Flight School
Primary Flight Training
HOVA Flight School flies from Hanover County Airport (KOFP) just outside of Richmond, Virginia. We offer a full range of flight training, from start through certificates in Sport Pilot, Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and Airline Transport Pilot (ATP). We also offer Instrument Rating, and Multi-Engine Rating.
Why Learn at HOVA?
We make learning fun. Your learning is individualized according to how you want to learn. How? With us you can choose:
A Part 61 or Part 141 Curriculum.
Start with Tecnam Light Sport aircraft or Cessna 172’s.
Use Analog or Digital (Glass screen) instrumentation.
Take your ground school in a classroom, from a book, or online.
Don’t know which choices to make? Keep reading to find the answers to these and other questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get a Sport or Private Certificate?
The Private Pilot Certificate is the traditional starting place for pilot training. In 2004, in an effort to make flying more accessible and less expensive, the FAA created the Sport Pilot Certificate. A sport certificate is a great way to start your flying, but comes with certain limitations such as daytime, good weather flying only in sport category aircraft, which are limited by weight and can carry only two people. If these restrictions are within the type of flying you plan on, or you are unsure if flying is for you, then the sport certificate would be a good choice. If you know already that you want to fly larger aircraft, carry more people, or use an airplane for transportation, you should start with the Private Pilot Certificate. If you should go the sport route and later change your mind, all of the flying that you receive at HOVA is with fully qualfied instructors and your training time can be applied to the Private Pilot Certificate.
How Much Does it Cost to get a Pilot Certificate?
The time and therefore the cost to learn to fly is based on things such as the individual amount of effort put forth, how often you schedule lessons, and individual aptitude. An average investment is around $10,000 for a Private Certificate, $5,000 for a Sport. Ask us, and we’ll be happy to share cost cutting strategies.
How Long Does it Take?
At HOVA, we have plenty of aircraft and instructors to ensure that you can move through the course as rapidly as you like. The FAA requires a minimum of 40 flight training hours, although most students require more. It’s possible to finish the training in 14 days, providing you come to us with your knowledge test completed. A more typical part time schedule flying only 2-3 times per week is 4-6 months.
Do You Use a Curriculum?
Yes! We use respected Gleim training materials and curriculum, tailored to your individual needs.
Should I Use a Part 61 or Part 141 Curriculum?
At HOVA, you can use either a Part 61 or 141 curriculum. A Part 141 program is one that is government approved. Such approval comes with many restrictions that may not be appropriate for all students. Unless you are a veteran using VA benefits or a foreign student, we recommend the more flexible Part 61 program.
Will I be Assigned a Flight Instructor?
Yes, we believe that having a single flight instructor shepherding you through your learning make smoother learning, though we do periodically schedule you with other instructors to confirm your progress and give you a different perspective.
How Often Should I Fly?
As much as possible! Taking your lessons as often as possible with result in you learning better, in fewer flight hours, spending less money.