Aviation COURSES
FlightSchool.sg's Aviation-Related Courses
FlightSchool.sg offers very affordable flying training and aviation courses in Singapore using a Redbird MCX full-motion flight simulator.
So You Wanna Earn a Private Pilot License at Minimal Cost and with Minimal Effort?
Good news!
You have come to the right place.
FlightSchool.sg, launched in November 2016, is the oldest & most-experienced full-motion flight simulator-based general aviation flying school in Singapore. In addition, we are the only Singapore-based flying school that owns and operates an FAA-approved full-motion Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) flight simulator to conduct the Private Pilot training program. Our ground & flight training syllabus is designed to prepare you for the Private Pilot written exam and final check ride at minimal cost and with minimal effort.
How do we know it is possible to earn a Private Pilot License efficiently and effectively?
Our Founder, Fabian Lim, a long-time flight simulator geek, earned his Private Pilot License back in September 2006 in just 19 days! Since then, he was able to ace all his flight ratings in minimal time e.g. instrument rating in 10 days, multi-engine rating in 5 days and single-pilot jet rating in 14 days!
In fact, FlightSchool.sg has achieved the rare distinction of helping our student pilots to earn their full unrestricted Private Pilot License in as little as 40 flying hours, instead of the usual 70 to 80-hour national average - and some in just 23 days!
The truth is, our PPL Preparatory Course literally pays for itself - simply because the course allows you to acquire critical procedural & flying skills in our cost-effective full-motion simulator, rather than in a real aircraft. This results in i) savings in aircraft, fuel, landing fees & instructor costs - including the in-aircraft time needed for taxi, take off & landing, and flying to and from a training area and ii) savings in the number of hours required to obtain a Private Pilot License - i.e. being able to ace the PPL practical check ride in as little as 40 hours versus the 70 to 80-hour national average.
The fidelity & benefits of using full-motion flight simulators for flight training has been recognised by the US FAA for years. Now, even major airlines like Singapore Airlines are starting to train their pilots in full-motion simulators rather than in real aircraft - under the newly established Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL) program.
As you are researching for a suitable flight school to pursue your PPL training, do understand that there are many other considerations and pathways to earning a Private Pilot License that you may not be aware of.
A major benefit of choosing FlightSchool.sg as your flight training provider is your ability to tap the experience of the FlightSchool.sg team for advice on other important aviation-related matters such as flight school selection, Part 61 versus Part 141, Visa application, TSA Security application process, how to rent an aircraft after returning to Singapore with a PPL, aircraft ownership tips, recurrent & bi-annual flight training procedures, pursuing the instrument rating, multi-engine rating, commercial pilot options etc.
To this end, feel free to get your questions answered by contacting us via Live Chat on this website or via WhatsApp: +6582887210
Phase 1 - 12-Week FAA PPL Preparatory Course
The goal of this course is to allow a Private Pilot License (PPL) candidate to prepare for the FAA PPL by undergoing once-a-week ground-school classes (3 hours per session) and flight sim training classes (1 hour per session) over a 12-week period.
The FAA PPL Preparatory Course course is conducted 100% via the use of a full-motion flight simulator. Hence, this is the most efficient and cost-effective solution to earning your Private Pilot’s License.
At the end of 12 weeks, and upon passing our internal ground and flight assessment tests, the PPL candidate will be able to proceed to Phase II of the training in the USA. Phase II should take no more than 25 flying days in total.
To help you ace your ground school subjects, you will be provided with our full set of ground school video recordings. This will allow you to progress through ground school on a self-paced basis.
In addition, you are welcome to join our ongoing ground school classes EVERY FRIDAY from 7pm to 10pm at our Balestier office:
456, Balestier Road. #02-08. Ascent@456. Singapore 329832. Google maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Xq5yMDsxPSZS7iAVA
You will also receive our Private Pilot Kit containing all the items required to ace your Private Pilot Ground School.
We are currently offering a special promo price of S$3,995 (S$2,000 discount off our published rates of S$5,995). Or enjoy 3 easy monthly payments of S$1,395. Promotion price is extended till 31 December 2022.
All candidates who book our full-motion flight simulator will be given a full rebate for one session if they decide to enroll in our PPL Preparatory Programme. Do note that full-motion flight simulator online bookings must be made 48 hours in advance.
OPTIONAL: In-aircraft flight experience is now available with an authorized partner aviation school based in Singapore.
Call or WhatsApp us at +65 8288-7210 for a FREE consultation or use our Contact Form!
NEW! Contact Us to Request Access to Our Recent 'How to Earn a USA FAA PPL in 20-25 Days' 60-Min Webinar Replay
Receive A Certificate of Achievement On Successful Completion of Phase 1 - FAA PPL Preparatory Program
Phase 2 - In-Aircraft PPL Flight Training Options
Note: FlightSchool.sg offers complimentary consultation to all Phase 1 PPL candidates to assist in crafting the ideal path to take for Phase 2 - including flight school liaison and coordination.
