Frequently asked questions

No. Most students begin with no flight experience. We enroll recreational pilots, career-track students, veterans, and international students.

Probably not. People begin flight training at many different stages of life. Some students start as teenagers while others begin after retirement. As long as you meet applicable FAA medical and certification requirements, age alone does not prevent someone from learning to fly.

There is no minimum age to begin flight training. FAA minimum ages for certification are: 16 years old to solo an airplane; 17 years old to earn a Private Pilot Certificate; 18 years old to earn a Commercial Pilot Certificate; 23 years old to earn an unrestricted Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate.

A Discovery Flight is an introductory flight lesson with a Certified Flight Instructor. You will experience flying an aircraft, learn basic flight maneuvers, and determine whether aviation training is right for you. Schedule a Discovery Flight.

No. Most students begin training before obtaining an FAA medical certificate. However, students pursuing pilot certification should obtain an FAA medical certificate early in training to identify any potential issues. We can provide guidance on selecting an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).

Upper Limit Aviation offers Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, Multi-Engine Rating, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII), and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI). See training programs.

Part 141 training follows an FAA-approved curriculum with structured lesson plans, stage checks, and training milestones. Part 61 training offers greater flexibility in scheduling and training pace while still leading to the same FAA certificates. At Upper Limit Aviation, Part 61 students also use structured training programs, detailed lesson tracking, and stage evaluations.

Upper Limit Aviation utilizes training syllabi, lesson tracking, stage evaluations, instructor oversight, and Flight Schedule Pro to monitor student progress. Regular stage evaluations help identify strengths, areas needing improvement, and readiness for advancement to the next phase of training.

For most students, we recommend flying at least two to three times per week. Students who fly more frequently generally progress faster, retain information better, and often spend less money overall because less time is spent reviewing previously learned material.

Yes. Students utilize Jeppesen online training combined with individualized instructor support.

Yes. Upper Limit Aviation hosts free Saturday Study Groups open to our students and members of the local aviation community. These sessions provide additional support for FAA knowledge tests, oral examinations, and flight training concepts.

Students use Flight Schedule Pro to schedule lessons, review completed training, track progress through their syllabus, access lesson records, and monitor upcoming training events.

Our fleet includes Cessna 152, Cessna 172, and Tecnam P2006T Multi-Engine Trainer. The Tecnam P2006T is a modern, fuel-efficient multi-engine aircraft equipped with advanced avionics and excellent training characteristics. See hourly rates.

Yes. Unlike many flight schools, Upper Limit Aviation maintains its own FAA-certified maintenance operation. Having maintenance personnel on-site allows us to closely monitor aircraft condition, reduce downtime, and maintain a strong safety culture.

Safety is our highest priority. Our goal is not simply to produce pilots who pass checkrides. We strive to develop pilots who make sound decisions and operate safely throughout their aviation careers.

Flight training conducted under FAA regulations is very safe. Safety is incorporated into every lesson through standardized procedures, risk management training, aircraft maintenance programs, instructor oversight, and FAA regulatory compliance.

Yes. Upper Limit Aviation operates an FAA PSI Testing Center.

No. Our testing center is available to qualified applicants regardless of where they received their training.

Yes. SEVP-authorized since 2007. See international enrollment.

Yes. We are authorized through SEVP to issue I-20 forms for qualified students.

Yes. Most international students must complete the TSA Flight Training Security Program process before beginning flight training.

For students traveling to Utah for flight training, we can provide guidance and resources to help identify housing options near the airport. For organized international cohorts, Upper Limit Aviation may arrange furnished housing and transportation as part of the training package. Housing arrangements vary by program and cohort.

Yes. Upper Limit Aviation has worked with veterans since 2007. We are an FAA Part 141 school with VA-approved Professional Pilot Programs. Vocational flight training under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® works differently than college benefits. See VA benefits on financing.

Not necessarily. VA funding rules vary by training type, eligibility, and current regulations. See VA benefits on financing.

No. The FAA minimum flight time requirement for a Private Pilot Certificate is 40 hours under Part 61 and 35 hours under Part 141. However, most students require additional training beyond the FAA minimums. At Upper Limit Aviation, we have seen students complete their Private Pilot training in as little as 47 hours, while others may require 80 hours or more. Students who train two to three times per week typically progress more efficiently than students who fly infrequently.

Training costs vary because every student progresses at a different pace. Our admissions team can provide current training cost estimates and discuss financing options. See hourly rates and financing options.

We work with financing partners including Stratus Financial and Edly. Many students also use 529 and my529 savings or VA benefits where eligible. See financing options.

Absolutely. Not every student intends to become an airline pilot. Many of our students train because they enjoy aviation, want to travel more efficiently, pursue a lifelong interest, or challenge themselves to learn something new.

Many students earn a pilot certificate for personal travel, recreation, business transportation, or the accomplishment of becoming a pilot. Students pursuing aviation careers may find opportunities in airlines, corporate aviation, charter operations, cargo operations, flight instruction, and other commercial flying roles. See Career Pathway.

Many professional pilots build experience through flight instruction, aerial survey, pipeline and powerline patrol, traffic reporting, agricultural aviation, banner towing, charter operations, and corporate flight departments before moving into airline or cargo positions. Opportunities vary based on experience, qualifications, location, and industry demand.

Instructor turnover is a reality throughout the aviation industry. Upper Limit Aviation utilizes training syllabi, lesson tracking, stage evaluations, and electronic training records to help ensure continuity throughout a student's training. If an instructor transition becomes necessary, these records help the new instructor understand the student's progress and continue training as efficiently as possible.

One of the most important factors in successful flight training is consistency. Students who maintain regular training schedules, study between lessons, and remain engaged in the learning process generally experience the best outcomes. Encouragement, patience, and support from family members can play an important role in a student's success.

Upper Limit Aviation has trained pilots in Utah since 2003. We serve future professional pilots, veterans, international students, business owners, recreational aviators, and individuals pursuing lifelong aviation goals. Students benefit from FAA Part 141 training programs, structured Part 61 training with stage evaluations, SEVP authorization since 2007, VA-approved training opportunities, an FAA PSI Testing Center, free Saturday Study Groups, Flight Schedule Pro training management, FAA-certified in-house maintenance, modern training aircraft, individualized instruction, and a strong professional safety culture.