Do I need a medical?
Yes. Although you don't need one to start lessons, you will need a basic medical examination before you can solo. The exam must be performed by an FAA Designated Medical Examiner (DME), and you will be required to renew your medical at certain intervals based on your age and medical condition. This is a routine exam and is designed to ensure that you have no physical or medical problems that would interfere with your ability to safely fly. Also, please do not assume that an existing medical condition will be an issue - there are many common pre-existing conditions which do not necessarily prevent your certification. You can find your nearest aviation medical examiner at FAA Medical Examiners.
What type of training aircraft?
Our training fleet includes state-of-the-art Cessna 172 and Piper aircraft, as well as a Beechcraft Baron for multi-engine training. Features in all aircraft include the latest technological advances in avionics and equipment, including GPS with moving map, autopilot, Garmin G1000 and 796 systems and ADS-B which rival, and even exceed, features found in many commercial aircraft. In addition, we have an FAA-approved single and multi-engine simulator which can significantly reduce the cost of initial and recurrent training. So at FlightGest, you will learn how to fly technically advanced aircraft from day one.
Why FlightGest?
There are a number of reasons to select FlightGest for your flight training:
- Highly professional, enthusiastic and friendly FAA-certified flight instructors with flexible schedules allow us to handle your unique work and family schedule, including weekdays, nights, and weekends.
- An on-site maintenance department to ensure our planes are safe for each flight without the wait.
- FlightGest continues to be selected by the FAA, TSA and even NASA to conduct specialized research and training for various initiatives. We’re proud of this unique feather in our cap … it’s a testament to our leading edge operation.
- A fully automated online system for scheduling your flight training. Students can access the website 24 hours a day to schedule their instructors and aircraft. The system also provides useful online tools for planning flights.
- FlightGest is the region’s only Noverant-Certified flight school, ensuring world-class training and record-keeping in a TSA-approved secure environment. In addition, it provides an expanding library of unique online training modules, including some used in FAA approved safety seminars.
- No hidden agenda. We’re not locked in to any manufacturer. We’re not trying to sell you an aircraft. We train in our training aircraft or yours, with hands-on experience in Cessna, Piper, Beechcraft, Cirrus, Mooney, Diamond and others.
- Diverse, modern fleet for training and rental as well as FAA-approved flight simulators (single and multi-engine).
- FlightGest is located at Raleigh-Durham (RDU) airport, a quick drive from anywhere in the Research Triangle Park area (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill). In addition, our particular location at the airport uniquely gives students the combined benefits of the small, nearby airports plus the vital experience of honing your radio skills while working with Air Traffic Control (ATC). Our students have the unique skills of operating at any airport, large or small.
- A full-service pilot shop, carrying all of your flying needs, located onsite as well as FAA-authorized testing centers (PSI-CATS).
Do I need renter's insurance?
While FlightGest does not require its clients to obtain renter’s insurance, it is highly recommended and becoming an industry norm. Avemco® has coverages designed especially for student pilots and renters. For more information, click Avemco to visit their website and learn more or buy online today.
I own an aircraft … can I still use FlightGest instructors for my training or recurrency?
Yes! We provide pilot services in virtually any aircraft and can also augment that training with our simulator (e.g., emergency operations, instrument proficiency, etc.). Call us anytime!
I am not a U.S. citizen. Can I still receive flight training?
We deal with many aliens pursuing their flight training. As long as you already have a valid visa to be in the US (e.g., student at university, work visa, etc.), you can pursue your flight training with us after going through a relatively straightforward TSA approval process. TSA has approved this process for many students who hold a valid visa and don’t expect to pursue more than 18 hours per week of flight training.
The process can usually be completed in just a few weeks. We encourage you to review the guidance provided at www.flightschoolcandidates.gov. Note that the training you would be receiving falls under Category 3 in the previous link.
The process can usually be completed in just a few weeks. We encourage you to review the guidance provided at www.flightschoolcandidates.gov. Note that the training you would be receiving falls under Category 3 in the previous link.
Schedule Your First Lesson! Just call us at 919.840.4444 or send your request to info@flightgest.com. We also encourage you to look at online resources such as AOPA’s Learn To Fly videos.