HUFFMAN AVIATION LLC
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where is Huffman Aviation and how long has it been in business?
Huffman Aviation has operated out of the east side of Fort Worth Spinks Airport for more than ten years. From its beginnings as a one man operation, Huffman Aviation has grown to become one of the larger independent flight schools in the DFW area.Why should I learn to fly at Huffman Aviation?
We want what you want – for you to enjoy flying and become a safe, proficient pilot. The Huffman Aviation leadership handpicks his instructors, and holds them accountable for the quality of training they provide. Our instructors will never instruct with anything other than your best interests in mind, regardless what their aviation career aspirations might be. They teach because they love teaching and are great at it. As the motivational speaker Zig Ziglar used to say, “the best way to get what you want is to help enough other people get what they want.”Medical requirement
Before you can solo, and eventually get your pilot certificate, the FAA requires a medical evaluation. Please click on this link to access more information. https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/medical_certification/Maintenance
Huffman Aviation employs full time mechanics to ensure all of our aircraft are maintained to the highest standards. We keep our fleet in the air and you flying. In addition to maintaining the fleet, they are able to answer any maintenance or mechanical questions our pilots may have.How long will it take to get a Private certificate or Instrument Rating?
The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours for the Private Pilot Certificate. While a few students may complete the course within this time, many others will find themselves needing or wanting more time. A consistent pace of training will generally enable you to obtain your certificate soonest with the lowest cost. We recommend two lessons per week, in which case the program takes about four months. It can be done faster or slower, however. The Instrument Rating is just about the same level of effort and time commitment.When can I schedule lessons?
Except for major holidays, Huffman Aviation is open 6 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, we will schedule lessons when it is convenient for you and an airplane and instructor are available. You will be introduced to our online scheduling system to make it easier for you to see our availability and match it with yours.What should I expect in a lesson?
A lesson is generally a two and a half hour block of time with an instructor. This provides adequate time for a short ground lesson, pre-flight briefing, flight lesson and post-flight debrief. We follow a proven, in-house training syllabus the students have successfully completed, however our instructors will also use good judgement to modify and tailor your training to best fit your needs.What airplane will I train in?
For most students, we utilize either a Cessna 150 or 152, as we believe them to be the best trainers. We will also use a Cessna 172 or Piper Warrior if the training situation dictates it. We offer equipment for your IFR certification with a Private Pilot and Commercial Pilot Certificates.What is the difference between high wing and low wing aircraft?
The primary difference is the view. The basic flying qualities are quite similar. Some pilots prefer the more positive taxi characteristics of the Pipers, and some like how the high wing Cessna’s keep the sun off of them.How are the aircraft maintained?
All of our aircraft are maintained by a highly experienced, on staff aircraft mechanic with help from one or more mechanics-in-training. They test fly every airplane after major maintenance to be sure they have done their job well and the aircraft are ready for return to service.Do I choose my instructor?
You should expect to fly with more than one, perhaps all our instructors at one time or another. If you prefer one more than another you may express that to the Chief Pilot. Ultimately, the goal is to train you efficiently to a higher level of skill and proficiency than any other school in the area. Having said that, we want you to fly with an instructor who best meets your needs.How do I pay for training?
We accept multiple payment options. Some customers elect to pay at the completion of each lesson. Cash, check, and most credit cards are accepted. Others choose to pre-pay and take advantage of discounts that allow us to avoid credit card fees. The specific discount occasionally changes. Please check with the office staff for the current discount. As long as you keep a positive account balance throughout your training, you keep getting the discount.What is ground training and is it required?
Huffman Aviation programs have ground training in three different forms and all are required. The first is the pre and post flight briefing to talk about what you will do and then review what and how you did during the flight. The second is a discussion of aircraft systems or some other flying related topic such as airspace and rules. The last kind is offered as partial preparation for the FAA Knowledge Exam. We expect you to accomplish most of your own study for the written test, but experience tells us nearly every student needs additional one-on-one help in the areas of Performance, Weight and Balance, and Weather.What about bad weather?
We expect you to be here for scheduled training regardless of weather. There is almost always some ground training or simulator training that needs to be covered, and bad weather days are a great time to do it. There is a lot of ground material for any certificate you are working toward.When can I carry passengers?
During the lessons, a passenger can be carried only if the instructor is present, and this can be conducive to spousal or family support for training. Pick a good day, not too hot or turbulent, for the best experience. Carrying passengers without an instructor present is allowed when you have a Private Pilot Certificate.What do I have to do to maintain my certificate once I become a pilot?
Your pilot certificate never expires, but you must have obtained another certificate or completed a flight review within the preceding 24 calendar months to be able to fly as pilot in command. If you wish to carry passengers, you must have done 3 takeoffs and landings in the preceding 90 days. As part of our company policy, we require you to stay current in our aircraft by flying at least once every 90 days.What will I be able to do once I get my certificate?
You will be qualified to fly most single engine land aircraft in good weather. We require additional ground and flight training in any aircraft different from what you trained in. You may travel to almost any civil airport in the US.What is the difference between a Part 61 and Part 141 school?
Huffman Aviation is a Part 61 school, which means we develop and use our own course structure and syllabus based on the nearly fifty years of Jake Huffman's flying and training experience. Part 141 schools have direct FAA oversight of their course structures and can complete students in slightly fewer hours. That theoretical advantage of the 141 school is normally forfeit because of the rigid requirements of the FAA regulations.Cancellation Policy
We understand that life happens. If for any reason you need to cancel your lesson, please notify us no later than 24 hours prior to the start of the lesson. If you need to cancel within the 24 hours, we reserve the right to charge the following fees:
* No show for a standard 2.5 hour lesson - 1 hour aircraft and 2 hour instructor
* No show for and extended lesson (greater than 4 hours) - 2 hours aircraft and 4 hours instructor
* No show for a rental - 1 hour aircraft
* No show for a trip - 2 hours aircraft for every 24 hours reserved
* Dead battery - $150 minimum
* Damage repair - our cost for parts / service plus our shop labor rate