FAQs

Click on the links below to see the answers to any of our frequently asked questions.

What do I need to become a pilot?

The FAA requires that you be 16 to solo and 17 years old to get your license; however, you can still train at a younger age. You must be able to read, speak, and understand English. You need to obtain at least a third-class medical certificate; however, you can still fly with an instructor without one. Finally, you must pass an FAA written test as well as an oral and flight test.
How much flight training is required?

The FAA requires that you fly at least 40 hours of flight time. At least 20 of these hours must be with a certificated flight instructor. Of these, you will need 3 hours of instrument training and 3 hours of night flying. The national average is approximately 65 hours to complete the training.
How much does it cost to get a license?

The actual cost depends on several factors. You will need a number of books and charts. These may total in the range to $100 to $200. The medical certificate varies with respect to the physician who issues it. However, it may cost in the range of $65 to $80. The major expense is the aircraft and instructor time. The aircraft rental prices vary with respect to which plane is used. Overall, one can expect to spend in the range of $5000 to $7000 to get a private pilot certificate.
What other sources of aviation information are there on the net?

We have a page of links to web sites that you can use to find additional information. Furthermore, you can look at the aviation usenet newsgroups (rec.aviation) to find addition information.
What do I do if I'm having trouble getting a medical?

The best thing to do if this is the case is to contact the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) at 1-800-USA-AOPA. You can speak to a number of different specialists, who will gladly answer your questions whether or not you are a member.
Do I need to buy a headset?

The simple answer is not right away. We have headsets available for rental. However, at some point, you might find it more desirable to own a headset, especially if you decide to continue flying. If so, we have David Clark headsets available for sale at the airport. David Clark is generally regarded as the "Rolls Royce" of headset makers. Their models tend to be more expensive than the competition; however, they stand up to amazing abuse. Furthermore, the company backs the warranties quite strongly. We highly recommend purchasing a David Clark headset if you do decide to purchase one.
How do I obtain a weather briefing?
The FAA provides a Direct User Access Terminal System (DUATS) that can easily be accessed either by phone or by internet. DUATS service is provided by two commercial vendors:
- DTC (Data Transformation Corp.) 1-800-243-3828
- 1-800-AID-DUAT 1-800-245-3828
- GTE Federal Sys Division (Contel) 1-800-345-3828
- 1-800-CHK-DUAT 1-800-767-9989
GTE provides a variety of services that can be accessed over the internet. If you have a student pilot certificate or pilot license, you can access these services by www.duats.com. Alternatively, you can download a windows application that makes it easier to view briefings and plan flights. This application is called cirrus. To sign up for the services, visit the GTE DUATS home page.
Who do I contact about the FAA written exam?

The airport is now a CATS (Computer Assisted Testing Service) site and is able to administer FAA written exams. In order to schedule an appointment, please call the CATS facility at 1-800-947-4228.
I live in western Massachusetts. Where can I get a medical?

We have assembled a list of FAA aviation medical examiners for the Amherst / Northampton area in western Massachusetts. Please visit our list of medical examiners Medical Examiners for a list of phone numbers and addresses of local medical examiners.

Ask the Instructor

What is VFR Flight Following?

CFI Blog --- VFR flight following is a service provided by air traffic control (ATC) and available to all VFR pilots...

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Ratings Tally Board

Here's what our students have achieved since 2004.

Sport Pilot	Private Pilot	Instrument
7	75	31
Commercial	CFI	CFII
22	16	8
Multi-Engine	MEI	ATP
20	5	4
updated 12/31/11

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News

Aiport Supporting Wounded Vets Dream of Flying

Jan 10, 2012 --- The Northampton Airport is helping a wounded former marine learn to fly by providing AOPA and Able Flight...

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CFI Blog --- VFR flight following is a service provided by air traffic control (ATC) and available to all VFR pilots...

Airport

Current Fuel: $5.39/gal

Elevation: 122 ft

Pattern Altitude: 1122 ft

Runways: 14-32, 3365 x 50

Approaches: VOR-A,VOR-B,GPS 14

CTAF: 122.7

More Information: 7B2 @ AirNav.com