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T H E  L E A R N I N G  P R O C E S S                                                                              

The FAA only requires a  minimum of 40 flight hours to obtain a Private Pilot Certificate, however the national average is close to 65 flight hours.   There are many factors that raise the national average of total student pilot flight hours over the FAA minimums. 

Not all flight instructors are effective educators by nature, which makes finding the right instructor key.  Changing instructors mid-way through your training adds hours as you are forced to adapt to a new instructor's style and procedures. 

In addition to instructor-related factors, total training cost is also dependant on personal factors.  Private and Instrument Pilots must fly an average of at least once a week in order to be able to progress with reasonable momentum. Scheduling twice a week is ideal.  Students must find a pace that allows for study time and reflection, while juggling work, family, friends, and other daily stresses and forces.  Those who fly less need to spend more time reviewing their material in order to avoid having to relearn procedures and skills in flight.

Bad weather and maintenance delays can also complicate scheduling. These considerations often require some flexibility to reschedule sooner than later, in order to prevent long gaps between training flights.  Client psychology is another factor which varies from student to student.  Personal fears of flying or of some flight tasks may take some time and experience to overcome.  Student mistrust of the flying environment interferes with the ability to listen and internalize information.  

The single greatest cost is in learning to land, as this is the most difficult task to master.  During this stage, the student will perform countless landings in the airport traffic pattern and consequently the student will develop muscle memory, instinctive habits, and rapid decision making ability.  It is important that the client maintain a minimum once a week rhythm through this stage, and that he or she review procedures and in flight video recordings at home.  Pattern work flights are shorter and easier to budget. 

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