The purpose of Flying Buddy Program is to offer a two day comprehensive flight training program for unlicensed right seat flight companions.

This program is tailored for the person who frequently accompanies a pilot and feels he/she needs to have some working knowledge of the aircraft. It will acquaint him/her with the aircraft and systems so he/she can assist in the routine process of controlling the aircraft in both the VFR and IFR flight regimes. The training also provides for an extra measure of safety, in the event of the sudden incapacity of the pilot in command.

 There are nine areas of instruction that are covered in the program:

            1. Basic aircraft systems and controls
            2. Engine operation and checklists
            3. Radio communications and avionics
            4. Airspace classification
            5. Basic Federal Aviation Regulations
            6. Emergency procedures
            7. Chart reading
            8. Basic navigation
            9. Aircraft control by use of instruments

 The two day curriculum includes both flight and ground training. Flight training consists of 3-5 hours in the client’s aircraft. The balance of the time will be spent on ground instruction. A logbook endorsement will be provided that instruction has been recorded for the individual by a licensed FAA flight  and ground instructor.

Cost is $695 plus travel and motel at the client’s location.

A curriculum workbook will be provided at the time of beginning the training. A Flying Buddy certificate is also awarded upon completion.

The program is taught by a full time flight instructor veteran with 32 years experience. After completion, a new “Flight Buddy” should feel competent to keep an aircraft under basic control, use special emergency location techniques and communicate with a local radar or flight service station to get assistance.