Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about pilot training, requirements, financing, and more.
1. About Flying Academy
Flying Academy is both an EASA Approved Training Organization (ATO) and an FAA Part 141 & Part 61 flight school.
Europe: Prague & Brno (Czech Republic), Portimão (Portugal).
USA: Miami (Florida), Van Nuys & Corona (California).
We operate a global fleet of 40+ aircraft (primarily Cessna and Piper singles plus multiengine trainers) and an FNPT II simulator.
Yes. Graduates with residence in the United States can apply for our FAA 0-1500 Airline Cadet Partnership program with Frontier.
2. Getting Started
Absolutely. Our ab-initio programs take you from no experience to Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with Multi-Engine/Instrument Rating (ME/IR) and ATPL theory.
Valid passport, appropriate visa (if required), proof of education (highest diploma/certificate), health or travel insurance, and an aviation medical certificate (which will be scheduled for you by the school, upon request).
Intakes are rolling. Once your paperwork, visa, and medical are ready, you can begin. Ground school modules also run continuously online, so you can begin at your convenience.
You can begin theory at 16; first solo typically requires you to be 16 (FAA)/16-17 (EASA). A high school diploma (or equivalent) is recommended.
3. Choosing a Program & Location
Choose FAA if you plan to work mainly in the U.S.; choose EASA for Europe or many international airlines. Conversions are possible but take additional time and cost.
Integrated programs are full-time, structured routes from zero to CPL/ME/IR + ATPL theory.
Modular lets you complete each license/rating separately and at your own pace.
Yes. We can tailor a hybrid path so you gain experience and hours in both airspaces if that fits your goals and visa permissions.
Integrated ATPL(A) typically ~14-18 months. Modular timelines vary. Weather, student availability, finances, and exam performance can extend durations.
4. Medical Requirements
EASA: Class 1 for CPL/IR/ME/FI; Class 2 for PPL and ATPL theory only.
FAA: Class 2 for CPL/CFI; Class 3 for PPL/IR.
EASA Class 1: 12 months (until age 40; then often 6-12 months depending on ops).
EASA Class 2: 60 months (<40), 24 months (40-49), 12 months (50+).
FAA: Validity varies by class and age (e.g., Class 3 up to 60 months if <40).
EASA Class 1 must be issued in an EASA member state. We commonly arrange Prague or Vienna.
FAA medicals can be done with any FAA-authorized AME worldwide.
Approximate ranges: EASA Class 1 €500-€820, Class 2 €100-€350; FAA $60-$120 (location dependent). Always confirm current prices before booking.
5. Visas & Immigration
Yes. Our consultants prepare the required school letters, accommodation confirmations, and guide you through the process. Final approval is by the embassy/consulate.
Europe: Schengen short-term or long-term visa, depending on program length.
USA: M-1 student visa (1-20 form issued by our U.S. base).
Apply as early as possible—ideally 2-3 months in advance (EU) and 3-4 months for U.S. M-1 to allow for paperwork and interview wait times.
It proves financial ability for visa purposes and covers document courier costs. It is applied to your training account.
6. Payments & Financing
Currently, there are no in-house scholarships or loans. You may pay in installments per training phase. We'll provide documentation if you secure external funding. You can learn more about our financing options here.
Bank transfer, online card payment, in-person card payment, or cash at bases. Currencies: Europe - EUR/USD/GBP/CZK; USA - USD only.
We use the MyFBO system for transparent scheduling, account balance, and charges. You will have access to overview all your transactions from that account.
Refunds follow the training contract agreement. Unused funds on account can generally be returned minus any admin or service fees.
7. Accommodation & Transportation
Yes—fully furnished shared apartments or student housing near bases. Wi-Fi is included and laundry machines are accessible.
We choose locations conducive to study and safety. Local staff can assist if you have special requests.
Yes. We offer airport pickup in the USA and the EU. In the Czech Republic, public transport is efficient; in the U.S., we can help with scooter/car rentals.
8. Training Operations & Safety
Yes. Our maintenance follows strict EASA/FAA standards with an in-house maintenance team, dedicated technicians, and up-to-date records.
We reschedule promptly; ground lessons, simulator time, or theory study continue so you keep progressing.
Experienced, professionally-trained, certified commercial pilots with standardized syllabi and regular proficiency checks.
Via stage checks, progress tests, online LMS tracking, and instructor debriefs. You'll always know where you stand.
