Here to Help
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?
JB Aeronautics is a relatively new flight school (2017) but with a vast amount of flight training experience. Its owner/operator, Jim Brannan, has over 50 years experience actively teaching students to fly under FAR part 141 and has been an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner for over 40 years.
IS YOUR SCHOOL FAA APPROVED?
Yes, we are FAA approved for Private through Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor.
ARE YOUR COURSE PRICES FAA MINIMUMS OR AVERAGE COST FOR COMPLETION?
We advertise both prices because we find students will typically fall in the average price range. To complete a course near the minimum price requires a good commitment to study, lesson preparation, regular attendance of 3 to 5 times per week, a good command of the English language and above average aptitude and motivation.
WHAT IS YOUR STUDENT COMPLETION RATE?
Our instructor staff maintains better than a 85% completion and first time pass rate. Unfortunately, not every student has the motivation and work ethic to get the job done. Instructors can only teach; they cannot make a student learn.
WHAT IS THE AGE AND CONDITION OF YOUR TRAINING AIRPLANES?
Like most flight schools in the U.S. we are using older airplanes which require good inspection and repair. Unlike automobiles, airplanes are required by Federal Air Regulation to be maintained in airworthy condition. So whether the airplane is new or old it must go through the same rigorous inspection process. JB Aeronautics has highly experienced mechanics that have been maintaining flight school airplanes for the past 20 years and particularly Piper Tomahawks. We have our own maintenance shop which is dedicated exclusively to the maintenance of our school airplanes.
DOES THE SCHOOL HAVE A DESIGNATED PILOT EXAMINER ON STAFF?
Yes… Jim Brannan has been testing pilots as a DPE for over 40 years from Private Pilot through Commercial, Multiengine and Flight Instructor.
WHAT IS THE EXPERIENCE LEVEL OF YOUR FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS AND CHIEF INSTRUCTOR?
Jim Brannan is also the Chief Flight Instructor with over 50 years flying and instructing experience, and more than 40 years as a Chief Flight Instructor in an FAA Approved school.
WHAT IS THE RATIO OF STUDENTS TO TRAINING AIRPLANES AND INSTRUCTORS?
This is an area JB Aeronautics really shines. We have a large fleet of airplanes and there are no more than 5 full time students per airplane and instructor.
WHAT IS THE PROXIMITY OF THE AIRPORT TO THE PRACTICE AREAS AND INSTRUMENT APPROACH PROCEDURES?
There are 7 designated practice areas within 10 miles of the Fresno Yosemite International Airport, 4 auxiliary training airports and 14 different instrument approach procedures within the local area.
HOW LONG DOES IT ACTUALLY TAKE TO COMPLETE A TRAINING COURSE IN YOUR SCHOOL?
Actual time to complete a training course is based largely on student motivation and aptitude. For example, a Private Course can be completed in 3 months, Instrument Rating in 2 months, Commercial Course in 3 months, Multiengine Rating in 2 weeks, and initial Flight Instructor Course in 3 months.