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East Coast Aero Club - Frequently Asked Questions
East Coast Aero Club operates as a FAR Part 61 flight school and aircraft rental club. Below is a list of frequently asked questions about our policies and practices. We have also compiled a list of frequently asked questions about what it takes to get a Private Pilot license:
What are your hours of operation?
Aircraft are available for training and rental 365 days per year. The office is staffed 7:00 am to 7:00 pm every day but aircraft can be scheduled earlier and later.
Do I have to pay dues to be a club member?
No. Dues are not required. All we ask is that you establish an account and keep a minimum balance in that account.
Are there any additional fees added to the rental rate of the aircraft?
No. All fuel is included in the aircraft hourly rate. When fuel prices are unusually high, a fuel surcharge may be added.
How old do I have to be to learn to fly?
There is no age minimum to begin flying lessons, but you do have to be able to reach the controls. Although there is no minimum age to begin lessons, you do need to be at least 16 to fly solo, and 17 to get your private pilot license.
How long will it take to get my pilot's license?
The amount of time it will take to complete your training depands on a variety of factors, including your personal learning curve, and how often you fly. In short, it's different for everyone.
The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours flight instruction, of which at least 20 hours must be dual flight with an instructor and a minimum of 10 hours solo flight. Although, theoretically, you can complete your private pilot training in the 40 hour minimum, the national average is between 65 and 75 hours.
How much will it cost to get a private pilot's license?
Again, this depends on a lot of factors. The overall cost to get your license will vary according to the amount of training you require. The cost of training will also depend on the airplane you do your training in.
Most students can reduce their overall costs by flying consistently, and often. By flying frequently you will retain more information and develop skills faster. This will result in you completeing your training in less overall hours, and thereby reduce your overall cost.
We have found that a student can expect to complete their training in about six months if they fly at least twice each week.
Once I have my pilot's license, can I get additional ratings at East Coast Aero Club?
Yes, you can. East Coast Aero Club offers training to obtain additional ratings and certificates, including:
I see you have helicopters in Bedford, and one coming to Nashua, can I learn to fly one at ECAC?
Yes, ECAC teaches helicopter. Give us a call to talk about the options.
What is a typical flight lesson like?
A typical lesson will last approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours. It will probably begin with some ground instruction, a pre-flight brief, flying time and a post-flight de-brief. During the ground instruction you will learn about the objectives for the flight, as well as principles pertaining to flight. The flight will consist of learning to perform the skills required to become a safe and proficient pilot.
How do I know if I have the right instructor?
Your instructor is the most important single element in making your training successful. No FAA aproval or regulation can guarentee your happiness and safety. We will help you select an instructor who will fit your personality and schedule. With more instructors than any other private flight school in the area, we can provide you with more options, and greater scheduling flexibility that anyone else. The cockpit should be a comfortable environment, and you should feel free to find the instructor that is right for you.
I've always been interested in flying, but I've never been in a small plane. Is there a way to try it before I actually start lessons?
We'd suggest an introductory flight with one of our instructors. Bring your questions, our instructors will answer them. Spend some time in the plane, and learn a little about it. Unlike some flight schools that take you up and fly you around, our introductory flight is more of a mini-flight lesson - an overview of what you can expect. And, yes, you will get to fly the plane.
Do you sell gift certificates?
Yes, we sell gift certificates for any amount you would like to give. Gift certificates can be used for anything we sell, including flight lessons, aircraft rental, and pilot supplies. We can help you determine the proper amount, whether it’s for an introductory flight or a gift for an exprerienced pilot, just ask!
How do I get to East Coast Aero Club?
We are located at Boire Field in Nashua, NH, which is next to Daniel Webster College. Take exit 6 or 7 West from the Everette Turnpike in Nashua and follow the signs to the airport. Take a right on Perimeter Road and follow it to Gate G. ECAC is located just inside the gate in the Northwest corner of the Keyson Building. If arriving by air follow the takiways to "E", the Keyson building is at the end of taxiway "E".
Is East Coast Aero Club accessible by public transportation?
The city of Nashua has taxi services that can bring you to the field, and the City Bus stops regularly at the College.
What is required for a checkout?
Warrior, and Skyhawk
Student pilot or higher
Arrow
Private pilot or higher
Seminole
Minimum Private Pilot with Multi-Engine rating
Is training conducted under FAR Part 61 or Part 141?
All training at ECAC is conducted under Part 61.
Are you approved for VA benefits?
No.
Do you offer any type of financing to help pay for training?
Yes, we do. We offer financing through Sallie Mae, a national leader in student financing. See our Financing page for more information.
Are you able to issue an INS form I-20 to foreign students?
No.
If I take an airplane for a full day, is there a minimum number of hours I have to fly?
Yes, if you reserve an airplane for 8 or more hours in a single day, you must fly or pay for at least 3 hours. For instance, if you take an airplane for a weekend (Saturday morning through Sunday evening), you must pay for at least 6 hours, or the time you fly, whichever is more.
How do I maintain my currency in East Coast Aero Club airplanes?
In order to maintain currency, each member must fly at least 1 hour every 90 days in each make and model of aircraft he or she wishes to fly. Currency in one aircraft does not imply currency in another. If currency lapses, the pilot may regain it by flying with a club flight instructor or obtaining other authorization.
Do you have any restrictions on the runways you allow your airplanes to land on?
Yes. We do not allow our aircraft to land on runways less than 3,000 feet in length, and on runways that are unpaved and/or unimproved. These restrictions have been fairly recent, and we have found that since the change, there has been far less wear and tear on the landing gear of our aircraft, particularly the Arrows.
There are some exceptions to this rule; we do allow our aircraft to go to Katama, Lakes Region, Block Island, and Basin Harbor.
Can I use my foreign pilot’s license to fly in the U.S.?
Yes, follow the instructions on the FAA web site.
East Coast Aero Club
Summer office hours 8 AM – 7 PM seven days
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