Availability – During office hours, please contact the Cactus Aviation office. Please do not call instructors at home.

Openness – It is extremely important the students and instructors have good communications. Silence is not good. It is OK to question and ask for an explanation. Two-way communications, with feedback both ways, is critical to successful learning.

Barriers – There are many potential barriers to success in learning to fly. Some of the barriers are a conflict of personalities between the instructor and student. Age and cultural background differences are common.  These barriers must be recognized by both the instructor and the student and efforts made to eliminate them. Anytime you feel uncomfortable about anything, say so.

Language – The English language has many words with multiple meanings. When student and instructor are from different regions of the US, or the student’s first language is not English, communicating can have problems. It is imperative that you let your instructor know anytime you do not understand what is being said or demonstrated.

Terminology – Aviation is full of terms and acronyms. Many of them will be new to you. You will be provided with a Glossary of Terms, acronyms, and mnemonics. Whenever you hear something new, look it up and ask questions.

Study – You will be required to study and learn many terms, concepts and procedures. If you have studied adequately before each flight lesson, your chances for success will be greatly enhanced. Learning to fly is not the time to “wing it” on study.

Planning – Flying demands your undivided attention. Plan your flight time so that you are not rushed before or after to meet other commitments. Be on time for your lesson and be prepared to stay for the debriefing session.

Visualization – The world of athletics has long known the value of visualization in successful performance. Visualization (arm chair flying) is very a very powerful tool to use in learning to fly. Your instructor will point out opportunities to use this technique and materials that will assist you.

Physical – The physical demands of flying are high. This means that you must manage your life so that you get adequate nutrition and sleep. You must avoid alcohol and debilitating drugs according to the standards prescribed in the FARs and by your AME (12 hours bottle and throttle), If you are sick, DON’T FLY. Other factors to consider are your level of hydration and oxygen level. Do you smoke?

Mental – Anger and anxiety can create a mental state that is dangerous to pilots. A clear mind that can focus is essential. Another mental state that can be deadly is over-confidence. Be realistic about your capabilities and stay within your limitations.

Equipment – Make sure your equipment is ready to go. This includes your headset, a survival kit, flashlight, portable radio batteries, knee-board, pencils, etc.

Attitude – Come to your lessons prepared, with a positive attitude, and motivated to do well. A positive “I can do this” attitude will help you be successful.

Hygiene – An airplane cockpit is a small confined space which puts you and your instructor in close proximity to each other. This close personal relationship means that if either of you fail to maintain good personal hygiene, the experience for both will be unpleasant. Oral and body cleanliness are a must. Hot spicy food eaten the night before can make for a spicy cockpit the next morning.

Dress/Attire – Pilots should climb into an airplane prepared to exit the airplane in the hostile environments that will be encountered on the flight they are about to take.  Footwear should be a sturdy shoe for walking. DO NOT WEAR FLIP-FLOPS or open-toed sandals. Clothing should be sufficient to protect you from the sun and the desert environment by wearing long pants, no shorts or cutoffs. A wide-brimmed floppy hat should be a part of your flight kit. Jewelry can be hazardous around an airplane with the potential to catch on edges. The desert is hot during the day but can be very cold at night. Be prepared in case of a forced landing.

Instructor’s Responsibilities:

Student – Bring the student back alive and well. Provide quality instruction that results in the student receiving a pilot certificate. Provide a positive, safe environment in which to learn and have fun.

School – Maintain a high level of professionalism following the Center’s Standard Operating Procedures. Provide a positive economic return to the school.

FAA – Follow the rules and be accountable for their actions. Train to the PTS standards.

Themselves – Feel comfortable with their actions. Train to the PTS standards.


Student’s Responsibilities to:

Instructor – Come to the lesson prepared to learn. Respect the instructor’s responsibilities for you and the airplane, to the school and the FAA. BE ON TIME!

School – Follow the rules for scheduling and the use of our aircraft. Pay for your lessons and supplies when you receive them.

FAA – Follow the rules and be accountable for your actions.

Themselves – Feel comfortable with your actions. Enjoy the experience. Do the best you can.



The following information is provided to help you have a positive enjoyable experience while learning to fly:

Time – Scheduling is done with the operations desk and the individual instructors. Both aircraft and instructors can be schedules many days in advance. Therefore, it is important that you plan ahead and make reservations as far in advance as possible. A minimum of 24 hours is required for instructor scheduling.

Cancelling – A minimum of 24 hours notices is required for cancellation. One hours of aircraft time and one hour of instructor time will be charged for failure to make an appointment.