Flight Training      Questions and Answers.....

                                                                                                                                                                   

How much does flight training cost?

The fees for flight training are in addition to tuition and fees on campus. The flight training cost can be broken down into sections over four years. Please note that these are estimated cost based on past average flight times required for each rating or license. These average training times are from the FAA data base. Some students may require additional training.

 

Freshman:	Private Pilot Flight Training	$8,925.00
Sophomore:	Instrument Flight Training	$9,750.00
Junior:	Commercial Flight Training	$16,175.00
Senior:	Certified Flight Instructor Training	$7,375.00

*FAA check rides and written exams are additional fees.

Click here for a complete pdf version explaining the flight training fees. Once again, these are ESTIMATED costs and will vary depending on each individual student.

CFII is offered but not a requirement for graduation: $3,400.00

                                                                                                                                                                 

How can I get the most value during my flight training?

Devote time to study and practice, fly as frequently as possible and don't stop training once you begin. An aggressive and continuous flight training schedule will save you time and money. Students learn quickly - especially in flight training - they get out of it what they put into it!

                                                                                                                                                                

Can financial aid cover flight training fees?

Yes. If you qualify for financial aid a separate account will be set up to pay for flight training. Please contact our financial aid office for detailed information.

                                                                                                                                                               

How often do students fly?

We require that our students schedule a minimum of 3 flights per week. We encourage students to fly more if their schedule permits. Flying more often keeps students proficient and saves money in the long run. Also, the Aviation Training Center is open 7 days a week and all summer.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Where does BSU flight training take place?

Bridgewater State University has an Aviation Training Center located at the New Bedford Regional Airport. It is about a 1/2 hr ride from campus to the airport. Because of the driving distance, freshmen enrolled in the aviation program are the only first-year students allowed to have cars on campus.

                                                                                                                                                                 

What if I don't have a car? Does BSU provide a shuttle to the airport?

Currently, Bridgewater State University does not have a van or bus service to the airport training center. Aviation students have contacted each other for possible ride sharing.

                                                                                                                                                                  

Does the FAA require a physical before I can start flying?

Yes, all BSU flight students must obtain an FAA medical certificate before they can start flying. Check the following link for a local FAA designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) nearest you, and be sure to indicate that you need both a medical certificate and a Student Pilot Certificate (SPC). http://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/

                                                                                                                                                                 

Do I need to check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

to take flight lessons?

This would depend on whether you are a US citizen or Alien. International students should go to https://www.flightschoolcandidates.gov/afsp2/afspindex.py?acct_type=c&section=WN . Click on the " Create New Student Account" link and follow the directions. For additional information, go to http://www.aopa.org/tsa_rule/ .

                                                                                                                                  

What is the difference between FAA Part 61 and 141 flight training?

BSU Aviation is an FAA-approved 14 CFR Part 141 flight training provider, and is certified to conduct both Part 141 and Part 61 training.  For most pilot certificates and ratings, Part 141 training allows students to complete the flight course with less flight time than a Part 61 applicant would need for the same certificate or rating. An important difference between Part 141 and Part 61 training is structure and accountability.  Part 141 providers must follow detailed, FAA-approved course outlines, meet quality-of-training standards, and undergo regular FAA audits.  A Part 141 provider also has the flexibility to train applicants under Part 61, although a Part 61 provider does not have the same option to work with Part 141 students. We work closely with the FAA to ensure that we are providing top quality training. Additionally, students seeking to qualify for VA benefits must conduct their training with a Part 141provider.

                                                                                                                                                                  

What type of aircraft does BSU Aviation operate?

For general fleet use and spin training, we currently utilize eight (8) Cessna 172R models equipped with conventional flight and navigation instruments, HSI, and the Garmin 430 with WAAS capability. For the complex and CFI-A training we use (2) Piper PA-28R Arrow aircraft and a Piper PA34 Seneca I aircraft for multi engine flight training.

                                                                                                                                                                  

Am I guaranteed a position as a CFI with the college if I complete my flight training at BSU?

All students who complete the CFI certificate may be considered for employment as a CFI with BSU Aviation Flight Operations.  A completed application is required for consideration.  Hiring is highly selective and is based on staffing needs, applicant qualifications and professional aviation experience.

 

For additional information regarding flight training, check out the FAA's website http://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/ Also, feel free to contact the  BSU Manager of Aviation Affairs at Gbongiorno@bridgew.edu, or the Chief Flight Instructor at the BSU Aviation Training Center, Lheron@bridgew.edu .

     

          

            

Last Modified: January 2, 2013