Flight Training Program
ONLINE SYLLABUS
Track Your Progress
At JB Aviation, our flight training syllabus was designed as a result of thousands of hours of flight and ground instruction. Our curriculum will teach you not only how to fly, but how to fly well. We utilize an online syllabus that allows you to track your progress, prepare for your next lesson and be ready for each flight. Our flight school boasts a greater than 90% first time pass rate on the checkride.
MAINTENANCE SHOP
Learning from the ground up
JB Aviation owns and manages the flight school and aircraft maintenance shop at Galt Airport. This allows us to provide a unique learning experience by incorporating ground lessons in our shop dedicated to understanding what lives under the cowling of an aircraft and how it operates. Seeing the airplane up close and fully understanding the components makes you a safer, more competent pilot.
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
Foreflight & Flight Simulator
The future of aviation flight planning is electronic, which is why we fully integrated both our syllabus and airplanes to utilize the latest technology in general aviation. By incorporating the Foreflight app into our training and utilizing a simulator for advanced learning, our students are equipped with the resources necessary for success in the industry, separating our program from any other in the area.
SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
We are here for you.
We have learned over the years that helping you become the safest, best pilot is not only about having a good instructor and syllabus. It is also about having a community of people who will support and encourage you throughout the process. Whether you are planning to pursue a career in aviation, looking for a recreational hobby or a new business endeavor, we look forward to helping you accomplish your goals at JB Aviation.
Accelerated Flight Training
Professional Aeronautics Certificate (PAC) program
JB Aviation (in conjunction with McHenry County College) offers an accelerated aviation training program providing a fast-track route to a professional flying career in just 16 months. This program utilizes Technologically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) as well as FAA approved AATD flight simulators and ensures graduates are ready to be competitive in the aviation job market.
Flight Training FAQ’s
The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight time to earn your Private Pilot License. It is absolutely possible to earn your license in the minimum time, but there are a variety of factors that affect the amount of time it will take.
Increased training time very rarely has to do with flying ability or aptitude. Certainly, natural ability plays a role, but extended training times are usually related to scheduling and studying habits. So much of learning to fly, especially at the beginning of training, is “muscle memory”. Because of this, it is highly recommended that you fly at a minimum of once a week, but 2-3 flights a week is ideal. The more often you fly, the more forward progress you’ll make each lesson. Extended periods of time away from the cockpit may require that a lesson or concept be re-introduced and practiced again.
If flying that often isn’t possible, don’t worry! We’ve had plenty of people over the years that were only able to fly once or twice a month. They all got their licenses too, but in those cases it took a little extra time to complete the training.
Getting your pilot’s license also requires some home studying on your part. None of the material is overly difficult or time-consuming, provided you keep at it a little every day. A few pages of reading each night goes a long way in saving you time and money! JB Aviation has a full Private Pilot syllabus with everything you’ll need to read and know throughout your flight training. The syllabus is available online so you can track your progress, prepare for your next lesson, and be ready for each flight. If you take the time to keep up, you’ll stay right on pace.
Generally, you will schedule a 2-hour lesson with your instructor. This provides adequate time for a pre-flight briefing, a one-hour flight, and a post-flight review. In most cases, you will be done with your lesson in a little less than 2 hours, but we like to schedule a little more time in case you have any questions, or there is the need to talk a little longer before/after your flight. Airplanes are rented by “Hobbs” time, meaning you are only paying for the airplane when the engine is running. Your instructor is only billing you for his/her time when they are teaching.
All ground school needed to earn your pilot’s license is integrated within JB Aviation’s flight training syllabus. Our syllabus is accessible online through an account you will receive once enrolled.
If you’re looking for additional structure, we offer a group ground school class designed specifically to help you pass your FAA written test. For additional details about our 7 week class and start dates click here or give us a call at 815-648-2433.
Fly an airplane! As a licensed pilot, you can fly a single-engine airplane and passengers, day or night, to just about anywhere you want to go. There are some restrictions for weather (and you can’t offer your services for hire) but you’ll learn all about that during your training.
The freedom to head out of town for a weekend can truly be realized when you have access to an airplane. You can rent the airplane you learned to fly in, and just like your flight lessons, you’ll only pay when the engine is running.
