Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
- Are the program costs based on the minimum required?
- Can I take flights that are not part of the training?
- What kind of maintenance is done on the aircraft?
- What kind of simulators do you use?
- How long has Westwind been in the pilot training business?
- Why does Westwind use Cessna aircraft while some schools use Pipers?
- How important is the number of training aircraft?
- What’s the difference between Part 61 and Part 141?
- Pilot Medical Certification FAQ (Link to FAA)
General Questions and Answers
Q: Are the program costs based on the minimum required?
A: No, our program costs are not based on minimums. Our program is based on an estimate of a normal student. Some students will finish faster and some will finish slower.
Q: Can I take flights that are not part of the training?
A: Yes! We allow our pilots to rent our aircraft for flights with family and friends. Just remember that these flights are not part of the program and are not budgeted for in training expenses.
Q: What kind of maintenance is done on the aircraft?
A: All maintenance is performed by Atlantic Aviation. Our aircraft are very well maintained with both 50 hr and 100 hr inspections as well as the annual inspection. That means that our aircraft get serviced at least once a month.
Q: What kind of simulators do you use?
A: We operate an Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD), Flight Training Device (FTD), and Personal Computer Aviation Training Device (PCATD) representing single engine, multi-engine, and turbine aircraft. Click HERE for more information about our simulators.
Q: How long has Westwind been in the pilot training business?
A: Westwind started as a small flight training organization in 1985 and has grown to be one of the 10 largest professional flight academies.
Q: Why does Westwind use Cessna aircraft while some schools use Pipers?
A: Westwind uses both Cessna and Piper manufactured aircraft. Westwind uses Cessna 172’s, and Piper Arrows for single engine training. For multi-engine training we use the Piper Seminole. If you add up all the current pilots who received their Pilot's certificate in an aircraft other than a Cessna it wouldn't even come close to the number of pilots who learned to fly in a Cessna. There must be a reason for that! Cessna aircraft are rugged and can take a lot of training abuse. Its large cabin (two doors) and high wing make it an ideal training aircraft.
Q: How important is the number of training aircraft?
A: Insufficient number of aircraft can severely limit a student's progress. Westwind’s fleet currently exceeds 26 aircraft and simulators and most of them are less than five years old. Westwind is continually upgrading its fleet. Most of our aircraft are equipped with state of the art Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers.
Q: What’s the difference between Part 61 and Part 141?
A: Part 61 and Part 141 refer to the sections in the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) that govern the conduct of flight training. The vast majority of flight training is conducted under Part 61 regulations, especially if it is a small flight school. Part 141 was created by the FAA in an attempt to allow schools to train students at a lower cost if the schools would comply with the very exacting criteria the FAA establish. Part 141 however puts a considerable administrative burden on a school. Westwind is a FAA Certified 141 school but we also train under Part 61.
Q: Can I rent airplanes for fun flights?
A: Yes; However you want to be careful that you make those flights a part of your training or you can easily overrun your training budget if you're not careful. Westwind even rents airplanes to students who attend other flight academies.