Albatross Air, Inc.: FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What? How? Where? Why?

 

What will a charter flight cost?

The cost of your charter flight depends on multiple factors. Aircraft. Each aircraft costs a different hourly rate. Destination. The farther your destination, the longer the flight time. We multiply the aircraft's hourly rate by the flight time. Optional co-pilot. Since the FAA has approved our aircraft for single-pilot operation, we charge a separate fee for a co-pilot's services. Wait time. If you wish the pilot to wait while you attend to your business and bring you back, we charge an hourly rate if the wait time is under 6.7 hours. Otherwise, we charge a daily rate. Pilot expenses. If you require an overnight stay, we will charge the cost of the pilot's and co-pilot's hotel rooms, meals, and transportation. For long wait times not requiring overnight stays, we will also charge meals. Taxes. Yes, like the airlines, we must collect taxes on your flight. As you can see, the cost could vary highly, depending on your needs. Please call us to obtain a quote for your next trip.

May I buy block time?

Yes, you may. To obtain more details, please call our office.

How do flight lessons work?

A flight lesson may include ground instruction before or after the flight, or on both ends of the flight. The instructor flies with you and teaches you as you go. Throughout the process, you will learn the physics of flying, safety, emergency landing techniques, flight preparation tips, and of course, how to fly the airplane.

How much money and time will I need to earn a private pilot certificate?

The Federal Aviation Administration requires a minimum of 40 training hours in order to issue you a private pilot certificate. However, most students require around 60 hours of training in order to be ready for the FAA examination. The current estimate, including materials and examination fee, ranges between $5000-$5500.

Can I obtain multi-engine or instrument training from you?

We do not currently offer multi-engine training, but we do offer instrument training. Please call us if you have more questions or would like to pursue instrument training.

I began flight lessons several years ago. Can I pick up where I left off?

You do not need to complete your training within any specific timeframe. However, if you have forgotten what you learned or are rusty on your skills, your instructor may need to spend a little extra time brushing up on what you have learned in the past.

Why is your maintenance so affordable?

We eat beans and cornbread and pass our savings on to you. Because we operate our own aircraft, we feel the cost of parts and labor like you do. We care about your bill more than you know, and we do everything in our power to keep you happy.

How many people can I bring with me on a ride?

The pilot may take no more than three passengers on a sightseeing ride at a time. The price does not rise if additional passengers accompany you on your sightseeing ride.

Where can I go on a sightseeing ride?

Where you go depends on how long you want to fly. Rides typically run from 30 minutes to 1 hour, but you may fly for any amount of time up to 1 hour. A sightseeing ride out to the New River Bridge and back takes about 30 minutes.

What if the weather is bad during my scheduled ride?

If the weather is not good for sightseeing, we may reschedule your sightseeing flight. We will not charge you in advance, and you will not pay a penalty for rescheduling. Please provide us a valid telephone number to contact you.