A: Several things distinguish Horizon Aviation.

We offer a complete range of fixed-wing flight training, from the Private Pilot License through the Airline Transport Pilot. Whatever your dreams in aviation, chances are we can get you there.

We are the only FAA Part 141 Approved flight school in the state. This is the FAA's highest designation for a flight school and helps assure quality. Every aircraft, every classroom, and every course is inspected and reviewed by the FAA. Also, we're the only school in the state that conducts the FAA written exams; you won't drive miles just to take a test.

Our fleet of aircraft is among the youngest in the country with the most modern equipment available.

There is a company-wide focus on safety and professionalism at Horizon, from the way we conduct our lessons to the way we tie our planes down at the end of the day. We strive to be better on a daily basis always looking for ways to improve.

Our facilities are second to none. When you arrive, you will brief in a modern training center, with dedicated instructor stations so that you and your instructor can get ready for the flight. You won't be struggling in a lobby with people won't be tripping over you as you try to prepare.

We are not only pilots but also customer-oriented business people. Our staff has a broad range of experience in many industries. From this experience, we've learned there are many ways to help customers.

Our students would tell you that it's a great environment to learn in because it's so supportive and friendly. Many arrive early for lessons (or loiter afterwards) because they like the atmosphere. We like it especially when they bring bagels or donuts, too!

Q: What kind of aircraft do you have?

A: Most of our aircraft are high-winged Cessnas; the most popular training aircraft ever. We fly two-seat Cessna 152's for primary training, four-seat Cessna 172's for primary and instrument training, a Cessna 172 Retractable Gear and a Diamond DA40 ( a low wing aircraft with a glass panel and canopy) for more advanced licenses, and a Piper Twin Comanche for twin-engine training.

Q: How experienced are your instructors?

A: We believe strongly in the voice of experience. Therefore, we specifically try to attract and retain experienced instructors. Our current instructors average over ten years flying experience and more than 2,500 flight hours. To put this in perspective, regional airline jet pilots typically have 1,000 - 1,500 flight hours total time when they get hired.

Q: When I'm trying to evaluate flight schools, what questions should I ask?

A: Look at the quality of the planes and the experience of the instructors. Are the planes neat and orderly? Do they appear to be well maintained and cared for? In short, do they inspire confidence? Do the instructors have the experience to understand your unique learning requirements or did they just finish flight school themselves? Does the school have appropriate facilities for ground instruction? Does the staff focus on customer service? Can the school continue to teach you as you grow as a pilot? Does it offer a broad range of aircraft and licenses?

Q: What licenses do you offer?

A: We offer a full range of fixed-wing aircraft licenses at Horizon. The first license you would typically get is the Private Pilot's License. From there we offer a complete range all the way through the Instrument, Commercial, Certified Flight Instructor, Multi-Engine, and Airline Transport Pilot.

Q: What can I do with my license?

A: The PPL is often called a license to learn. It allows you to rent an aircraft and fly outside of the clouds. With it, you can take a trip out to Nantucket for lunch, fly down to the Outer Banks of North Carolina for the weekend, or just fly circles of beautiful Narragansett Bay.

Q: What is the next step after I get my license?

A: Most people fly local day flights and longer exploratory flights with friends and family after getting their Private. When time, opportunity, and desire meet, they pursue the next license, the Instrument Flight Rules certificate that allows a pilot to fly through clouds to get to their destination.

Q: Can I rent an aircraft or do I have to own one?

A: After getting your Private Pilot's License, we (and thousands of other flight schools) would be more than happy to rent an aircraft to you at an hourly rate. You only pay for the time the propeller is turning.

Q: When can I schedule lessons? When are you open?

A: The office is staffed 9-5, seven days per week. However, we schedule lessons from 6 a.m. - 10p.m. In short, we work to your schedule.

Q: Will I always have the same instructor?

A: We will try to find an instructor who can meet your schedule and who is well suited to you. Once that is done, you will fly most lessons with "your" instructor. However, there will be stage checks with other instructors periodically to provide an independent review of your progress.

Q: What's a"Part 141" school? Is it better than other types of schools?

A: There are two sets of rules under which flight schools may operate: Part 61 (most schools) and Part 141 (a select few). Part 141 is a process by which schools get certified by the FAA. Part 141 schools have voluntarily undertaken a great deal of effort to get all of their aircraft, instructors, training classrooms, and course materials approved by the FAA. In contrast, Part 61 schools have virtually no required oversight by the FAA.

Because of the structured syllabus and training program, students who get their licenses at Part 141 schools may dispense with a great deal of the unstructured flight hours required of Part 61 students. Therefore, a student at a Part 141 school will usually spend substantially less money.

Horizon Aviation, Inc. is the only Part 141 school in Rhode Island.

Q: Isn't TF Green too busy for flight training?

A: While TF Green is a reasonably busy commercial airport, we believe it offers an ideal training environment. Today's airspace is increasingly complex and congested. Students who train at the larger commercial fields have more experience operating in this environment and thus are more capable when they ultimately get their licenses.

Additionally, students leave TF Green's airspace on most flights and practice at less controlled airports before returning to Green. As a result, our students are experienced at operating in both environments.

Finally, despite Green's activity, we find that we rarely get delayed for take-off behind the large commercial airliners. Flying out of TF Green adds very slightly to the time it will take you to get your license but you will be a more skilled pilot when finished.

Q: Where can I sign up?

A: Give us a call at (401) 736-5115 and we'll set you up with your first flight! We look forward to seeing you and once again, thank you for your interest in Horizon Aviation.

Contact Horizon Aviation Now!