P&N Flight and Charter
Marion - Independence, IA

The time it takes to earn a Private Pilot Certificate varies depending on how often you fly. Flying more often typically mean less total hours and cost. On average, students who fly two to three times a week can expect to complete their training in about 3 to 6 months. The FAA requires a minimum of 40 flight hours, but most students typically accumulate 50 to 60 hours to be well-prepared for the check ride. Regular practice and study can help shorten this timeline.

It’s not necessary to take the FAA knowledge test (written test) before starting flight training. Many students opt to begin flight lessons first and study for the test as they go. This allows you to gain hands-on experience, which can make understanding the concepts easier. The knowledge test can be taken anytime before your check ride (flight test).

Yes, after obtaining your Private Pilot Certificate, you can rent aircraft for personal use. However, you must first demonstrate competency in each specific aircraft you wish to rent by completing a checkout with an instructor or have already just passed your check ride in the aircraft type. This ensures that you are comfortable with the aircraft’s operation and familiar with any specific procedures or limitations. You also can rent airplanes anywhere in the country, subject to that flight schools requirements.

You don’t need to take your flight physical before starting flight training, but it must be completed prior to your first solo flight. At least a third-class medical certificate is required for a Private Pilot Certificate. It’s a good idea to ensure you meet the medical requirements early in your training, so there are no surprises later on. If you have any doubt about your eligibility for a medical certificate, it's best to wait until you're assigned a flight instructor to advise you through the process. When you have started training with us, we will refer you to an FAA-approved physician to complete this with at the appropriate time.

Yes, the first steps are the same regardless of whether you’re aiming for a career in aviation or simply want to fly for leisure. All students begin by earning their Private Pilot Certificate, which provides the foundation for any future flight training, including instrument, commercial, or airline transport pilot certifications. The only exception for some is Sport Pilot Certification which does not require a medical certificate. Although Sport Pilot requires less hours, it isn't a stepping-stone to Private Pilot - they are separate paths. All students begin with Private Pilot Certification whether they want to fly for leisure or a career unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Renters insurance covers damages to the aircraft while it’s rented by you, as a student flying solo or after earning your certification ensuring you’re financially protected in the event of an incident that is your fault. P&N carries full insurance on it's aircraft, but we cannot protect your from being subrogate against by insurance carriers especially due to your negligence. P&N Flight and Charter requires a minimum of $60,000 in hull insurance coverage for rented aircraft. This provides adequate protection for minor issues for both the renter and in case of accidental damage during the rental period - for example a propeller ground strike, hangar rash, or a hard landing. Renters insurance is not required if you are not acting as pilot-in-command, like when you are a student and an instructor is on board.

This is not very common but you can always request a different one. It’s important to feel comfortable and supported during your training, and instructors are available to work with you in a way that matches your learning style. At P&N we all follow the same training outline and can transfer you to a new instructor. Regardless, stage check are administered after first solo, before solo cross country, and before the check ride, so you should expect to fly with multiple flight instructors before completing the training.

In addition to regular flight lessons, you will need to study a variety of topics including aerodynamics, regulations, navigation, weather, and aircraft systems. Ground school sessions will cover these subjects in detail whether your choose to attend our in person ground school through Kirkwood Community College or one on one with your instructor. Books and online resources will be provided to help you prepare for the knowledge test. Please do not let YouTube guide your ground training. Online self-study is only if you absolutely cannot complete in-person training and your instructor can recommend an online course that will mesh will with P&N's training syllabus and teaching style.