Candidates who wish to proceed to Phase 2 - In-Aircraft PPL Flight Training during this period may wish to consider enrolling with our local partner school based in Singapore after completing our 12-week program. This Phase 1 - FlightSchool.sg & Phase 2 - local partner school route is still more cost-effective as it costs S$150 in our full-motion flight simulator versus S$700 in the aircraft (excluding local landing fees of $37.50 per landing).
The more proficient you are when training in our full-motion flight simulator, the less time (and money) you need to spend on in-aircraft training.
You will however need to obtain your Singapore Student Pilot License before you can commence flight training on a Singapore-registered aircraft. The good news is flying hours clocked locally count towards the 40 hours minimum required to earn a US FAA Private Pilot License.
Why obtain a Private Pilot License in the United States instead of Singapore?
For two main reasons:
1) Ample availability of US-registered rental aircraft in Singapore
After spending all the time & money to earn your PPL, surely you wish to bring your family and friends on board an aircraft piloted by your good self. Or you wish to spend a weekend flying to Penang and staying for one or two nights before heading back to Singapore.
So firstly, it is worth noting that pilots can only fly an aircraft that is registered in the same jurisdiction as their pilot license. Meaning Singapore PPL holders can only fly Singapore-registered aircraft and USA PPL holders can only fly US-registered aircraft etc.
The fact is as follows: There are ample US-registered light aircraft available in Singapore for rent, while the inventory of Singapore-registered light aircraft is limited to the airlines, Singapore flying schools and corporate jets.
2) Ample availability of US-registered rental aircraft in most parts of the World
Another significant advantage of an FAA PPL is the ability to rent and fly a US-registered anywhere in the world other than in the USA and Singapore (subject to a 1-2 hour assessment flight).
Upgrade your holidays from road trips to air trips.
Holidays will never be the same again!
2) Lower Cost of Flight Training
Flight training in the United States can cost anywhere between USD8,000 and 15,000 for a 40-hour Private Pilot License package. The final bill depends on many factors, including but not limited to:
i) Location of Flight School
Flight training in the East Coast (e.g. New York) and West Coast (e.g. California) will generally be more costly than in Texas, Washington, and Nevada.
ii) Number of Hours of Flight Training Incurred
The national average in the US for the average number of hours of flight training required to earn a Private Pilot License level is between 70-80 hours. The good news is FlightSchool.sg students have historically been able to earn their PPL in 40-45 hours.
*How about earning a Private Pilot License in Australia?
We do have students who opt for the Australian route to earn their PPL. This is because their primary purpose of earning a PPL is to eventually fly for the airlines. In other words, they are not concerned with the fact that there are currently no Australian-registered aircraft available for rent in Singapore.
FAA Private Pilot License (USA) Requirements:
– At least 17 years of age (at the time of the flight test)
– English proficient (can speak, read and write)
– Color vision: If you can’t pass the initial color vision test but otherwise meet medical standards, you may be issued a medical certificate with the limit “NOT VALID FOR NIGHT FLIGHT OR BY COLOR SIGNAL CONTROL.” To remove the color vision limitation, a Class-3 medical applicant must demonstrate the ability to pass an Operational Color Vision Test (OCVT) during the day. The OCVT consists of the following:
A Signal Light Test (SLT): Identify in a timely manner aviation red, green, and white
Aeronautical chart reading: Read and correctly interpret in a timely manner aeronautical charts, including print in various sizes, colors, and typefaces; conventional markings in several colors; and, terrain colors
– 20/40 (able to see at 20ft what a normally sighted person is able to see at 40ft) or better in each eye separately, with or without correction
- Able to pass the FAA Class-3 Medical exam
Age Limitation
Regarding age limitation, the minimum age to take the FAA PPL written and practical tests is 17 years old. In order to fly solo in an aircraft, the student pilot needs to be at least 16 years of age. There is no maximum age limit to take the FAA PPL written and practical tests. However, note that there is no minimum age to commence ground and flight training. So even children (we recommend at least 13 years of age can start to learn to fly!).
Education Requirements
Also, note that there are no minimum educational requirements to earn an FAA PPL. However, educational requirements are typically imposed by airlines and corporate charter companies.
Eyesight Requirements
In order to pass the FAA PPL Class-3 Medical Exam, here’s the official requirement as per the Code of Federal Regulations §67.303:
(a) Distant visual acuity of 20/40 or better in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses. If corrective lenses (spectacles or contact lenses) are necessary for 20/40 vision, the person may be eligible only on the condition that corrective lenses are worn while exercising the privileges of an airman certificate.
(b) Near vision of 20/40 or better, Snellen equivalent, at 16 inches in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses.
(c) Ability to perceive those colors necessary for the safe performance of airman duties.
(d) No acute or chronic pathological condition of either eye or adnexa that interferes with the proper function of an eye, that may reasonably be expected to progress to that degree, or that may reasonably be expected to be aggravated by flying.
14-Day Accelerated FAA PPL Preparatory Course (Full-Time)
Similar in scope to our 12-week course, but delivered on a 14-day full-time timetable. The Private Pilot License (PPL) candidate prepares for the FAA PPL by undergoing daily ground-school classes (3 hours per session) and flight sim training classes (1-2 hours per session) over a 14-day period. At the end of two weeks, and upon passing our internal ground and flight assessment tests, the PPL candidate will be able to proceed to Phase II of the training in the USA. Phase II should take no more than 25 days in total.