No. You can take flying lessons at any age. The FAA does require that you be at least 16 years old to fly solo, and 17 to get a license. In our experience, full-time flight lessons aren’t usually productive until someone is about 15 years old, but we’re always happy to help keep a young aviator interested in their passion.
Absolutely! Weather permitting, we fly every day of the week, all year round. Airplanes get warm inside just like a car. You’ll find the cabin to be plenty warm during a winter lesson.
If you’re interested in getting your Private Pilot License, you will need to have a routine examination performed by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). You don’t need a medical prior to starting training but you should get it shortly after starting lessons.
If you have any questions about your ability to pass a medical examination, please speak to an AME prior to scheduling your appointment.
| Dr. Lesser Crystal Lake, IL 815-459-6655 |
Dr. Ostrom Elgin, IL 847-741-0372 |
Dr. Chudik Algonquin, IL 224-783-4310 |
One of the most common questions asked is “What will it cost to get a Private Pilot’s License?” Here’s an estimate based on our rates:
| Private Pilot Cost Breakdown (JB Flight Club Member) | |
| Dual Flight (20 Hours FAA requirement) | $4860 |
| Solo Flight (10 Hours FAA Requirement) | $1680 |
| Flight (10 additional Hours) – Dual | $2430 |
| Ground Training | $1350 |
| Books (estimate) | $200 |
| iPad (NOT “wi-fi only” model) | *varies |
| ForeFlight | *varies |
| FAA Written Exam Testing Fee | $165 |
| FAA Medical (estimate) | $150 |
| FAA Practical Exam Fee (estimate) | $650 |
| First Year of Club Dues | $730 |
| Total (40-hour Private Pilot) Estimate | $12215 |
Our airplanes rent for $168/ hour (club rate)
Flight Instruction is $75/ hour
*Cost for iPad and ForeFlight will vary depending on model or version chosen
** Dual flight is with an instructor
We offer a “Pre-Pay Bonus” for flight training and aircraft rental. Pre-pay $1000 on your account in cash or check, and we’ll credit your account an extra $100!
Joining JB Aviation’s Flight Club is another way to save money over the course of your flight training. There is an initial due of $180 which includes the first month, and then club dues of $50 a month thereafter. Club members save $20/hr on aircraft rental. Fly more than 2 hours per month and your membership will pay for itself.
Flight Training Scholarships
Scholarships are available through our local EAA Chapter 932. For more information visit EAA932.org.
In addition to the local scholarships, there are many other organizations that offer flight training scholarships as well. Additional resources are available in the flight school office to help point you in the right direction.
JB Aviation offers an introductory flight lesson called a Discovery Flight. It is the perfect opportunity to fly an airplane and get all your flight training questions answered. You can schedule by calling 815-648-2433. The cost is $120 and the lesson will be recorded in a logbook for you to keep and the time counts towards your license.
Have you ever wanted to fly an airplane?
Whether you are interested in a once-in-a-lifetime experience, or you are considering getting a pilot’s license, a Discovery Flight is the place to start.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?
A Discovery Flight gives you a no-obligation introduction to flight training. At $120 your first flight lesson will be something you’ll never forget!
Begin by meeting your instructor, discussing the 30-minute flight, and conducting a pre-flight inspection of the aircraft. Then it’s time to take to the skies!
After your flight you’ll debrief with your instructor, ask any questions you might have, and learn about the process of becoming a licensed pilot. Your flight will also be recorded in a logbook for you to keep, and that time counts towards your future training.
Give the Gift of a Discovery Flight!
A Discovery Flight is one of the most unique gifts you’ll ever give. To purchase a Discovery Flight,
• stop by our office (8am-5pm seven days a week).
• give us a call (815) 648-2433 and we’ll mail you a gift certificate.
• purchase online (information below) and we’ll email you a gift certificate.
We fly seven days a week, all year round and can accommodate almost any schedule.
Ground School
Learn everything you need to know to pass the FAA Private Pilot Written Exam during our 8-week ground school class. Click on one of our upcoming classes to learn more.
Meet Our Flight Instructors
All of us at JB Aviation take great pride in your flight training. Your flight instructor will help shape your aviation future and inspire you for a lifetime of accomplishments. We are certain you will enjoy the training you’ll receive. If there is ever any way we can make your flight training experience better, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We’re here to make sure you become the best pilot you can be. Thank you for choosing JB Aviation, we look forward to seeing you around the airport soon!