Aircraft Maintenance: Flying clubs are only legally required to have their aircraft inspected by a certified mechanic once per year. P&N as a commercial operator is legally required to have its aircraft undergo regular inspection every 100 hours of flight time. Sometimes flying clubs have top dollar interiors and paint jobs, but they usually only afford that because they don't inspect their aircraft as often. Our aircraft are well-maintained, so you can fly with peace of mind knowing the aircraft is safe and in top condition. Liability: When you sign up for a flying club you are becoming a legal member of that company, partnership or organization which is what allows them to skirt the commercial maintenance requirements. You could be personally subject to their debts, bankruptcy, lawsuits against that organization, or held responsible if someone else has accident. Convenience: P&N can do so much more than a flying club can. With a range of aircraft available and flight training opportunities on-site, P&N offers more comprehensive service including written testing, aircraft maintenance, charter flights, ground schools, and additional endorsements like tailwheel. We treat all customers equally but will always give priority to our loyal customers. If you chose to go elsewhere and then need services your club doesn't offer, you'll be at the end of the list.

P&N offers all testing on-site at both Independence and Marion locations. From the pre-solo test, the FAA written knowledge test to the practical test (checkride), all required testing can be completed without the need to travel to a distant testing center. This convenience reduces time and stress for students as they progress through their training.

Ground school can be completed at P&N with in-person classes or online courses if needed. Typically on days the weather is not suitable for flying you should still meet with you instructor and take that time to complete ground training. There should be approximately one hour of ground training for every hour of flying. The material covered in ground school will prepare you for the written FAA knowledge test and provide a solid foundation for your flight training. Students can choose the format that best fits their schedule and learning style.

While learning at a controlled airport (with a tower) is possible, training at a non-towered airport like Marion (C17) or Independence (IIB) is more cost-effective and practical for most students. You’ll still receive comprehensive training in airspace management, communications, and flight planning, but without the additional fees and time constraints that come with flying at a controlled airport. The FAA regulations and P&N syllabus ensure that you will be comfortable operating in controlled airspace but the time you are certified. Non-towered airports allow for more flexible training conditions.

P&N Flight and Charter uses a fleet of well-maintained, reliable aircraft including popular training models such as the Cessna 172, Piper Warrior, Piper Arrow, Piper Seneca, and Citabria. These aircraft are chosen for their ease of operation, safety features, and reliability. As you progress in your training, you will have the opportunity to fly different types of aircraft to build your experience.

It’s important to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Opt for layers if the weather is unpredictable. Closed-toe shoes are required, and you should avoid sandals or flip-flops. Never wear work boots as you won't be able to properly feet the brakes or the rudder petals. All aircraft are equipped with heat but not air conditioning. If in doubt, make sure to bring light jacket as the temperatures can be cooler at altitude.

Most likely! However, during training, passengers are not allowed in the aircraft during instruction flights unless pre-approved by the instructor. Some maneuvers cannot be done with weight in the back because it puts the aircraft in a different category of operation for weight and balance.

Yes, but P&N cannot issue student visas. International students can request approval through the TSA's Flight Training Security Program if they do not meet the US Citizenship requirements. P&N is a TSA inspected and approved for training of non US Citizens. We can also guide you to complete basic conversion of your foreign pilot certificate to FAA with the help of the local FAA office or a DPE.

Yes, night flying is an integral part of the Private Pilot Certificate and other ratings. You will learn how to handle the unique challenges of flying at night, including navigation and spatial orientation in low-light conditions. Flight training for night operations will also help you understand the additional procedures necessary for safe flying after dark. Color blind students and pilots may not be allowed by the FAA to fly at night.

If you don’t pass your check ride you do not have to start over. You’ll receive detailed feedback from the examiner to understand areas where improvement is needed. You will have the opportunity to schedule additional training sessions with your instructor to address these areas before retaking the check ride. In most cases you only have to repeat the items that were done incorrectly.

Yes, if you have previous flight experience from another flight school or country, you may be able to get credit for that time. This is determined by reviewing your logbook and verifying the details of your prior training. Our flight school can work with you to evaluate your experience and potentially reduce the number of hours required for your certificate or rating. There is no specific limit on how far back training hours can be applied from.

