Frequently Asked Questions
We offer a variety of programs including Private Pilot Training, Instrument Rating Training, and more, tailored to meet individual needs.
Most pilots start with obtaining their private pilots certificate. This allows you to fly many small single engine aircraft for pleasure, meaning you can take friends or family to wherever you choose. For career oriented pilots the standard next steps are instrument, then commercial, then flight instructor
To start your flight training today you can call or email our office to get all of your paperwork started. Once the paperwork starts you can either reach out to one of our instructors, or you can let us find a great match for you. Once you are paired with one of our instructors then they will set you up on your flight training journey.
Prerequisites vary by program, but generally, you need to be at least 17 years old and have a valid medical certificate.
The duration of training varies by program, but most can be completed within a few months, depending on your schedule and commitment.
At French Valley Flyers, we charge a modest membership fee to ensure fair, transparent pricing while supporting a unique model that benefits both students and instructors. Unlike many flight schools that take a significant cut from instructor pay, our instructors are fully independent and retain 100% of what they earn. This structure fosters high-quality, motivated instruction and allows us to keep aircraft rental rates competitive. The membership helps cover administrative costs, scheduling systems, and club-level benefits—without inflating hourly training rates or cutting into instructor earnings.
The Block Rate Membership is designed to replace traditional block purchases, which often require students to pay a large lump sum upfront. With this membership, students still receive the lower hourly rate but can pay as they go. This provides greater control over expenses and the flexibility to pause the membership during months when they won’t be flying as much—without the risk of being locked into a large upfront payment.
You can contact our office via the ‘Call Now” button at the top of the page or fill out the contact form and one of our team members will contact you soon!
You will need a Government issued photo ID, passport or birth certificate (for TSA endorsements), and a credit card to put on file. The front office will help with setting up our Flight Schedule Pro account (what we use for scheduling aircraft/instructors) and your instructor will help you obtain your student pilot certificate.
At French Valley Flyers, we require all aircraft renters to carry their own insurance for personal protection. While our fleet is covered under our company policy, it does not pay deductibles on your behalf or provide personal liability coverage. That’s why we strongly recommend securing Renter’s Insurance as soon as you begin training. Accidents—big or small—can happen. A door left open in the wind or a ladder tipping over can quickly turn into costly repairs.
With your own policy in place, these types of incidents are typically covered, saving you from paying out-of-pocket. Be sure to review your policy carefully so you understand exactly what’s included.
We require renters insurance with a $10,000 Aircraft damage liability and $250,000 Liability for bodily injury and damage to property. This is the lowest insurance available so we can try and keep flying as cheap as possible to our members.
We recommend Avemco, Aviation Marine, and AOPA. Visit their websites to learn more.
Yes you can! One of the advantages of French Valley Flyers is the low overnight minimums (1.5 hours per day) letting you take our aircraft on camping adventures or seeing distant family when you desire.
If you own your own aircraft you can use one of our many independent flight instructors to do so. Please view our ‘current instructor’ list to reach out.
