Frequently Asked Questions

Your total cost will depend on how many hours you choose to fly, however below is an example scenario for non-member students looking to get their Private Pilot License through Synergy Flight Center in Illinois.

$20,250 Price Estimate Based on the Minimum Requirements

• $14,400 Cirrus Plane Rental (40 hours)

• $3,750 Flight and Ground Instruction (30 hours)

• $1,100 Full Motion Simulator Rental & Instruction (5 hours)

• $175 FAA Written

• $125 FAA Medical Requirement

• $700 Final Exam Fees

*Instruction and flight times are estimates only. All times are the minimum required. Additional training may be necessary to fulfill the standards and to achieve your own personal comfort level.

For lower rates, please inquire about our membership options and benefits!

Yes. Before your first solo, you will need to have a Non-Owners Policy with a minimum of $15,000 in Aircraft Physical Damage Coverage.

We recommend getting a quote from AVIATION | Chappell Smith & Associates to get started.

Yes and No. The per hour cost for training is the same in both locations. However, some of our Cirrus aircraft in Wheeling are newer or premium models, therefore the per hour plane rental rate is slightly higher.

Yes, because you do not need to rent a plane to fly, however there will be times where you will still need to use the simulator with an instructor.

The simulator is intended to supplement in air instruction, not replace it. The Simulator is available for both Bloomington and Wheeling flight students.

The cost of the simulator ranges from $75-95 per hour depending on your membership status, plus $125 per hour for instruction when needed.

Your total cost will depend on the number of hours you need, the type of aircraft you rent, and your membership status. Click here to view our full list of rental and instruction rates by type of aircraft and membership level. A summary range is below:

• $75-95 an hour to use the Full Motion Simulator

• $105-125 an hour for Instruction

• $288-500 for Cirrus Aircraft Rental

• $175 dry rate plus fuel for the Piper Arrow III Rental

No. But being a member does reduce your hourly costs and increases your flexibility to book, and change lessons when you need to.

Yes and no.

According to Veteran’s Affairs, assuming certain qualifications are met you may use it for advanced training but not for your initial private pilots license lessons.

Read more on the Veterans Affairs website for details.

Yes, it can. Different aircraft have different levels of complexity, technology, and advanced features.

As a Certified Cirrus Training Center, we only utilize a fleet of top-of-the-line Cirrus SR22 and SR20 G6 aircraft for Private and Instrument training. For Advanced Training we also offer the Piper Arrow III.

You can view our full list or rental rates by aircraft and membership level here.

3+ months depending on how frequently you can commit to regular lessons.

For example, someone who commits to 3 hours a lesson, 3 lessons a week, can typically meet the requirement in less than 3 months.

If you can’t commit to flying that long or that frequently, it will take you longer to complete requirements. And personally you may want to repeat lessons if too much time has passed and you want more time learning a particular skill.

These are the steps we recommend:

1. Take a Discovery Flight in the plane you will be flying and with the instructor you will be working with. Make sure you’re comfortable before committing to a learning plan.

2. Create a Budget and Schedule you can commit to. We strive to use your time and money in the most efficient way possible. To ensure this we will meet with you to help map that out before you begin, so you have realistic and clear expectations before you commit to fly.

3. Purchase and begin your online ground training to complement your in-person training.

4. Fly with your instructor to build your skills and knowledge.

5. Fly solo! To build your flight time and skills in the cockpit.

6. Repeat steps 4 & 5 until you’ve met the flight time requirements and your instructor feels you’re ready for your checkride.

7. Take the practical test. Pass. Get license.

8. Enjoy the freedom of private flight!

9. Keep Learning (Advanced Training options are available.)

1-2 hours from takeoff to landing. Occasionally an in-flight lesson can go longer if you and the instructor agree and it is appropriate for a particular lesson or skill.

The most that your schedule can allow. The more you fly, the faster and more affordable your training will be. We recommend 2 or more flights a week.

You can begin flight training at any age, but you must be 16 to fly solo and 17 to take the checkride (the test to get your private pilot’s license). Also you must be able to read, write, and speak English fluently.

No. You can take online classes to supplement your in-flight learning, and you can also spend time testing difficult maneuvers in the simulator, however there is no substitute for in flight training and the 35 hours required by the FAA to receive your license in the state of Illinois.

Yes.

Our Private Pilot program is designed to give you maximum flexibility within your training. The ground portion of your training consists of online courses to deepen your knowledge, and in-person ground lessons. Your online ground training combines literature and video segments for a truly immersive learning experience.

This is intended to supplement your in-flight training by preparing you before flight and reinforcing important information post-flight.

No, however, you may visit this link to locate a testing site near you.

As a Certified Cirrus Training Center, we utilize a fleet of top-of-the-line Cirrus SR20 G6 aircraft for Private and Instrument training. As on option for advanced training we also offer a Piper Arrow III.

After completing an initial Discovery Flight, it’s time to start your official lessons! When you sign up you’ll receive more details, but here are some highlights:

• Aviation Headset (For recommendations, reach out to your instructor)

• Logbook (available for purchase if needed) and something you can use to take notes from the instructor and from air traffic control. (e.g. notebook or iPad)

• Download the ForeFlight App to a Tablet that you can use as a supplement to your Logbook, to take notes, and more.

• Valid Government Issued Photo ID (Passport or Driver’s License and Birth Certificate)

• Excitement!

Maybe. When you meet with your instructor, let them know who you would like to bring as a passenger. Depending on the lesson and other factors, a passenger may be an option.

Yes and No. 'School' and 'training or lessons' are often used interchangeably. What can be differentiated is whether it is a Part 61 or a Part 141 program. A program that falls under 14 CFR Part 141 would be a college or university program with a strict schedule that costs significantly more and takes much longer than a Part 61 program.

A program that falls under 14 CFR Part 61 is exactly what Synergy Flight Center is; A fully personalized program built to fit your schedule.

At Synergy Flight Center, you will be working one-on-one with your instructor to create a schedule that best fits your busy life. Whether you plan to take it slow, or soar through the program with the airlines in your sights, Synergy can make it happen!

No. While the FAA officially refers to it as a Private Pilot Certificate, you can call it a Private Pilot License as well.

However… there are different types of pilot certificates described below. At Synergy Flight Center we offer primary training to obtain a private pilot license, as well as advanced training to advance your career and improve your skills.

Let your instructor know if your ultimate goal is to be an airline pilot!

Different Types of Pilot Certificates

1. A student pilot is how you refer to the initial training period of flying. The student pilot must have a flight instructor present. He or she can fly solo after appropriate instructor endorsements.

2. A private pilot certificate lets the pilot carry passengers and provides for limited business use of an airplane. (You cannot sell your services. It’s just for you, friends, family, colleagues, etc.)

3. A commercial pilot certificate lets the pilot conduct some operations for compensation and hire. (You can get paid to fly!)

4. An airline transport pilot license (ATP) is required to fly for most air transport operations. (corporate, charter, domestic and international airlines.) In general, most employers will schedule and pay for this training when you get the job!