Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?: We are located at Carlisle Airport (N94) in Carlisle, PA. It is a publicly-owned, 4000' paved general aviation airport with full services available. It is several miles away from downtown Carlisle and in close proximity to I-81 and the Class C airspace at Middletown (KMDT).
What does it cost?: Many pilot candidates look only at the per hour cost of rental and instruction when shopping for a flight school and make a decision based on that. A better question to ask is: How many hours of training do your pilots typically need before they are ready for a checkride? A serious flight school should be able to answer this question. If an ‘average’ student is taking 70-80 hours or more, something might be wrong with the training. Even if the ‘per hour’ cost is less, you will end up spending far more in this kind of program because of inefficient training. At Blue Star we pride ourselves on using a syllabus which helps us utilize every training hour to best advantage. As a result, our average time to checkride is in the 40-50 hours range.; The Federal Aviation Administration mandates that private pilots have at least 40 hours of flight time in order to take the private pilot practical assessment. This is split between dual (with an instructor) and solo flight. The total cost is usually in the $10,000 range, though this may vary depending on aptitude, frequency of training, study habits, and other factors. Instruction cost in 42F is currently $120 an hour for the aircraft, $65 for instruction. These are some of the best rates in the area.
What else is involved?: To earn your pilot's certificate, the FAA requires you to pass three exams. One is a written test consisting of 60 multiple choice questions. Second, you will pass an oral and flight test by a Designated Pilot Examiner. The written test may be taken at any time, while the check ride is conducted at the conclusion of training.; About halfway through your training, you will also take an open-book pre-solo exam given by your instructor.
What kind of airplane do you operate?: We currently have a 1976 Piper Warrior (160 HP) and, for instrument and commercial ratings, a 1979 Piper Archer II (180 HP). These are safe and cost-effective training aircraft that have docile flying characteristics. They will allow you to experience flight training in a stable and forgiving platform. Both are outfitted with ADS-B In/Out, which greatly increases safety of flight.
What materials will I need to purchase to get started?: We recommend the following textbooks. You can purchase them from us, on Amazon, or download several for free as pdf's online:; The Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge; The Airplane Flying Handbook; Private Pilot Airmen Certification Standards; FAR/AIM (most recent year); Later in your training, you will want to purchase an E-6B flight computer, sectional plotter, and headset. You will also want to purchase a recent model iPad if you do not already have one.
What is the process? How do I schedule?: Once you contact us at rclark.bsa@gmail.com, we will determine your needs and set up an orientation with an instructor. Your instructor will schedule your first few flights. After that, you will be given a username and password on our scheduling program and can schedule your own flights from there.
I want to get advanced ratings/become a a professional pilot. Do you offer advanced ratings beyond the private?: Yes! We offer the instrument, commercial, CFI/CFII, and more. We also offer standard and accelerated instrument rating programs, ask if interested.