AAS is available for training any day of the week. We use early mornings and late afternoons to provide dual instruction for our students. A student can expect "up to" 2-3 hours per day of dual instruction, depending on the day's conditions (it can easily be less if conditions aren't conducive for training). We are a flightpark with many responsibilities. Fulfilling our responsibilities requires that we schedule our time carefully. Our primary mission is to introduce people to the realm of ultra light flying. Our secondary mission is to provide quality training and equipment for those who wish to pursue their dream of flying. We offer hang gliding and ultralight instruction as well as aero towing services to experienced hang glider pilots. We also participate in various air shows and fly-ins, which require us to travel. Our services are diverse, but our interest is in the well being of our students. We post our schedule of events on our website homepage, and will always strive to communicate any upcoming events in order to avoid disappointments or confusion regarding instructional scheduling. We require the signing of our "Training Agreement" before any instruction begins (this can be provided upon request prior to scheduling instruction - email: Steve Burns). Once scheduling is in place we require that students call before coming to the flightpark to confirm weather conditions

We offer instructional packages to those students that purchase new equipment through AAS. These packages are outlined below. Rates for dual instruction in our equipment is also outlined below. We highly recommend for potential students to thoroughly read through both the Aero Sports Connection website and the United States Ultralight Associations website for detailed information about requirements and FAA exemptions such as:

• Airpark and Airport Access
• Airworthiness issues
• Experimental ultralights
• FAA Regulations
  - FAR Part 103 (Ultralight Vehicle)
  - Ultralight Training Exemption
  - FAR Parts 61 & 91 (General Aviation)
  
• Fat and two-place ultralights
  
• Ultralight Regulatory Options Overview
  
• Private Pilot: Trike Questions Answered
  
• Sport Pilot/Light Sport Aircraft proposal
  
• Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee
  
• Latest Sport Pilot News
• Links to State Congressional Representatives
  

The following is a basic outline of what is required to safely learn how to operate ultra light type aircraft. These are "minimum" requirements and many pilots need or want additional instruction before they solo.

Ultra Light BFI Instruction to Solo

[FAA exemptions require the applicant to have received a minimum of 10 hours of instruction. The student pilot must pass practical orals and flight tests relating to the type of aircraft flown.] Instruction includes a minimum of 4 hours of ground school (includes setup, preflight, inspection and maintenance, FAA exemptions, ASC requirements, and testing); along with a minimum of 6 hours of dual instruction and 25 takeoffs and landings.

This 10 hour instructional program is designed to teach pilots the basics of operating ultra light aircraft. These are minimum requirements that allow student pilots to solo in "ideal" conditions (i.e., early and late when winds are light and thermal strength is mellow). Pilots wishing to solo in midday conditions or strong winds will need additional training.

Ultra Light BFI Endorsement

[FAA exemptions require the applicant spend 15 hours with a certified Basic Flight Instructor after the applicant has logged 40 hours (EAA & ASC) or 100 hours (USUA) in the type of aircraft and passed the required tests for rating sought.] A minimum of 10 hours of ground school/testing, plus a minimum of 6 hours dual airtime are required.

This instructional program is designed to teach pilots the basics of being good ultra light instructors. Flight training concentrates on putting the prospective instructor in the "back seat." This training allows new instructors to learn about common mistakes students make and develop good techniques to handle emergency situations. Ground school concentrates on teaching new instructors how to develop good training programs and help them develop clear communication skills. The psychology of teaching people to fly is covered using the FAA manual, "Fundamentals of Instruction" (required reading and testing). Finally, new instructors are required to be completely familiar with FAA requirements and the FAA exemptions that allow operation of ultra light vehicles in the United States. As ambassadors to the sport, new instructors are expected to have a high level of maturity and accountability. The freedom to enjoy this exciting sport hinges on the conduct of each individual instructor.

Rates:

Packages Available to Students Purchasing New Equipment From AAS:

Basic Solo Package
This package provides the minimum instruction required by the ASC
to acquire your Solo Endorsement. This package is recommended
for pilots who already have flying experience.
6 hrs. Dual Training
25 Take-offs & Landings
4 hrs. Ground School ...................... $800

Standard Solo Package
This is our standard package and provides adequate training for
most students wishing to fly ultra light aircraft.
10 hrs. Dual Training
50 Take-offs & Landings
6 hrs. Ground School ..................... $1,225

Premier Solo Package
This package is designed for those who have little or no flying
experience. It is our most comprehensive course.
15 hrs. Dual Training
75-100 Take-offs & Landings
8 hrs. Ground School ..................... $1,725