Introductory Flights

If you have no previous flight training experience and want to get flying, an introductory flight is for you! Our Introductory Flight options allow you to understand what flight training will be like, and make sure flying is for you.

If after the Introductory Flight you decide you want to begin your flight training, the next step would be to come in for an onboarding meeting.

Onboarding Meeting

Prior to beginning a program at Lunken Flight Training Center, you must complete an onboarding meeting. There are several documents you must bring to the onboarding meeting. Each are required by the United States Government’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). These documents are as follows:

• Government Issued Photo ID
• Proof of Citizenship
• FAA Medical Certificate

Government Issued Photo ID

You are required to bring a current government-issued photo I.D. (ex., driver’s license, military ID).

Important: Due to FAA regulations, your current government-issued photo I.D. must show your full legal name spelled out in its entirety.

Proof of Citizenship

Documents Required of U.S. Citizens

All U.S. Citizens must bring ONE of the following to their onboarding meeting:

• Original birth certificate with raised seal, documenting birth in the United States or one of its territories
• Valid, unexpired U.S. passport
• Original U.S. naturalization certificate with raised seal (Form N-550 or Form N-570)
• Original certification of birth abroad (Form FS-545 or Form DS-1350)
• Original certificate of U.S. citizenship (Form N-560 or Form N-561)

Documents Required of Permanent Resident and International Students

If you’re not a US Citizen, you must participate in the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) Flight Training Security Program and undergo their security threat assessment. This TSA requirement is applicable for all students seeking Private Pilot Certification, Instrument Rating, Multi-engine rating, or training in any aircraft more than 12,500 pounds gross weight. Please follow the instructions on the TSA website: https://www.fts.tsa.dhs.gov/

FAA Medical Certificate

You are required to bring your FAA Medical Certificate to your onboarding meeting.

The FAA requires that all pilots maintain a valid medical certificate. There are three classes of certificates: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. For training and personal flight, only a 3rd class medical is required. If you’re considering an aviation career, LFTC recommends starting with a 1st class medical to determine if there are any underlying health issues that would stand in the way of your career. FAA medicals are conducted by Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs). An AME is a medical doctor whom the FAA has approved to perform pilot physicals.

Obtaining a Medical Certificate

Obtaining an FAA medical is a two-step process. First, complete the questionnaire at FAA Medxpress. The website will give you a control number that you’ll share with your AME. Next, schedule an appointment with your AME.

FAA Aviation Medical Examiners in the local area

The FAA provides a complete list of AMEs at https://designee.faa.gov/designeeLocator.

If you’re taking any medications, the AME will review the conditions for the medications, duration of the prescriptions, the medication frequency, and any side effects. They’ll also consider the safety impact of the underlying conditions. Here’s an online resource that lists medications which the AME will take into consideration prior to issuing your medical certificate. https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/pharm/dni_dnf

All medical certificates must show your full legal name (U.S. citizens must match birth certificate / International students must match Passport)

Note: Securing your Medical Certificate may take a significant amount of time, so we strongly encourage you to begin the process as soon possible. Any history of ADHD or ADHD medications will require FAA review, and possible further examination, to determine if a medical certificate can be issued. The FAA has recently updated policies regarding ADHD diagnosis.