Flight School FAQs

Flight training in the United States can help you become a pilot anywhere in the world. The US has cheap fuel, tons of open airspace, temperate climates, and no aviation user fees. In addition, the US offers the opportunity to quickly learn English up to the internationally required proficiency level through total English immersion. Most importantly, the well-respected training necessary to earn FAA licenses is recognized by licensing agencies around the world. For specific information on how to convert an FAA license for use in your country, contact us at fly@ctipft.com.

In the US, there are two sets of regulations governing flight training, addressed in Federal Aviation Regulations Part 61 and Part 141. Part 141 schools are regulated by the FAA, and must have detailed pre-planned training programs. They are also required to maintain a minimum pass rate for their students, meaning the school is required to offer a consistent quality program. Part 141 training can be the most efficient way to complete full time training and begin a pilot career. Part 61 is generally more relaxed and flexible, but it can take longer to complete training without the structure present in Part 141 schools. Part 61 is excellent for part-time and more casual training. The CTI Professional Flight Training program is approved under Part 141, and is designed to take a student from zero experience to a commercial license in a 6-8 months. For a detailed estimate based on your own circumstances, just contact us!

FAA approval means that CTI Professional Flight Training offers something that many schools and instructors don’t—professionalism, structure, and expertise. By following a clear syllabus, we offer training that ensures you will encounter all the topics necessary to get your license in the most efficient way possible. In fact, CTI Professional Flight Training has examining authority, which means you schedule your end of with an in-house flight instructor, rather than waiting for someone at the FAA to be available.

As a student enrolled at CTI Professional Flight Training, you have the opportunity to perform additional hours outside of what the specific course provides. CTI Professional Flight Training also believes in hiring instructor candidates who go through the Commercial Pilot Courses and Flight Instructor Courses. Working as a flight instructor is a great opportunity to gain valuable flight time and also build your experience.

You can apply on our website on our enrollment page here. International students must ensure that your application information matches your passport exactly, and be sure to send your $2500 deposit so we can begin processing your Form I-20. If you have any specific questions, you can reach us at 954-938-3043 or fly@ctipft.com.

Our school has offered ab initio pilot training to domestic and international students since 1988.

• Private Pilot (Part 61/141) (Examination Authority- Part 141)
• Instrument Rating Airplane (Part 61/141) (Examination Authority-Part 141)
• Commercial Pilot (Part 61/141) (Examination Authority- Part 141)
• Additional Aircraft Rating (Multi Engine) (Part 61/141) (Examination Authority- Part 141)
• ATP (Part 141 / Part 61)
• Certified Flight Instructor – Airplane(Part 141 / Part 61)
• Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (Part 141 / Part 61) (Examination Authority Not Authorized)
• Certified Flight Instructor – Multi-Engine (Part 141 / Part 61) (Examination Authority Not Authorized)
• Flight Review / Instrument Proficiency Check

All course durations are based on a full-time schedule (min. 4hours daily). For more specific information on each course, visit our Courses Page.

• Private Pilot – 1.5 months
• Instrument Rating – 1.5 months
• Commercial Pilot – 3months
• Professional Pilot Program (Private to Commercial) – 6 months
• Professional Pilot Program (Instrument to Commercial) – 4 months
• Certified Flight Instructor Airplane – 1.5 months
• Certified Flight Instructor Instrument – 3 weeks Assumes student is IFR Current before training commences.
• Certified Flight Instructor Multi-Engine – 2 weeks Assumes applicant already holds the aeronautical experience requirements before training commences (15 hours PIC of a Multi-Engine Airplane.)
• Flight Review – 1 day
• Instrument Proficiency Check – 1 day

Depending on what type of training you are conducting (Part 61 or Part 141) you will either conduct a check ride with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (Part 61) or an End of Course Stage Check at CTI Professional Flight Training (Part 141). CTI Professional Flight Training has been granted Examination Authority by the FAA in most of our programs, which allows us to conduct end of course stage checks for students who enroll/complete the programs for which we have been granted Examination Authority.

CTI Professional Flight Training’s instructors and administrative staff schedules both ground and flight training. Our planes are only used by our students and staff, so scheduling flight lessons is our top priority! Private rentals of the aircraft for non-students will never delay your training.

