Sport Pilot

Please note that Ballou Skies does not have a Sport certified plane for instruction. If you have your own, we can instruct in that airplane. A Sport Pilot certificate is the most economical way to get to fly. But that rating is more limited than a private pilot. It takes a minimum of 20 hours instruction, does not include privileges to fly in controlled airspace like Mansfield, Columbus, or Toledo. Night or bad weather flying training and privileges are not included.

The sport pilot is restricted in the weight of plane flown and number of passengers (1). A driver’s license and self-certification is the medical requirement of the sport pilot. Average time to earn is 33 hours.

Recreational Pilot

A Recreational Pilot rating may be cheaper but is more limited than a private pilot rating. It takes a minimum of 30 hours instruction, does not include privileges to fly in controlled airspace like Mansfield, Columbus, or Toledo. Night or bad weather flying training and privileges are not included.

The recreational pilot is restricted in the weight of plane flown and number of passengers (1). A third-class medical is required. Average time to earn is 44 hours. This instructor does not see a great benefit in the sport or recreational pilot ratings but will work with you as you desire.

Private Pilot

Private Pilots are able to carry more than one passenger, can fly at night and in controlled airspace like Mansfield, Toledo, or Columbus. This is the basic rating to be able to fly anywhere in the US. The minimum time is 40 hours, with certain knowledge and aviation skills required. Average time to earn is 70 hours. Cost will vary depending on the time and energy you give to making it happen. With an additional instrument rating, the sky is the limit!

Commercial Pilot

A Commercial Pilot must first be a private pilot. Additional knowledge and skills in this rating allow the pilot to charge for services. The instrument rating is also strongly advised. Our Piper Archer is a technically advanced airplane, suitable for the 10 hour requirement for training.

• Initial Flight Instructor or Instrument Instructor are additional ratings – the PhD of aviation. With our updated equipment, this is very achievable, so call me for a discussion on this possibility!

• A flight review is required by regulation at least every two years. Ongoing proficiency is much more worthwhile, and can be easily achieved with the WINGS program offered by the FAA, with interaction with a CFI (Certified Flight Instructor).
• A Complex Endorsement is required to fly an airplane with retractable gear and variable pitch prop. Ballou Skies does not have a complex airplane. The requirements have been superseded to allow the technically advanced airplane (TAA) option, a much more cost effective route.

Instrument instruction follows the Private Pilot rating. It allows a pilot to fly in minimal visibility safely. In Ohio, an instrument rating will ensure you get out most times when other pilots are sadly looking at the sky, wishing they could fly!

An instrument proficiency check is available either by plane, or with our Precision Flight Controls AATD simulator.