Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you specialize in Cirrus aircraft? 

We have chosen Cirrus aircraft because they are the world’s best selling personal airplane, and are well known  for  their customer service, luxury, safety, training, and enthusiastic customer base.  The #cirruslife is a growing phenomenon.  

Why does is Cirrus have a parachute?  Is it just a marketing device? 

The Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) has already saved hundreds of lives and will continue to save more.  It is one of many safety features on the newest Cirrus airplanes that make them what we feel is  the safest airplane ever.  Electronic stability protection, airbags, infrared camera, onboard weather and traffic and more make it a pleasure to fly,

What is a Cirrus Training Center (CTC)? 

A CTC is a flight training center that has partnered with a Cirrus to provide training for new, existing, and potential Cirrus pilots.  It is a nationwide network known for their excellence in training and service and a Elite flight is proud to be a part of it.

Can I rent Cirrus aircraft from you? 

Yes, we provide Cirrus aircraft rental as well as instruction.  All renters must have gone through transition training from Elite, or at another CTC or CSIP.  

I don’t want flight instruction,  and  I  am  not  a  pilot,   can  I  still fly in your planes?  

No.  We cannot provide flights that are not related to flight instruction in our own aircraft  with  non-pilots.  We will refer you to charter operators if you are interested.  We can, however, fly your personal airplane if you choose to purchase one under our mentor pilot program.  

Is flying expensive? 

Yes.  There is no doubt that flying is not cheap, and the instruction we provide is not a discount service.  We endeavor to provide the absolutely best instruction you bet and provide top notch services to our client from our coffee, to our office, to our aircraft fleet.  If you are used to flying business class, then this is a reasonable alternative. 

Can I gift a flight lesson or rental?

Yes! We can provide gift certificates in any amount you wish. A standard one hour rental flight is $375 in our Cirrus SR20 G6.

Can you do High Performance Endorsement?

Yes!

Can you do additional endorsements & trainings? SPIN, Sports Pilot Training, or Multi-Engine?

No. Cirrus planes are not qualified to perform SPIN or as sports pilot training. Elite Flight does not currently have multi-engine planes. 

Do you have an introductory flight?  How much does it cost?  

Yes! Our Discovery Flight is an introduction into flight training. We offer an approximately one hour flight to a local airport and back to give you a taste of what destination based flight instruction is like.  The cost is currently $500.00.

What do I need for a Discovery Flight?

Nothing! Once you've scheduled with our staff,  just show up during your reserved time and enjoy!

How long does it take to get my private pilot license (PPL)? 

The time to complete the program will vary greatly on how often you fly, how much time you dedicate to flying outside of your flights, and your physical and mental abilities.  The FAA minimum flight time is 40 hours, although we do not emphasize getting a quickie rating, but actually being safe and proficient as a pilot. Many complete with training within the 50-55 hour range.

Are there age requirements?

There is no age requirement to begin training.  To receive a student pilot license, the pilot must be at least 16 years. To test for the Private Pilot License, the pilot must be 17 years of age.

What paperwork is required?

If you are a US citizen, we will need your passport, a rental agreement, and renter's insurance. 

If you are not a US citizen, you will need to complete paperwork and get clearance through the TSA before beginning training. Please reach out and we can guide you.

Can I receive flight instruction while going on trips? 

Absolutely,  The FAA requires x-country flights, which are flights that take you from one airport to another.  We believe that training should focus on these types of trips, and you will gain the experience, skills, and confidence to fly Cirrus airplanes along the way.

What is Ground Training?

Ground training is any instruction that happens outside the airplane- usually in a classroom like setting. PPL students will often do equal ground hours to the number of flight hours before going for their check ride. At Elite Flight, we use the online program, Cirrus Private Pilot Program, to ensure students are staying on track. This program allows students and instructors to work through the ground training information and help students prepare for their written exams.

What is an ATP?  

All of our flight instructors are rated to be Airline Transport Pilots (ATP)  meaning they can be your pilots when you fly on the airlines. ATPs have the most skills, training, and experience and are considered the PhDs of aviation,  Our instructors have chosen to use their skills to help train pilots on an individual basis.  Most flight schools employ young inexperienced pilots to teach students.  We believe in only providing the best possible instructors for our clients. 

How long can I rent a plane?  

We can accommodate hourly, daily, or multi-day rentals. 

How am I charged?

We charge based on Hobbs hours used. Renters will provide Elite Flight with a before/after photo of the Hobbs/Tach meter in the plane to ensure correct times are being charged.

Do you charge a daily minimum rate?  

We have daily minimum  charges.  If your rental is over 3 hours, there is a 1.5 minimum Hobbs hour charge. If your rental is over 5 hours, there is a 3 minimum Hobbs hour charge.

How do fuel and oil charges work?

Elite Flight rental prices are "wet".   We include the price of fuel and oil in our rental rates. Elite Flight will reimburse clients for fuel purchased out of pocket during trips when provided with a receipt. Fuel prices will be based on the plane's home airport's pricing.

What paperwork is required?

Elite Flight requires your pilot's license, medical certificate, rental agreement, renter's insurance, and transition certificate (as needed)

Do I need to have a transition course certificate?

Yes, Elite Flight will need a certificate on file if your initial training was not in a Cirrus plane

I have flown a Cirrus, but not the model/generation I want to rent. What do I need to do?

Renters will need to complete a Cirrus Differences Course (not a full transition course) to fly a specific model or generation with Elite Flight. This includes the online course and flight(s) with and Elite Flight instructor

Do you require recurrent training or aircraft check outs?

Yes- We require all renters to do recurrent training with an Elite Flight instructor once every six (6) months to continue to rent with us. The recurrent training is both ground / flight training with the instructor as well as the Cirrus online training (Cirrus training course is free). We recommend alternating VFR and IFR (can be done in SIM).

All first time renters must perform an aircraft check out with an Elite Flight instructor prior to first rental.