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Pilot Training
Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

What is the difference between ground school and flight school?
Ground instruction is offered at TSTC Marshall in the North Building. Ground school is classroom based and has a formal schedule. You'll study rules, regulations, flight planning and navigation, aerodynamics, air traffic control, weather theory and forecasting. The goal is to complete the 48 hour training class and successfully pass your aviation written test.

Flight training takes place at Bayou Aviation at the Harrison County Airport. Your flight instructor schedules flight lessons individually.

What courses are available?
Private Pilot Ground School (48 hours)
Private Flight School (40 hours minimum)
Instrument Flight, Prerequisite: Must Hold Private Pilot Certificate (40-144 hours)
Commercial Flight, Prerequisite: Private Pilot Certificate/Instrument Flight (40-144 hours)
Pinch Hitter Course (10-15 hours)

Please note that flight training courses are customized to each student's need and abilities, therefore hours may vary.

Where are the classes located?
The Flight School:
Bayou Aviation, Inc.
Hangar 16
Harrison County Airport (KASL)
Marshall, TX
Office (903) 935-6600
Cell (903) 240-0181
http://bayouaviation.com/

The Ground School:
TSTC Marshall
North Building
On Hwy 59, across the street from the Marshall Mall
Room 116
2400 East End Blvd.
Marshall, TX
(903) 923-3436
http://www.marshall.tstc.edu/

Why should I take a formal ground school course?
While some may choose a self study method, the FAA notes that haphazard or disorganized study habits usually result in an unsatisfactory score on the knowledge test. The ideal study program would be to enroll in a formal ground school course. This offers the advantages of a professional instructor as well as facilities and training aids designed for pilot instruction.

Is it difficult to learn to fly?
No! People of all shapes and sizes, ages and abilities have learned to fly. It's fun, and from the beginning of your training, you get to do most of the actual flying! On the practical side, while flying isn't a difficult skill to learn, you'll have to be willing to stick with it until you meet all the requirements.

What are the different levels or certificates?
A student pilot license (certificate) is designed for the initial training period of flying. The student pilot must have a flight instructor present. He or she can solo after appropriate instructor endorsements.

A recreational pilot certificate limits the holder to: specific categories and classes of aircraft, the number of passengers which may be carried, the distance that may be flown from the departure point, flight into controlled airports, and other limitations.

A private pilot certificate lets the pilot carry passengers and provides for limited business use of an airplane.

A commercial pilot certificate lets the pilot conduct some operations for compensation and hire.

A instrument pilot rating allows a pilot to fly in inclement weather with passengers both day and night.

An airline transport pilot certificate is required to fly as captain on all air transport operations.

Do I need to have a student pilot certificate or a medical exam to begin flying lessons?
You don't have to have a student pilot's certificate or a medical certificate to take flying lessons. You will have to get a medical certificate and a student pilot's certificate to fly solo.

I'm only 16. Can I take flying lessons?
Yes. You can start lessons at any age. However, you are only eligible for a student pilot's certificate at 16. Some flight classes can count as both high school and college credit. Check with your High School Career and Technology Director or Brenda Murrell (903-923-3325) for details.

When should I take the written test?
The FAA suggests that the knowledge test is more meaningful, and is more likely to result in a satisfactory grade, if it is taken after beginning the flight portion of the training. For optimum benefit, it is recommended that the knowledge test be taken after the student has completed a solo cross-country flight. The operational knowledge gained by this experience can be used to advantage in the knowledge test.

Where can I take the test?
There are computer testing centers that have been certified to administer FAA knowledge tests. You will be charged a reasonable fee for the administration of FAA knowledge tests.

Does Bayou Aviation provide other flight related services?
Yes, Bayou Aviation offers Aircraft Rental, Flight Reviews, Hot Air Balloon Instruction, Pilot Service, Aircraft Sales, and Ferry Services.

Could these courses lead to a career?
Yes, professional pilots are retiring daily and the demand for pilots is even more prevalent due to the growth of regional airlines and corporate aviation.

How do I enroll in a class?
Registration forms are available at TSTC Marshall and Bayou Aviation. For your convenience, forms are available electronically in PDF on the TSTC Marshall website. Please fill out the registration form and FAX to (903) 923 3434 or email to darlene.boren@marshall.tstc.edu. For in person registration please see Pat Robins at TSTC Marshall's Admissions Office. On line enrollment will be available soon.

Will I be a TSTC Student?
Yes. Whether you enroll in the ground school or for any of the flight school courses, you will be a registered TSTC continuing education student. All registered TSTC continuing education students completing courses or programs receive an official TSTC Continuing Education Certificate of Completion, which includes the title of the course completed and the number of CEUs (Continuing Education Units) completed. Additionally, TSTC Continuing Education students are transcripted and on permanent record at the college. However, continuing education units are not "credit" bearing and do not contribute toward a college degree.

Will any of these courses apply toward a college degree?
No, these courses are non-credit only. However, if in the future TSTC Marshall develops an Associate degree in Aircraft Pilot Training Technology, every effort will be made to transfer previous study to an appropriate program.

I am not a US citizen. Is there some kind of security clearance that I would need to be able to take a flight training course?
As a non-US citizen applying for training for an initial pilot rating (Private Pilot, Instrument Rating or Multi Engine Rating), you will need to register for a TSA (Transportation Security Administration) AFSP (Alien Flight Student Program) category III security clearance (for candidates who request training for aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or less). In order to facilitate registration for this security clearance the TSA has put up an AFSP web site at http://www.flightschoolcandidates.gov where you can go and fill in all the required information to get your category III clearance.

What are the costs?
Ground school costs $360 per student for an 8 week, 48 hour class.
Pilot training prices vary according to hour trained. Please contact Bayou Aviation. These continuing education classes are not covered under the Hazelwood Act. For additional information rgarding the Hazelwood Act, see http://www.veterans.texasonline.com

What is the course schedule?
The Ground School typically meets Tuesday and Thursday 7 pm - 10pm.
You will need to coordinate your flight school training schedule with your flight instructor at Bayou Aviation.

How do I pay?
After registering, payment for Flight School is accepted at Bayou Aviation at the Harrison County Airport, Hangar 6. Ground School payment is accepted at TSTC Marshall at the Cashier's office in the Administration Building. Credit cards are accepted at both locations. After you are officially registered and in the database system at TSTC, you also have the option to call the TSTC Cashier's office at 903-923-3237 with your credit card information.

What kind of airplane will I be flying?
The airplane is a four place primary trainer manufactured by Socata Aircraft and is a TB-9.


Click on the titles below to view a complete listing of courses we offer in each field.

Corporate College Office:
voice: 903-923-3415
fax: 903-923-3434
 
Director, Industrial Training and Continuing Education:
David Waite
voice: 903-923-3436
 
Location:
The Corporate College
Office is located
in the North Building
Room 107
 
Office Hours:
M - F 8:00 am - 5:00 pm