Question 1

How Do I become a Pilot?

Accepted Answer

Most Pilots start with obtaining their private pilots certificate. This allows you to fly many small single engine aircraft for pleasure, meaning you can take friends or family to wherever you choose. For career oriented pilots the standard next steps are instrument, then commercial, then flight instructor. Please check out the Training Courses Overview to learn more

Question 2

How do I start?

Accepted Answer

To start your flight training today you can call or email our office to get all of your paperwork started. Once the paperwork starts you can either reach out to one of our instructors [here] or you can let us find a great match for you. Once you are paired with one of our instructors then they will set you up on your flight training journey.

Question 3

What information will I need when I sign up

Accepted Answer

You will need a Government issued photo ID, passport or birth certificate (for TSA endorsements), and a credit card to put on file. The front office will help with setting up our Flight Schedule Pro account (what we use for scheduling aircraft/instructors) and your instructor will help you obtain your student pilot certificate.

Question 4

Why do I need Renters Insurance and What Kind?

Accepted Answer

At French Valley Flyers, we require all aircraft renters to carry their own insurance for personal protection. While our fleet is covered under our company policy, it does not pay deductibles on your behalf or provide personal liability coverage. That’s why we strongly recommend securing Renter’s Insurance as soon as you begin training. Accidents—big or small—can happen. A door left open in the wind or a ladder tipping over can quickly turn into costly repairs. With your own policy in place, these types of incidents are typically covered, saving you from paying out-of-pocket. Be sure to review your policy carefully so you understand exactly what’s included.

We require renters insurance with a $10,000 Aircraft damage liability and $250,000 Liability for bodily injury and damage to property. This is the lowest insurance available so we can try and keep flying as cheap as possible to our members. We recommend Avemco, Aviation Marine, and AOPA. Visit their websites to learn more.

Question 5

Why do you charge a membership?

Accepted Answer

At French Valley Flyers, we charge a modest membership fee to ensure fair, transparent pricing while supporting a unique model that benefits both students and instructors. Unlike many flight schools that take a significant cut from instructor pay, our instructors are fully independent and retain 100% of what they earn. This structure fosters high-quality, motivated instruction and allows us to keep aircraft rental rates competitive. The membership helps cover administrative costs, scheduling systems, and club-level benefits—without inflating hourly training rates or cutting into instructor earnings.

Question 6

Once I get PPL can I take the airplane overnight?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can! One of the advantages of French Valley Flyers is the low overnight minimums (1.5 hours per day) letting you take our aircraft on camping adventures or seeing distant family when you desire.

Question 7

Why choose the Premium membership?

Accepted Answer

The premium membership is designed to replace block rates which often require students to come up with very large amounts of money all at once. With the premium membership, students are able to pay as they go at the lower rate, allowing them to have more control over their spending. This also allows them to pause their membership for months where they will not be flying as much for any reason. Without the worry of being out a large sum of money

Question 8

What if I have my own aircraft?

Accepted Answer

If you own your own aircraft you can use one of our many independent flight instructors to do so. Please view our Instructors list to reach out.

Frequently asked questions