowledge to teach others how to fly. You’ll learn advanced instructional techniques, gain in-depth aeronautical knowledge, and develop the ability to train future pilots safely and effectively.
Minimum Requirements
The requirements listed below are based on 14 CFR 61.183- 61.199 of the FAR/AIM publication.
- Age: 18+ years old
- Medical: Third Class Medical Certificate
- Certificates: Hold a Commercial Pilot or ATP Certificate
- Flight Time: 250 hours total and 15 hours as PIC in the applicable category and class
- Fundamentals of Instruction: Pass the FOI and CFI knowledge tests
- Endorsement: Demonstrate teaching proficiency and knowledge of flight maneuvers for an instructor endorsement.
How Much Does It Cost On Average?
Earning your Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate typically costs between $7,000 and $12,000. The total cost depends on your proficiency, the number of training hours required, and the type of aircraft you’ll be using.
What Can I Do As A Flight Instructor?
As a CFI, you can teach others how to fly and log paid flight hours.
Flight instructors are in high demand, and this role allows you to build valuable experience while getting compensated. You can train student pilots, conduct flight reviews, give checkouts for aircraft rental, and even provide advanced instruction like instrument training or tailwheel endorsements (with appropriate additional ratings).
Many pilots use flight instructing as a stepping stone toward higher-level aviation jobs, such as airline or corporate pilot positions.
What Should My Expectations Be?
Expect to refine your skills to a level where you can confidently teach others.
Becoming a flight instructor isn’t just about knowing how to fly; it’s about effectively communicating complex concepts and helping students learn to fly safely and proficiently.
Your training will focus on teaching techniques, scenario-based training, and ensuring you can demonstrate maneuvers to a high degree of precision. You’ll also need to master lesson planning, student evaluations, and ground instruction.
The path to becoming a CFI is challenging but extremely rewarding, as you’ll be directly responsible for shaping the next generation of pilots.
Spins / Upset Recovery
Introduction
Spin / Upset Recovery training will equip you on stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures. While a spin endorsement is required by 61.183(i) to become a CFI, anyone looking for advanced training can participate!
Minimum Requirements
The requirements listed below are based on 14 CFR 61.183(i) of the FAR/AIM publication.
- Age: No minimum age
- Medical: No minimum medical
- Certificates: No minimum certificate
- Flight Time: Receive flight training on stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures.
- Endorsement: Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor that you are competent and proficient in these areas.
How Much Does It Cost On Average?
Spin and Upset Recovery training usually costs between $500 and $1,500, depending on the duration and depth of the training program. The price includes aircraft rental, instructor time, and the number of flight hours required.
Why Should I Get Spin/ Upset Recovery Training?
Spin and Upset Recovery training is critical for enhancing your confidence and skills as a pilot. It teaches you how to recognize and recover from unusual flight attitudes and spins, which can be life-saving in emergency situations.
If you’re working toward your CFI or other advanced ratings, spin training is often mandatory. But beyond certification, mastering these techniques makes you a more competent and safer pilot, able to handle unexpected situations.
What Should My Expectations Be?
Expect to push the boundaries of your current flying skills. Spin and Upset Recovery training will take you through controlled spins, steep banks, and unusual attitudes, teaching you the correct recovery techniques.
Your instructor will guide you through step-by-step procedures for identifying and reacting to loss of control situations.
It may feel intense at first, but by the end of the training, you will be more confident in your ability to manage in-flight emergencies and keep your aircraft under control in challenging conditions.
Biennial Flight Review
Introduction
A Biennial Flight Review (BFR) is a mandatory review required by the FAA to ensure that pilots maintain their proficiency and safety. It is conducted every two years and helps pilots stay current with regulations and flying skills.
Minimum Requirements
The requirements listed below are based on 14 CFR 61.102- 61.109 of the FAR/AIM publication.
- Eligibility: Hold a current pilot certificate
- Flight Review: 1 hour of flight instruction, covering maneuvers and procedures
- Ground Instruction: 1 hour of ground training, covering regulations and safety
- Endorsement: Receive an endorsement from an instructor upon successful completion of the FAA ACS Guidelines
How Much Does It Cost On Average?
A Biennial Flight Review (BFR) typically costs between $200 and $500, depending on the aircraft, instructor fees, and the amount of flight time required. Most reviews take around 1-2 hours of flight time and include a ground instruction session, which factors into the final price.
Why Is Getting Your BFR Done Important?
A BFR is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s an essential opportunity to refresh your skills and ensure that you’re flying safely.
Every 24 calendar months, pilots need to complete a BFR to remain current. The review helps you stay up to date with current regulations, fine-tune your flying abilities, and improve decision-making in the cockpit.
It’s also a chance to identify areas for improvement and gain confidence before your next flight.
What Should My Expectations Be?
During your BFR, expect to spend time both on the ground and in the air. Your instructor will review your logbook, discuss recent changes in regulations, and cover any areas where you may need extra practice.
In the air, you’ll demonstrate basic maneuvers and emergency procedures.
This isn’t a pass/fail exam—it’s a collaborative review focused on sharpening your skills and ensuring you’re ready for safe, proficient flying for the next two years.
Start Flying With Hogan Flying Service!
- Address
-
2820 Bobmeyer Rd, Hamilton, OH 45015
Hangar C13 - Point of Contact
- Tom Hogan, Owner
- (513) 939 - 4349
- Hoganflyingservice@gmail.com