Not all flight schools complete these. A stage check at P&N is an assessment completed by a different instructor during your flight training. These checks are designed to evaluate your progress and ensure that you are meeting the necessary milestones to continue your training. They are an opportunity for instructors to give you feedback, reinforce key skills, and identify areas for improvement before you move on to the next stage of your training. They help prepare you for the FAA checkride with an examiner.

No, you do not need to own an aircraft to become a pilot. Aircraft are available for rent at the flight school, and most students choose to rent aircraft for their training. Owning an aircraft is a personal choice and can be more convenient once you have your certification, but it is not required to get started.

A Private Pilot Certificate allows you to fly for personal and recreational purposes, while a Commercial Pilot Certificate qualifies you to get paid for flying. To obtain a Commercial Certificate, you must complete additional training, accumulate more flight hours (typically around 250 total hours), and pass a more rigorous written and practical exam. A Commercial Pilot Certificate also opens the door for more advanced ratings and career opportunities in aviation. To fly for an airline you'd still need to become certified as an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) but Commercial training must come first.

Yes, P&N offers advanced flight training for additional certifications like the Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, Multi Engine Rating, Helicopter, and a wide range of endorsements like high performance, tailwheel, and complex aircraft. After obtaining your Private Pilot Certificate, you can work toward these additional ratings, which increase your flying skills and career opportunities. Training is available for each certification but many can be combined to meet multiple requirements at once. How the legal requirements for each certification are met is rarely exactly the same for two people and instructors will tailor the lessons to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements.

To become a pilot, you must pass a medical exam performed by an FAA-certified medical examiner. For a Private Pilot Certificate, you will need a third-class medical certificate. The medical examiner will evaluate your general health, vision, hearing, and any other health conditions that may affect your ability to fly safely. If you have a medical condition, you may still be able to obtain a medical certificate, but it may require additional paperwork or tests. If you expect to have challenges getting a medical certificate, it may be best to make sure you really enjoy flying an airplane or helicopter yourself before you go through a longer medical process. For most people it only takes one short appointment.

That’s perfectly fine! Most students start with no experience in aviation. Flight schools are designed to take students through each step of the process, starting with the basics. With the right training and dedication, you can become a certified pilot, even if you’ve never been in the cockpit before.

Aviation colleges and universities will accept your Private Pilot Certificate towards their degree program. If you've already earned a Commercial Certificate even more credits can apply. Generally you don't want to be in the middle of training for a specific certificate or rating if you decide to transfer to a college because they will make you start over - have it completed before hand. P&N can help you navigate how to combine flight training with your academic goals. We recommend you earn a degree outside of aviation so you can be more versatile to your future employer or have a backup plan if you ever aren't able to maintain your medical certificate.

Flight training is flexible and can be scheduled around personal availability. Lessons can be arranged at times that work best for students, including evenings or weekends. While there’s no fixed schedule, students who maintain a regular flying schedule generally progress more quickly. It’s important to communicate with your instructor to set a routine that works for you. Using our online schedule tool Flight Schedule Pro, you can book lessons at your convenience.

For students paying in cash or via check and maintaining a positive credit balance of at least $1,000 on their account with P&N a discount of approximately $10 to $15 per hour depending on the aircraft is applied to the training rate, as compared to using a credit card or paying as you go. This discount helps reduce the overall cost of flight training, making it a more affordable option for students who are able to pay directly. We prefer to see students pay for their training up through their first solo when they begin - no instructor like to invest their time and energy into a student just to see them stop suddenly because they ran out of money. Customers complete their training faster knowing that it is already paid for. We are more comfortable renting aircraft out in special circumstances like a last minute check ride or a long vacation when we don't have to worry about whether the flight time will be paid for.

Yes, throughout your flight training, you will likely work with more than one instructor. This provides you with a range of teaching styles and techniques that can help improve your skills and broaden your understanding of aviation. Additionally, you’ll undergo stage checks with different instructors to assess your progress.