Trade Winds Aviation is a Cessna pilot center, training exclusively in Cessna airplanes, considered to be the easiest small aircraft to fly. Students begin with on-the-ground instruction in flight maneuvers, radio communications and airport communications. In-the-air introduces you to fundamentals of flight, takeoff and landings and emergency preparedness. When the instructor determines you are ready, your first solo flight will occur. This will be followed by a practical test on the ground, called a check ride, and a flight test. Trade Winds also works with pilots who wish to be certified as a sport pilot and fly light sport aircraft, a new FAA category of flight instruction. The instructional hours are shorter and the restrictions of flight greater. Cost runs from $4,894 for a sport pilot license to $11,255 for a private pilot's license.
Training pilots for over 50 years, Aero Dynamic Aviation offers private and sport pilot courses, tailwheel, aerobatics, instrument and commercial training. Located in the Reid Hillview airport in San Jose, the school has a rotating course schedule allowing students to enroll at any time. Citabria and Cessna aircraft are used for training. A student-pilot certificate and passing the FAA written test are prerequisites for entering the pilot's licensing program at Aero Dynamic. The cost for the course runs up to $9,500. The sport pilot course cost is up to $6,500.
Nice Air offers training in both single- and multi-engine airplanes and helicopters. The entire training course, from ground to in-the-air lessons, takes up to 75 hours, and the length of time it takes you to earn the license is dependent on how many hours a week you can devote to lessons and flying. Operating from Reid Hillview airport in San Jose, the school uses its 26 airplanes, four helicopters and a simulator for training. If you are a veteran and hold a private pilot's license, you can enroll in advanced commercial training at Nice Air Aviation and receive government reimbursement for the advanced courses.
Cessnas, Pipers, twin-engine aircraft and luxury cabin-class planes are all used in the pilot-training programs at Squadron 2 Flight Training in San Jose. It is an FAA Part 141-Certified Flight School. The instructors are all highly experienced and trained for flight instruction. The facility promotes airplane rental after you obtain a pilot's license and has a large fleet available.