Frequently asked questions

Do I need any experience for my Discovery flight?

No experience needed. Lessons are designed for beginners and first-timers.

Will I actually get to fly the plane my first time?

Yes. Once you’re in the air, you’ll take the controls with guidance.

How much does my discovery flight cost?

Just $129 is all it takes to get started!

How long is the discovery flight?

About 30 minutes in the air, plus preflight briefing.

Is this school Part 141 or Part 61?

As of now we are currently part 61, however we are expecting to get our part 141 approval in 2026.

What should I wear or bring?

Dress comfortably. Sunglasses and a water bottle are a good idea.

Is there a cancellation fee?

No. We don’t charge cancellation or rescheduling fees—just give notice as early as possible.

Will the discovery flight count toward my pilot license?

Yes. Every flight lesson is logged and counts toward FAA requirements for a private pilot certificate.

Is flight training safe?

Absolutely. All flights are conducted by experienced, FAA-certified instructors using properly maintained aircraft

What kind of plane will I be flying?

A Cessna 172 or similar small training aircraft. Other more advanced aircraft are available for more specialized training.

Where do flights take place?

All flights are conducted out of Midcoast Regional Airport, just outside of Fort Stewart, GA. It’s quiet, no traffic, and no wait—ideal for focused flight training.

Are study materials available?

Yes. We offer books, charts, and other pilot training materials for sale on-site if you’d like to study between lessons.

Can I bring someone with me?

Sometimes, depending on weight limits. Ask when booking.

What else do you offer to military service members?

If you want to put in a flight packet to be an aviator in the military, and you’ve taken flight lessons with us, we are more than happy to write a strong letter of recommendation to help boost your chances of getting picked up.

How long does it take to get a private pilot license?

Most students finish in 4 to 6 months if flying 2–3 times per week. It depends on your schedule, consistency, and learning pace. However, the minimum required hours is 40.

Why is Hansen Aviation the best choice for flight training in the Savannah area?

Lots of reasons, but what you’ll notice right away is that our customer service is what really sets us apart. Our staff is friendly, available, and accommodating for every circumstance. We are the only flight school in the area with a ZERO accident record. That’s right, 8 years, thousands of flights, and zero accidents. No other school in the area can say that.

What certifications can I earn through Hansen Aviation?

We offer training toward the following FAA certifications:
• Private Pilot Certificate (PPL)
• Instrument Rating (IR)
• Commercial Pilot Certificate (CPL)
• Flight Reviews and Recurrency Checks

How Else Can You Help Me?

We offer many services including ground school, check ride prep, aircraft purchase assistance, goal setting and planning, financial aid, military GI Bill and benefits assistance, letters of recommendation, and more. We have the kindest and most helpful instructors of any flight school in the area.

How many hours do I need in order to get my Private Pilots License?

The FAA requires a minimum 40 hours, however the amount of time needed in order to pass both the knowledge and skills tests varies from person to person. Average is about 50 hours.

How do I pay for flight lessons?

We use the pay as you go structure. You can schedule your flight lesson whenever you want, however often as you want, weather and schedule permitting. You’ll simply pay for your lesson at the end of each lesson, in whatever way is most convenient.

How do your prices compare with other schools?

Per hour, we are very similar in price to the other schools in the area, BUT, you will end up spending less with us for 3 reasons. First, the other schools are at larger busy airports, so you will be spending a lot of your “flight” time sitting on the runway waiting. At Midcoast Regional, there is no waiting and you are cleared for takeoff right away. Second, we separate the cost of plane and instructor, so when you fly solo, you save. And third, our instructors are far more experienced than the freshly certified instructors you will find at other schools, so the quality of instruction is higher and you won’t need as much time, which saves you money.

Do you offer Military Discounts?

No, unfortunately our prices are already as low as possible, however you can qualify for a $1000 grant through the Army COOL program, and you can also use your GI Bill after you have earned your PPL. Soldiers both active and retired on Fort Stewart prefer Hansen due to the short commute, the schedule flexibility, and no wait times on the runway.

How can I become an airline pilot?

There are many different ways to get to the airlines, some take longer than others, some are more expensive, and it really depends on your specific situation. We can certainly help you map out a path that suits your individual goals. But whatever path you choose, you can be 100% sure that Hansen Aviation is the best place to start.

Do you offer financing?

Yes, we do offer financing for those who wish to obtain financing with us.