CTI Professional Flight Training is responsible for maintaining all records of training for our students according to Federal Aviation Regulations.

CTI Professional Flight Training staff and Instructors are responsible for the scheduling of students ground and flight activities to ensure timely completion of each training program. We do our best to make sure each student’s flights are rescheduled as efficiently as possible to ensure you stay on track with your training program.

CTI Professional Flight Training utilizes the following training aircraft:

• Single Engine (Private Pilot/Instrument Rating)
  • Piper Arrow II (Commercial Pilot)
  • Diamond DA20 C1 (Private Pilot/Instrument Rating)

• Multi Engine (Private Pilot Additional Rating / Commercial Pilot)
  • Beechcraft Duchess(Additional Rating / Commercial Pilot)
  • Diamond DA42 (Additional Rating / Commercial Pilot)

All of our courses follow the proven curriculum of the Jeppesen Pilot Training System. Jeppesen, a Boeing company, is the world’s leader in flight information and pilot training systems. Jeppesen used an application-oriented approach to pilot training, which teaches the how and why of each concept, not just the facts. In addition to these flight and ground training courses, flight training devices (FTDs) are used within all programs thereby providing the student with a comprehensive training program. FTDs utilize state of the art technology and reflect the current trend in airline training practices.

CTI Professional Flight Training based on geographic location, is right in the median range for flight training schools located in our area. Sometimes our cost might appear higher because we choose to provide our cost estimates based on our average student, not FAA minimum flight and ground training requirements.

Currently, there is no financial assistance available for our students.

For a complete cost breakdown based at our current prices, we ask student applicants to request a cost estimate from the administrative team. These cost estimates can be provided over the phone or by email same day. With the ever changing fuel market, the difference in fuel surcharge can create a difference in course cost from the internet price.

There are several local hotels within walking distance from the flight school that offer extended stay packages. Their prices depend on which particular season you will be performing your training. Costs range from $900-$1200 per month. If available, and based on a “first come, first serve” basis, there are neighboring houses available for rent. Costs range between $750-$900 which typically includes utilities.

CTI Professional flight training is currently in the process of receiving VA approval for flight training candidates.

Fort Lauderdale offers excellent weather for flying, making scheduling your flights much less of a hassle than it might be in other locations. In addition, Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport is the premier general aviation airport in South Florida and serves over 160,000 aircraft operations for year. There is plenty to learn from such a bustling place!

Of course you can take a tour! We would love the opportunity to show you around our facilities and explain the training in more detail. You can also meet the staff, instructors, and other students to get a feel for our training environment. Contact us at fly@ctipft.com. today to set up your tour!

Our school is registered with SEVP, and we can help you complete the steps necessary to get an M-1 student visa, and to get M-2 visas for members of your family to accompany you. For detailed instructions visit http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english.html , or contact us at fly@ctipft.com..

Once you are accepted to our program and pay your $2,100.00 deposit, we will send you a Form I-20. Then, you must pay your SEVIS I-901 fee at www.FMJfee.com, making sure that the information on your passport, your I-20, and your I-901 fee form all match. Next, you apply for your visa at any American embassy or consulate before you leave for the US. You can get help with this step at www.travel.state.gov. Notify us when you have received your visa, and when you plan to travel to the US. Then, you begin the TSA approval process by logging on to www.flightschoolcandidates.gov. Complete the account request form and submit. When you receive your User ID and password, log back on and complete the online form. The TSA will confirm that they received your application and send you instructions for how to pay the $130 fee through their website. Once you arrive at CTI Professional Flight Training, we will help you complete the last step, fingerprinting. When the TSA confirms that they have received your fingerprints, you are ready to begin training. You can get more detailed information on the entire process from www.ice.gov.

Depending on what course/and or courses you want to take, you will need to first have a through logbook review by CTI Professional Flight Training. We will then be able to provide you the necessary information/costs about the course you would like to perform. If you already hold a license from another country, you will have to visit the FAA’s website and fill out the form titled “Verification of the Authenticity of a Foreign Pilot License/Medical Certificate”. Your correspondence letter from the FAA varies in time duration depending on the country where you performed your training.

CTI Professional Flight Training has several options for local accommodations. Visit our Accommodations Page for more details.