Phase 1 - 12-Week RAAus Recreational Pilot Certificate (RPC) Preparatory Course
Ideally suited for students 13 to 15 years old, the goal of this course is to allow a Recreational Pilot Certificate (RPC) candidate to prepare for the Recreational Aviation Australia Ltd (RAAus) Recreational Pilot Certificate Written Knowledge Test & Practical Flight Test by undergoing once-a-week ground-school classes (3 hours per session) and flight sim training classes (10 hours total) over a 12 week period.
A total of 15-hours of flight training is included in the Recreational Pilot Certificate (RPC) Preparatory Course. Flight training is conducted 100% via the use of our fixed-based flight simulator. Due to its low cost of operations, this is the most efficient and cost-effective solution to preparing candidates for their Recreational Pilot Certificate (RPC).
At the end of 12 weeks, and upon passing our internal ground and flight assessment tests, the RPC candidate will be able to proceed to Phase II of the training in Australia.
Phase II comprising 20 hours of in-aircraft flight training should take no more than 25 flying days in total - or even sooner if weather and winds permit.
Our Recreational Pilot Certificate (RPC) ground school classes are held EVERY SATURDAY from 2pm to 5pm at our Balestier office:
456, Balestier Road. #02-08. Ascent@456. Singapore 329832. Google maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Xq5yMDsxPSZS7iAVA
We are currently offering a special promo price of S$2,995 (S$1,500 discount off our published rates of S$4,495). Or enjoy 3 easy monthly payments of S$1,000. Promotion price is valid till 31 May 2023.
Call or WhatsApp us at +65 8288-7210 for a FREE consultation or use our Contact Form!
NEW!!! Redbird GIFT Private Pilot Course (No Age Limit, Pay-As-You-Go)
Redbird GIFT (Guided Independent Flight Training) is a simulator-based, AI-powered, manoeuvres training supplement designed to help you achieve your goals of earning a Private Pilot License faster and for less money. Redbird GIFT allows you to learn, practice, and get feedback on every Private Pilot manoeuvre, at your own pace, using cutting-edge educational techniques that push you to reach your best performance level.
GIFT includes the 33 modules required to earn your Private Pilot Certificate. Each GIFT lesson focuses on a specific flight manoeuvre or skill and includes:
- A video and written pre-flight briefing
- A simulator mission with an AI-powered flight instructor that provides real-time coaching and corrections on your performance
- A post-flight debrief with objective scoring based on the FAA Airmen Certification Standards
- In-depth post-flight review and trend tracking by uploading your lesson history to the Redbird Cloud
Redbird GIFT is also perfect for students and young aviators interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) education. STEM education is the future. Science-based learning is key to succeeding in today's information-based society.
For example, STEM education in the aviation field will provide students with a deeper understanding of flight science, physics, and engineering concepts. Students can then leverage what they learn during their aviation training and apply them in other courses and use it in real-world scenarios.
The Redbird GIFT system comes with a serialised USB stick that you will need to use during the flight simulator session. Each flight simulator session is based on a pay-as-you-go basis. Meaning you can book your flight simulator session at your own convenience via our online booking page. You can also opt to book our 5-Hour Flight Simulator with Instructor Package at a special rate of S$750 (available by contacting us).
In addition, GIFT makes for a great refresher tool after you earn your pilot’s license. With lifetime access, GIFT follows you no matter where your aviation journey takes you.
Redbird GIFT is priced affordably at just S$350 and is available for purchase on our online booking page. As a time-limited promotion (till 31 Dec 2022), you will receive a complimentary 1-Hour Full-Motion Flight Simulator Session (with Instructor) worth S$170 when you purchase Redbird GIFT.
5-Hour Flight Simulator with Instructor Package (No Age Limit, Pay-As-You-Go)
This package is suitable for anyone who is interested in learning how to fly (no minimum or maximum age limit), but who may not have the time or urgency to obtain a Recreation Pilot Certificate or Private Pilot License. This package comprises solely of flight sim sessions.
The package is best utilised with our Redbird GIFT Private Pilot Course (see above).
Ultimately, the student pilot can look forward to earning his Private Pilot License (Flight Simulator) by passing our PPL flight test conducted in our flight simulator. Once he/she earns the Private Pilot License (Flight Simulator), he/she will be able to book and use our flight simulator to either fly solo or with a friend or family member using real-world maps, weather and flight planning. This 5-Hour Flight Simulator with Instructor Package is priced at a special rate of S$750 (available by contacting us).
1-Hour Flight Simulator with Instructor (No Age Limit, Pay-As-You-Go)
We offer various Flight Simulator Sessions with Instructor (45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute & 180-minute) available for purchase directly on our online booking page. These sessions are suitable for anyone who is interested in learning how to fly (no minimum or maximum age limit), but who may not have the time or urgency to obtain an FAA PPL.
Call or WhatsApp us at +65 8288-7210 for a FREE consultation or use our Contact Form!