» Where to Begin

Take off on one of the greatest adventures of a lifetime – learn to fly.

You'll extend your horizons, find new challenges, and add a whole lot of fun to your life, all the while traveling farther, higher, and faster than you ever have before.

You can start at any age, although you must be 16 to solo and 17 to get a pilot certificate. You don't ever have to stop either, as long as you pass a physical exam and hold a current medical certificate. Some pilots still love to fly into their 80s and 90s.

All you need is some dedication and a handful of pilot tools. American Wings will take care of the rest.

Your aviation medical exam is a head-to-toe check of general health. You'll need an additional check-up every two years (three if you're under 40) to renew your "medical." It's required equipment.

There are few limitations to flying. You don't need perfect vision, as long as it's correctable to near 20/20. You can even get a waiver from the FAA for special circumstances, such as deafness and color blindness. The only things that would keep you from flying are serious conditions – such as a history of heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or epilepsy.

American Wings Aviation is an authorized Cessna Pilot Center. A Cessna Pilot Center (CPC) is a specially selected flight school that represents top-quality, professional flight training.

Each CPC has state-of-the-art training facilities with personal computer-based instruction and testing, clean, quiet study areas and classrooms, and new aircraft with strict maintenance requirements and modern components. And each CPC carries $1 million in aviation insurance to protect you throughout your training.

Cessna Pilot Centers are known for their excellence in customer service, with well-trained, professional instructors. They're able to answer your questions and provide guidance throughout your aviation adventure, from Discovery Flight through buying your first airplane.

Ground School

Most pilots say ground school is the most challenging part of training. You'll study rules, flight planning and navigation, aerodynamics, air traffic control, and weather theory and forecasting – all required knowledge to be a safe, competent pilot.

Yes, you'll be tested on this during your aviation knowledge exam. Yes, there is some math, but you'll use a calculator and flight computer. Yes, you'll study basic physics and meteorology, but you'll easily master it.

That's because you've got help. Instead of watching test-prep videos, studying test books, or going to class twice every week, you can use Cessna's Computer-Based Instruction (CBI) program – an interactive CD-ROM ground school that includes all the material for the written exam (and then some).

Flying

Flying is the fun part. After all, that's why you're doing this.
Over the next months, you'll learn an array of skills to make you a safe pilot. First, you'll learn to take-off. Next, you'll learn to handle the airplane in a variety of situations – turns, climbs, and descents. Then, you'll master your landings and fly by yourself for the first time.

Soon, you'll navigate to other airports, both with your instructor (who, by now, will rarely take the controls) and by yourself. You'll fly at night. And you'll try instrument flying, where you'll use the cockpit gauges to control the airplane.

Flying will be second nature. A little polishing, a good score on your written exam, and you're ready for your practical test. Just show the examiner what you know and you're a pilot.

Take off on one of the greatest adventures of a lifetime – learn to fly. An American Wings flight instructor is available to meet with you and answer any questions you might have. We welcome any questions and invite you to call our office at anytime. Be sure to ask about our $115 discovery flights!

For more information or to schedule your discovery flight,
Call: (810) 233-6448