We provide remediation plans, additional tutoring, and rescheduling guidance. Regulatory retake limits apply.
9. Online Learning & Student Support
Yes. Live virtual classes plus recorded sessions, quizzes, mock exams, and a 30,000+ question bank on our LMS.
Laptop/tablet, stable internet, headset for online classes, and recommended EFB apps (ForeFlight/Skydemon, etc. based on region).
We assess ICAO English levels and can arrange coaching to reach Level 4 or higher if needed. We provide ICAO refresher courses and conduct examinations.
10. Career & After Graduation
Airlines hire based on market demand and your performance. We provide interview prep, MCC/JOC/APS-MCC, and referrals (e.g., Ryanair assessments) to boost employability.
No school can guarantee employment, but partnerships and mentoring pathways improve your chances. However, when Flight Instructor positions are available, we prioritize our graduates who wish to work with us.
Yes, we advise on FAA EASA conversions and needed exams/flight tests.
11. Parents & Guardians - Dedicated FAQ
A designated Student Services team monitors attendance, progress, and welfare. For minors, additional consent/guardian forms and check-ins are arranged.
Each base has a 24/7 emergency number. You'll also have a personal Flight Training Consultant and the Chief Flight Instructor's contact.
Students must carry health insurance; EU trainees need Complex Health Insurance for Foreigners. We can help arrange policies.
We accommodate preferences when possible. Please communicate any requirements early.
Strict maintenance schedules, standardized operating procedures, instructor oversight, dispatch checks, and safety reporting systems.
With the student's consent (privacy laws), we can provide regular progress updates or portal access.
We offer refresher courses and extra ground lessons to ensure that the student is academically prepared. We aim to provide students with a comfortable atmosphere along with other students of the same age-group. If he/she needs professional assistance, we will be able to arrange that as well. Communication with family is encouraged.
Varies by phase: theory days are classroom/online (4-6 hrs), flight days include pre/post-flight briefings. Expect flexibility due to weather/aircraft availability.
No meal plan is included, but kitchens are available and local dining is affordable. We can guide students to grocery options.
Absolutely—please coordinate ahead so we can arrange airside access/brief tours.
12. DGCA (India) Common Questions
If you want to fly commercially in India, yes. You can complete training with FAA/EASA licenses and then convert to a DGCA CPL.
Yes. We guide you through document attestation, logbook collation, exam prep, and submission on the eGCA portal.
For CPL: Air Regulations, Air Navigation, Meteorology, and Technical General (aircraft-specific). You also need the Wireless Telegraphy License - RTR(A) from WPC or its FRTO equivalent if applicable.
Typically 3-4 sessions per year. Applications are filed online via the eGCA portal; seats fill fast, so register early.
Current CPL rules require ~200 total hours, including minimum PIC, cross-country, night, and instrument time. We design your syllabus to satisfy both your primary license (FAA/EASA) and DGCA conversion needs. Always verify latest CAR Section 7 updates.
Yes, for CPL issue. Start with a DGCA Class 2 (to generate your PMR), then upgrade to Class 1 with an empanelled examiner/hospital in India.
Yes, if it's complete, signed by instructors/CFIs, and totals match your license. We'll help format summaries as per DGCA tables (day/night/PIC/IFR, etc.).
Plan for 3-6 months after you finish training, depending on your exam schedule and DGCA processing time.
Yes. Many Indian students study for DGCA subjects online with us and take the exams during breaks or before joining.
Yes—bridging classes, dedicated question banks, and one-on-one tutoring are available.
We currently operate an admissions/consultancy office in India but conduct flight training in Europe/USA. We can coordinate time building in India through partner FTOs if desired.
We advise on recurrent medicals, proficiency checks, and DGCA renewals; airline training departments will also brief you.
13. Policies & Practicalities
Mandatory for briefings, flights, and exams. No-shows may incur fees or delay progress. Attendance requirements are also mandatory to maintain a valid visa status.
Headset, logbook, EASA/FAA textbooks, charts/EFB apps, kneeboard, flight computer, etc. Starter kits are available through us.
Yes—discounted 25/50/75/100-hour blocks. Some include free accommodation and airport pickup.
Yes, after checkouts and currency requirements are met.
Your records are stored securely per GDPR/FAA rules. We share info externally only with your consent or legal requirement.
Still Have Questions?
Schedule a meeting with a Flight Training Consultant or email: [email protected]. We're happy to clarify details, confirm current prices, or customize your training path.
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