Frequently asked questions
Flight Education FAQs
It is important to note that flight training fees are in addition to the university’s tuition and fees.
For a more information on flight training costs, click here.
Flight students will fly at the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport with our flight training partner, Rick Aviation, approximately 15 minutes from campus.
Students are expected to fly a minimum of three times a week. Students are encouraged to fly as often as possible to improve proficiency and with the aim to graduate on time.
The Aviation department provides transportation to and from the airport Monday through Friday. Freshmen and Sophomores who are in the flight program also have the option to apply for a campus parking waiver in order to drive to and from the airport.
Typically, flight training is pay-as-you-go. Students will pay Rick Aviation directly at the conclusion of each flight lesson. Students can also set up flight accounts with Rick Aviation in which money can be loaded into the account to pay for flight training.
Typically, most students will begin flying the second week into the Fall semester.
Yes. We grant academic credit towards the Flight Education program for any previously-earned pilot certificates and ratings. For example, if a student comes in having earned their Private Pilot’s License prior to entering the program, they will receive academic credit and begin Instrument training.
Air Traffic Control FAQs
First-time college students and student with some college credit will usually take four years to complete the program following the suggested schedule.
The AT-CTI program at Hampton has no restrictions on the age of a students. However, anyone interested in being an air traffic controller for the FAA must not have reached their 31st birthday by the time of hire. Students should plan to have at least one year after graduation before reaching age 31.
There is a $250 lab fee for each air traffic control lab course. There are currently 5 lab courses.
A medical exam is not required for the air traffic control program at Hampton. However, we do highly encourage students interested in the AT-CTI program to obtain a FAA Class II medical certificate prior to classes to determine if they meet FAA hiring requirements.
What gear is required for new students in Flight Education?
- Government-issued photo ID is required – Real ID is highly recommended for FAA end of stage checkrides and is a requirement for commercial air carrier employment.
- Students who are United States citizens will be required to show proof of citizenship prior to beginning flight training. This typically consists of presenting a valid, unexpired US Passport or a certified birth certificate combined with a government-issued photo ID. Students should make sure they bring the appropriate documents with them when they come to HU. A full list of acceptable forms of identification is available online.
- Students who are not United States citizens have additional TSA requirements, and will need to start the TSA approval process before the semester begins.
- FAA Student Pilot Certificate – Our Flight Training Partner Rick Aviation will coordinate after the semester starts.
- FAA Medical Certificate – A student pilot must obtain an FAA medical certificate before their first solo flight. It is recommended to get the medical certificate before beginning flight training to ensure there are no disqualifying medical conditions according to the FAA. It is also recommended to get the highest level certificate, a First Class with EKG, as the First Class with EKG is required for air carrier employment. A FAA Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) can be located through this locator, https://designee.faa.gov/designeeLocator. Be sure to use an AME authorized to perform First, Second and Third Class exams with EKG. If no AME is available near your residence, there are several available close to Hampton, one being Dr. Mimi Peak in Newport News (757) 599-7899.
- Headset – A good aviation headset from ASA, David Clark, Bose A20, or Lightspeed is crucial for clear communication, hearing protection and comfort.**
- Flight Bag – To carry all your gear, including charts, logbooks, and headset.
- Kneeboard – Helps you organize checklists, notes, and charts in the cockpit.
- Logbook – To record your flight hours and endorsements.
- E6B Flight Computer – Manual or electronic, used for flight planning and calculations.
- Plotter – For measuring distances and courses on sectional charts.
- Sectional Charts – VFR navigation charts for your training area.
- Chart Supplement (formerly A/FD) – Airport and facility directory.
- Private Pilot Textbook – HU and Rick use King Schools syllabus for all certificates.
- FAR/AIM Book – Federal Aviation Regulations and Aeronautical Information Manual.
- Online Ground School or App – King Schools.
- Apple iPad with cellular and wifi option and Apple pencil– For notes, digital charts, and flight planning apps. Students are trained to use paper charts and planning tools first, then ForeFlight is widely used.
- Sunglasses – UV-rated and non-polarized to avoid interference with cockpit displays.
- Flashlight – With red/white light for night operations.
