Learn to fly with less stress, more fun!

That sentiment pretty much sums up the philosophy of the professionals at CROSSAIROCEAN Flight School in Zephyrhills. They don’t cut corners, but they do manage to have fun as much as possible teaching students the craft of flying, because they love it.

At CROSSAIROCEAN, they use the flight simulator more than other schools. A lot of flight maneuvers can be carried out using simulators. Why?

• To save the student time and money.
• To better understand the philosophy of each maneuver.
• To reduce stress and therefore enable better learning.

With a new generation of the Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD), it is possible to significantly reduce the expenses and anxiety of flight training. Simulators enable the students to gently start the training program without thinking about making a career of it (to dip their toes in). For students looking to go further in aviation, CROSSAIROCEAN offers additional training for the Commercial Pilot License (both single and multi-engine), and instructor pilot’s license (CFI, CFII, MEI).

About the simulators: CROSSAIROCEAN has three simulators, two computer-based and one AATD. CROSSAIROCEAN manager and flight instructor Ben Obasi said, “I am a big fan of our computer-based flight simulators, because the displays and controls in our simulators reflect the dynamic behavior of an actual aircraft. Although our two computer-based simulators do not have official designation and are not Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved for logging time for official purposes, like ratings or currency, they hold significant benefits when it comes to flight training. They help the student build confidence in the aircraft by getting accustomed to the control of the airplane and have a head start in learning the maneuvers.”

“Even a system that cannot provide ‘loggable’ hours has lots of value for the student,” Obasi said. “For instance, the average pilot in the U.S. takes about 65 hours to get their private pilot license. If they can practice in the simulator more, it could lower the total number of hours needed by 20 percent. This saves them an average of $1,500-$2,000 and needing about 50 to 55 hours to achieve their private pilot license instead of the average 65 hours.”

On the other hand, the AATD is more advanced than the computer-based simulators and can log hours for training. This is used for more complex aircraft like the multi-engine to ensure safety and confidence in the aircraft. It also can be used for other aircraft if desired and is very versatile for training giving the students a more realistic experience.

It all starts with an affordable 45-minute introductory flight. No matter what your goals, an introductory flight is an experience you will never forget. During the introductory flight, you get an additional half-hour of ground time, and a flight simulator initiation. (If your goal is to earn a pilot’s license, this flight time counts toward flight training, so it’s a win-win.)

CROSSAIROCEAN provides high-quality training at the most affordable prices in the Tampa Bay area. If you’d like to learn more, or schedule an introductory flight, visit them at 39317 Airpark Road in Zephyrhills, online at crossairoceanusa.com, or call (352) 737-0800.