Department of Aviation - Flight Major FAQ

Flight Major FAQ’s

Are the Flight costs included in the price of tuition?

No. In addition to tuition, you will incur additional costs of aircraft rental and flight/ground instruction. We try to tell students to budget for $7,000 - $8,000 of additional flight training costs per semester.

Can I receive financial aid for my flight training costs?

Many of our students are able to secure student loans to cover their flight costs. To find out more information about it, contact our Financial Aid department at (815) 836-5263. Be sure to let them know you are a Flight Management Major.

Am I required to put a deposit down to cover my flight training costs?

No. Although many of our students will for convenience, you are able to pay for your training "as you go". In addition to your regular Student Account ("S" Account), all flight majors will have an Aviation Account ("A" Account). Anytime you incur a flight training cost (ground/flight instruction and/or aircraft rental) or make a payment, an invoice will be generated on your "A" account that you receive explaining in detail the cost/payment as well as your account balance. You are not required to have any minimum amount of credit balance on your account; however, we do ask that your account balance be at $0 after each lesson.

Can I transfer money between my “A” account and “S” account?

Yes. If you go to the Business Office, they will be able assist you to make transfers between your two accounts.

Where do I go on my first day of flight lab?

Simply come to the Harold E. White Aviation Center dispatch desk at the end of hallway when you enter the Harold White Building and you will be introduced to your flight instructor.

Are there any supplies I need to buy for my flight training?

Yes. You will need to purchase a headset, a Pilot's Operating Handbook specific to the aircraft you will be flying, and a logbook. You may purchase these items at the Lewis University Bookstore, at local area pilot shops, or online at various pilot supply websites. Headsets vary in price between $110 & over $500. In my opinion there is no need to purchase a "high end" headset at this point in your training.

What do I do if the weather does not permit me to fly?

Depending on where you are in your training, there may be some ground training that you and your instructor need to accomplish. If there isn't a need for ground training, you & your instructor will complete that lesson at your next scheduled block time.

Why does my Flight Lab show “0” credit hours on my schedule?

The credit hours you earn by completing a flight lab (i.e. Private Pilot Lab 47-132) will post directly to your transcript upon successful completion of the FAA Pilot Certificate or Rating. By processing the flight lab in this matter, your scheduled lab (47-100) does not "count" against the 18 credit hours you may take under our Block Tuition.

Can I fly during the summer?

Absolutely. The summer is the best time to fly for a number of reasons. First, you are not limited to three days a week of scheduling. If you would like to fly everyday, which many students do, you can accomplish in a few weeks what may normally take an entire semester. Additionally, during the summer most students don't have a full load (15-18 credit hours) of classes, which allows them to focus 100% of their time (excluding work) on their flight training. If you are interested in getting a head start this summer, please give me a call at (815) 836-5053.

What if I have my Private Pilot Certificate completed before start at Lewis?

If you do finish your Private Pilot training before your first day at Lewis, you are eligible to "by-pass" Private Pilot Ground Schools I & II by passing our private pilot stage 3 oral exam. Once you successfully pass this by-pass test, eight academic credit hours will post to your transcript (6 for the ground schools and 2 for the flight lab). You must pass this exam before you begin your instrument training. Your flight instructor will help you prepare for the exam.

Can I fly outside of Lewis?

As a student pilot working toward Private Pilot Certificate, you are not allowed to fly outside of Lewis. Once you receive your Private Pilot Certificate, you are welcome to fly outside of Lewis. However, none of flight time you accumulate outside of Lewis can count toward a license or rating that you are required to have for graduation.

For example, you want to bring a friend up flying at your home airport. That flight time can go into your personal logbook, but will not be counted toward meeting any FAA requirement for your Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, or Multi-Engine rating at Lewis. If you still have questions regarding what you can and can not do outside of Lewis, please feel free to call me.

What do I need to bring with me on the first day?

The Department of Homeland Security requires every US Citizen to present their original or government issued Birth Certificate and a photo ID (driver's license or state ID) before that are allowed to begin flight training. We will make a photo copy of these documents the first day and return them to you immediately. We can NOT provide any training without these documents.

What if I am not a US Citizen?

The Department of Homeland Security has very specific requirements for alien flight students. Please contact me directly to find out more information. It may take up to 3 weeks to get your approval, so to avoid any training delays please do not wait to call me. My office number is (815) 836-5053.

 

Keith P. McGill
Chief of Pilot Training
(815) 836-5053
mcgillke@lewisu.edu

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