Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should I take lessons at Twin Cities Flight Training?

Twin Cities Flight Training is the only flight school in the Twin Cities that offers three convenient airport locations to conduct your flight training from. TCFT operates the only flight school at the Anoka-Blaine airport and the only FAA part 141 approved flight school in Anoka-Blaine and at the downtown St. Paul airport, with our third location at Crystal Airport for your convience. We offer training in several makes and models of aircraft and have a number of qualified instructors to choose from at several facilities. Located inside the class B airspace surrounding the Minneapolis International Airport, Twin Cities Flight training gives students the opportunity to work within the national air traffic control system and also the outlying class E airspace and non controlled airports.

Twin Cities Flight Training coupled with their sister company Twin Cities Aviation offer newer, well maintained aircraft. With mechanics on site 5 days a week and only a phone call away on weekends all aircraft maintenance needs are given top priority.

Is there a way to ‘‘try out’’ a lesson to see what flying is like?

Yes.  We offer a $99 introductory flight in a 4-seat Cessna 172 or Piper Warrior that allows you to experience a sample flight lesson with a certified instructor.  You actually get to fly the airplane!  The introductory flight includes 30 minutes of ground instruction and 30 minutes of aircraft time…  We also offer introductory flights in our Cirrus SR20 & SR22 aircraft. And any flight can be upgrade to an extended discovery flight, which includes 1 hour aircraft time.

How quickly can I obtain my private pilot certificate?

That depends on how often you can fly each week, typically, if a student schedules 2-3 lessons each week, training is easily completed in 4-6 months. We can also train you as quickly as you want. We have had student’s complete training in as little as 3-6 weeks.

How many lessons per week should I schedule?

If you fly 2-3 times per week, your skill and memory retention are significantly higher. Students who can only fly on weekends may need more hours overall to finish their training. However, during summer months, sunset is later allowing people who work during the day to fly in the evenings.

When can I fly/start training? Can I fly during the winter?

Anytime! You can start your training today if you wish. We teach students 365 days out of the year and are available to teach lessons 24/7. We work from your schedule, and yes we do flight training in every season, including the winter. 

How Many Lessons should I schedule at one time?

That depends on your personal schedule. If you can schedule 4-6 weeks out you may find it easier to make all of your flight times if it is important that you fly at only those times. Also, if you have a “favorite” airplane to fly, getting it scheduled well in advanced will assure that you get it.

How much “homework” is there per week outside of flying?

Typically there is about a 1:1 ratio with studying and flying; for example, scheduling 2-3 lessons per week will usually result in about 3-4 hours of flying, and you can expect 3-4 hours of studying.

Why is the ground school optional?

Because of scheduling or other conflicts, Twin Cities Flight Training does not require you to enroll in our formal ground school. However, the ground school is an excellent way of learning and allows you to meet people involved in flight training. You will be required to complete all FAA required ground training one on one with your instructor in liew of the formal ground school.

What happens during “bad” weather?

On days of low visibility, low ceilings, or thunderstorms, instructors will call students if the flying portion is cancelled. Certificates require ground instruction as well, which will be conducted on weather days.

If my instructor is not available, can I fly with another instructor?

Yes. Most of your training should be with the same instructor, however, many students and pilots enjoy flying with someone else simply because each instructor can usually teach something new or give a different perspective on a certain topic. Furthermore, Twin Cities Flight Training strives to achieve consistency in teaching methods among its flight instructors. If your flight instructor is not available to fly, you will be offered a substitute instructor for the lesson.

After I get my private pilot certificate, can I rent an airplane on my own?

Yes. After earning your private pilot certificate, you can rent the same airplane type without any additional instruction.

What if I want to rent an airplane other than the one I trained in?

Upgrading to another airplane is easy. Schedule a checkout with an instructor, which normally takes 1-2 hours. This allows you to have more flexibility since you are able to fly a variety of our airplanes. Although larger airplanes are more expensive, often they cost the same per mile since you are flying faster.

Is there a minimum rental for long trips?

Normally we like to see a 2 hour minimum for weekday overnights and 3 hour minimum for weekend overnights. These requirements usually are easily met during the course of your flight.

If I cannot make a scheduled lesson, what should I do?

When a change in your schedule keeps you from a lesson, please cancel at least 24 hours in advance so the instructor can allow another student to use that time. If a student cancels often, there will be a charge to the students account for the time scheduled.

Are there any health/medical requirements?

For a Sport Pilots license:
No. As long as you hold a driver’s license that qualifies.

For a Private Pilots license:
Yes.  A student pilot, to be eligible to solo, must obtain a medical certificate by undergoing a physical from an FAA-designated physician who is certified to issue them.  These physicians are called Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs), and they are typically family or occupational health doctors who practice at area clinics and hospitals.  If you are in good health, obtaining a medical is not difficult, and it is fine if you wear glasses or contacts.  Please discuss any significant health history or current medical conditions with your instructor to determine if there will be an issue obtaining a medical.
A student’s medical certificate will also serve as his or her student pilot certificate.  Private Pilots and student pilots need what’s called a ‘‘third-class medical certificate.’’  Certificated pilots with these certificates must renew them with a physical every 5 years if under age 40 and every 2 years thereafter to keep their flying privileges.  A list of local AMEs can be found by clicking here

How do I get started?

Set up an appointment to meet with a flight instructor ‘‘763-780-4375’’ to discuss your aviation goals.  You’ll also learn more about the flight training and receive an enrollment kit.