Is Flight Training Right For You?
Tampa Bay Aviation accommodates all of our students by making training accessible to a wide range of lifestyles. Our training is one on one with an FAA-certified instructor. This means that you can train as much or as little as you would like! For career-oriented individuals, we recommend building a full-time schedule with flights 3-5 times a week.
Qualified students in TBA’s full-time, fixed-wing Priority Access Training program may be eligible to finance their entire career-training path—from their first lesson through Private, Instrument, Commercial, CFI and CFII.
IN THE AIR – The FAA requires a minimum of 35 Hours Total Flight Time with 20 Hours Flight Instruction. However, many students require more time. There’s no rush and we won’t push you to complete your training until you’re ready. Our students average around 60 total hours of training.
ON THE GROUND – 35 Hours Ground Instruction
TIMELINE- The more frequently you fly, the faster you will complete your training. Our schedule is flexible and is one on one with an instructor. This means that you are able to build your own schedule and go at your own pace. We suggest flying 3–4 times per week.
The cost of flight training varies depending on the aircraft, training program and number of hours required. Tampa Bay Aviation’s current airplane rental rates range from $165 to $480 per hour. Rates are hourly wet rates. Instruction is additional. Block-rate discounts are available on select aircraft. Rates are subject to change and applicable fuel surcharges.
Consistent training generally leads to faster progress and better retention. We recommend scheduling approximately 3–4 training sessions per week for students who want to progress efficiently. Students enrolled in our full-time Priority Access Training program follow the training schedule established for that program. We can also accommodate students who need a more flexible training schedule.
Tampa Bay Aviation offers several payment options:
Pay as you go: Pay after each lesson based on the aircraft, instruction and training completed that day.
Block rates: Deposit funds into your account by cash or check and receive a discounted aircraft hourly rate. Lesson costs are deducted from your balance as you train.
Financing: Eligible students can explore several financing options, including income-based financing through Edly for qualified Priority Access Training students. Individual terms and eligibility requirements vary.
To be an airline pilot you will need to hold an Airline Transport Pilot rating, however there are a few steps to take before you get there!
Below we have outlined the most common way that we see people reach their airline pilot goals!
PRIVATE- First you will need to get your private pilot license. This allows you to rent an aircraft and go fly when the weather is looking good!
INSTRUMENT- After your private pilot rating you will get your instrument rating. This adds on an extra level of safety by teaching you how to fly in in-climate weather and through clouds with no reference to the ground. During your instrument rating you will also learn how to fly on a flight plan and shoot approaches to an airport in low visibility situations!
COMMERCIAL- The next step is to get your commercial rating. This rating allows you to fly for hire, however you will not have enough time or experience to be able to go fly for the airlines yet. At this point you will have about 250 hours worth of flight time.
CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR- Your flight instructor rating allows you to teach others how to fly while building your hours toward the airline minimums (1500 hours).
AIRLINE TRANSPORT PILOT- After building up your time as a flight instructor, you can get hired on by an airline that will then pay for your airline transport pilot ratings and give you a type rating in the aircraft that they fly. You will need 25 hours of multi engine time prior to being hired on at the airlines which most people acquire either after their commercial as an add on rating or as a flight instructor in a multi engine aircraft.
