FAQ
Have questions about training, scheduling, or costs? You’re not alone — most new students wonder the same things. Here you’ll find clear answers to the most common questions to help you plan your flight training with confidence.
- FAQ
Can you send me a copy of the syllabus ?
Yes, I’m happy to send you a course syllabus. Also, our syllabus can be seen on our website under Course Journey or you print out the PDF here.
How many hours per day would we work ?
Basically everyone I train is from out of town. Any semi-local students that I have know that the out-of-town guests have travel and airline schedules to work around. If needed, my local clients understand that they may get lessons bumped around to fit your schedule. Please be nice to my local folks, they will bend over backwards to help you.
You’d be surprised how quickly a day goes by. Some will be classroom work, some will be flight time, some will be reading, studying, exploring our area, visiting with other students and sharing ideas. This is a fully immersive experience.
If Modules 1–3 are 26 flight hours, is the rest classes ?
Short version: Yes.
Long version: The FAA mandated minimum (FAR 61 Subpart J) is 20 hrs plus the practical test itself (~2 hrs). Virtually nobody completes the entire program in that time. If you are the rare exception, Modules 1–3 cover it. However, student records here and nationwide suggest most will need additional time.
What months do you offer training ?
Our season begins in April and continues through October, sometimes into early November. Earlier months often focus on building fundamentals, while later months are busy with students completing programs and taking practical tests. If you’re looking to join, it’s best to reserve your spot early in the season.
How do I reserve a spot, and what is the deposit for ?
The reason we strongly encourage our clients to send a deposit and reserve a training slot is this: I can handle 15 students in a given year. Our season begins in April and continues through October and even into the beginning of November. Usually October and November are filled with folks taking their practical tests and completing the programs.
If you want to join us this coming season:
➤ Send me a couple of dates that work well for you
➤ Send a deposit check for $1,000 to Captain Drake’s FAA LLC, 424 Airport Drive, Cave Junction, OR 97523
➤ I will then reserve a spot for you and notify you of your start date
Deposit Details:
1. The deposit buys your spot and goes toward the tuition for the first module of training.
2. It covers your introductory flight. If the relationship is not a good fit (safety concerns or comfort issues), the introductory flight is covered and no further charges apply.
3. Upon a successful introductory flight, the remaining balance for your first module is due.
4. If you do not continue to another module, you are not expected to pay further tuition.
5. If you choose to continue, the tuition balance of the next module is due before that training begins.
6. We prefer that you stay and continue through each module, but we understand “life things” happen. Some clients complete training in multiple trips, and we do our best to accommodate.
What airplanes do you offer ?
At the time of this writing, we operate:
➤ Aeroprakt A-22LS (primary training aircraft)
➤ Quicksilver S2S (ultralight trainer for Part 103 programs)
➤ Magni M-16 (rotorcraft gyroplane trainer)
➤ Apollo Fox
The Aeroprakt A-22LS is our main trainer: large cockpit (fits up to 6’4″ and 300 lbs), excellent communication system, dual-instruction layout, stunning views, plus doors and a cabin heater for colder days.
Q: How many aircraft do you have?
A: Four.
Q: How many flight instructors do you have?
A: For the most part, I am a one-man band. My jobs include: replying to emails, writing training docs, enrolling students, teaching ground school, flight instructing, counseling, aircraft maintenance, hangar and lodge upkeep, housekeeping, pool boy, lawn care, DPE work, being a full-time dad.
Do you provide lodging for out-of-town students ?
Yes. Most of my students are from out of town, so we’ve built lodging right into our training packages. You can stay at the Captain Drake’s Lodge or use our RV parking space during your training. This makes your program a fully immersive experience — living, studying, and flying all in one place.
Does tuition cover everything I need ?
Tuition covers your flight instruction, ground school, and use of training aircraft. Some items, such as FAA knowledge test fees, training materials, and home study products, are paid directly to third parties and not included in module pricing. Expect to invest around $300–$500 in these additional materials.
Final Note
I hope that I have answered your questions, but if you have more to ask or I didn’t answer in a way that made sense to you, please feel free to keep these lines of communication open. As always, I welcome your questions, comments, and feedback.
Have a good time and keep smiling,
Wolf Emonds, CFI DPE
