These are the most common questions we receive from our students and clients.

 

1) How old do I need to be to start flight training?

You can start learning to fly at any age. The FAA requires you to be 16 years old to solo and 17 years old to receive a Private Pilot License, as stated in 14 CFR § 61.103.

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2) How long does flight training take to reach the Commercial Pilot level?
The FAA sets required minimum flight hours, not time limits. Duration depends on your pace, weather, and consistency.
Most full-time students complete training as follows:

• Private Pilot License (PPL): 6 – 12 months

• Instrument Rating (IR): 2 – 4 months after PPL

• Commercial Pilot License (CPL): 8 – 12 months after IR

Students who train consistently reach the Commercial Pilot level within 18 to 24 months, including all FAA knowledge tests, flight hours, and checkrides.
SAM AERO provides complete training and support through every stage — Private, Instrument, and Commercial.

 

3) How many hours do I need, and what licenses are available?

• Private Pilot (Part 61): minimum 40 flight hours

• Private Pilot (Part 141): minimum 35 hours under an FAA-approved course

• Commercial Pilot: minimum 250 total hours (190 hours under an approved Part 142 program)
  We provide all required ground and flight instruction to meet FAA standards.

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4) How much does flight training cost in total until I become a Commercial Pilot?
The FAA does not set or control pricing, but national averages show that complete training from zero experience to Commercial Pilot License costs between USD 60 000 and 85 000.

This includes all flight hours, ground instruction, aircraft rental, fuel, FAA written exams, and checkrides for:

• Private Pilot License (PPL)

• Instrument Rating (IR)

• Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

SAM AERO provides full pricing transparency before enrollment, including housing and transportation when requested.

 

5) Is there a height requirement?
The FAA has no minimum or maximum height requirement.
You must be able to safely reach and operate all flight controls.
We provide aircraft with adjustable seats and pedals for all student body types.

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6) What medical conditions could prevent me from getting an FAA medical certificate?
According to 14 CFR Part 67, disqualifying conditions include psychosis, bipolar disorder, severe personality disorder, or substance dependence.
Other conditions may qualify through a Special Issuance process.
We assist our students with medical-certification guidance and referrals to authorized Aviation Medical Examiners.

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7) Does SAM AERO provide housing and transportation?
Yes. We provide housing and transportation to ensure our students live comfortably and safely during training.

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8) Does SAM AERO have lawyers if my license is revoked or suspended?
Yes. We have aviation-specialized lawyers experienced in FAA and international licensing matters.
Support depends on the reason for the suspension or revocation.

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9) Does SAM AERO guarantee I will receive my license on time?
We ensure complete professional guidance, scheduling, and training support.
Your dedication, attendance, and discipline remain the key factors in completing training on schedule.

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10) Does SAM AERO offer flight training in the Middle East?
Yes. We provide flight training through our certified partner schools in the Middle East and Europe.

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11) Does SAM AERO provide EASA training?
Yes. We offer EASA-aligned training programs upon request, coordinated with approved European training centers.

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12) Does SAM AERO help with GACA license conversion and paperwork?
Yes. We assist with GACA license conversions, document preparation, and coordination with the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation.

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13) Do I have to pay the full amount up front, or is financing available?
SAM AERO does not require full payment up front.
Payment depends on your training contract and is divided by licenses and/or phases (Private, Instrument, Commercial).
This allows students to pay progressively as they advance through each stage of training.

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14) If I don’t speak English, can I still enroll?
The FAA requires all pilots to read, speak, write, and understand English to qualify for any pilot certificate, as stated in 14 CFR § 61.83(c) and § 61.103(c).
This ensures safe communication with Air Traffic Control and compliance with international flight standards.

SAM AERO provides full support to help you reach that level.
Through our tailored aviation-English courses, we take students from beginner or low-English levels up to the FAA-required proficiency.
We also have certified FAA, EASA, and GACA Arabic-speaking instructors who assist students at the beginning of their training, giving them the kickstart they need for a confident start in aviation.