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  Current Conditions at WVI
 
Last Updated: 2008-07-03 16:00 PT
Winds:    110° at 6 kts
Visibility:   10 Miles
Sky:    Sky Clear
Temp:    22° C (71° F)
Dew Pt:    13° C (55° F)
Altimeter:    29.93 in. Hg

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Ocean Air's
Code of Conduct

Recommended practices for general aviation pilots. [more]

 
Instruction and Testing

Ocean Air is a LaserGrade testing facility.
Here are some questions most prospective pilots ask:
  • Why Ocean Air?
  • What does it cost to learn to fly?
  • What are the requirements to obtain my pilot's license?
  • What airplane will I learn in?
  • How do I get started?


  • Why Ocean Air?back to top
    Ocean Air is the premier full service FBO at the Watsonville Municipal Airport. Our flight school is known for our well maintained aircraft and our team of dedicated Certified Flight Instructors. We are professional and thorough. Our goal is to make you a safe and knowledgeable private pilot by teaching you the skills that you can enjoy and build on for the rest of your life. You'll learn all the required rules and maneuvers of course, but when you have obtained your license through Ocean Air, you will have a "feel" for flying shared by only the cream of the pilot crop. You'll be as comfortable piloting an aircraft as you are driving a car.

    What does it cost to learn to fly?back to top
    Some of the costs of obtaining your private pilot certificate will be the same at any school; an FAA medical exam, books and supplies, written test fee, and the practical examiner's fee. These items will total approximately $650. The biggest variables between schools are the cost of renting the training aircraft, and the actual instruction cost. At a minimum, the FAA requires 20 hours of dual instruction and 40 hours of flight time. Although some students do obtain their certificate in the minimum amount of time, the average is 50-60 hours.

    One of ocean air's objectives is to keep the cost of obtaining your certificate as reasonable as possible. We want to graduate enthusiastic, well-trained, new pilots. We feel that getting you started will pay benefits for both of us. We'll get a new customer for our other aviation products and services, and you'll have a skill that you'll enjoy for the rest of your life.

    What are the requirements to obtain my pilot's license?back to top
  • You must be at least 17 years of age to be eligible for your private pilot certificate. You can begin flight training before your 17th birthday, however.

  • You need to obtain an FAA medical certificate from an FAA approved doctor. We know the approved doctors in this area and will provide you with their names.

  • You must be able to read and understand the English language. English is the language of flight communications around the world.

  • You will need at least 40 hours flying the aircraft. At least 20 hours must be with a Certified Flight Instructor, and a least 10 hours must be solo flight time including a cross country flight of 150 nautical miles or more.

  • You will need to pass an examination consisting of multiple choice questions on various aviation topics including navigation, weather, communications, and airplane systems. You'll take this test after extensive dual and ground instruction and after studying the appropriate reference books. The questions won't be difficult when you and your instructor agree that you're ready to take the test. You'll take the test at Ocean Air's on site LaserGrade facility.

  • You must successfully pass a practical test flying your aircraft with an FAA examiner. This is the "final exam". You will practice the specific tasks and maneuvers for this test until you and your flight instructor are comfortable that you will be completely successful.

  • What airplane will I learn in?back to top
    Ocean Air has a variety of aircraft, including tailwheel, tricycle gear, complex (retractable), and multi-engine for every phase of your flight training. For details and photos, please visit our aircraft fleet page.

    How do I get started?back to top
    This is the easy part. Just come on in or give us a call. We'll match you up with one of our Certified Flight Instructors and show you the various aircraft available for training. After a brief orientation, you'll climb into the pilot's seat of the aircraft of your choice for an introductory flight. During your very first flight, you will do most of the flying under the guidance of your CFI. From then on, it's just a matter of scheduling your next lesson. Once your training is underway, we'll get you set up with the necessary books and supplies from our Pilot Shop and help you schedule that flight physical. You're on your way to becoming a private pilot!

     
     
    170 Aviation Way, Watsonville, CA 95076 - Phone 831.763.0290 - Open 7 days
    Copyright © 2008 Ocean Air Flight Services, Inc. - All rights reserved.

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