Aero club pilot training goes from the ground up

  • Published
  • By Jonathan Rejent
  • Nucleus staff writer
KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. --  Like many kids, Gary Freeland grew up imagining what it might be like to fly an airplane.
More than 50 years later and five years of persistent training -- with encouragement and support from the Kirtland aero club --he has turned that daydream into a reality.

"Although you may think it's a daunting task to get your pilot's license, it's a very reachable goal," said Freeland.

Freeland's story is only a glimpse into the possibilities the aero club presents.

"We can prepare you for your private pilot's license, all the way up to your Airline Transport Pilot certificate," said Joanna Erni, aero club manager.

She said for those without any previous experience or licenses, the training starts from the ground up -- literally.

Students begin with ground school, which prepares them for the written portion of their private pilot licensure and progress to lessons in the air. All of the aero club's courses are Federal Aviation Administration approved.

"If you fly consistently -- at least two or three times a week -- you can get your private pilot's license within about seven to eight months," Erni said.

She recommended those curious about flying take one of the club's hour-long discovery flights with an instructor.

"They'll let you take the controls, to see if it's something you're comfortable with and interested in. When you're up there with an instructor, any fear you may have starts to leave you," she said.
The cost for the private pilot's license is about $7,500. Students may be eligible for financial assistance through either military tuition assistance or VA flight training program, depending on the course.

The club also introduces children to aviation at a young age, through both school field trips and during their participation in the Tuskegee Airmen Aviation Camp in June.

"It's an awesome organization. It takes a lot of team effort to maintain the level of safety and good quality instruction and flying that we do here," Erni said.

To be eligible for aero club membership, you must be active-duty military, federal employee, Reserve, National Guard, retired military, contractor, ROTC, U.S. Customs, a member of Civil Air Patrol or a dependent. Students must be at least 17 to receive their license.

For more information on flight training opportunities and recreational flying, call the aero club at 846-1072.