Thinking about learning to fly? Whether you live in Pleasanton, Jourdanton, Floresville, San Antonio, or anywhere across South Texas, this guide walks you through every step — from your first Google search to your first solo. Eagle Aviation is a veteran-owned Part 61 flight school at Pleasanton Municipal Airport (KPEZ) — just south of San Antonio on Highway 281.
Getting Started: Your FAA Medical Certificate
Before you can fly solo, the FAA requires a medical certificate. For most private pilot students, you'll need at least a Third-Class Medical.
| Step | What to do | Official resource |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Determine which certificate you need (Third-Class for PPL) | FAA Medical Standards |
| 2 | Complete MedXPress online (~20–30 min) | MedXPress |
| 3 | Find an AME and schedule | AME Locator |
| 4 | Bring ID, glasses/contacts if applicable, MedXPress confirmation | — |
| 5 | Complete exam; receive certificate same day if qualified | — |
MedXPress tips: Answer every question honestly. List all medications and visits. Save your confirmation number.
Finding an AME near Pleasanton / San Antonio: Search the FAA AME Locator using zip codes 78064 (Pleasanton), 782 (San Antonio), or 781 (Floresville area). Cost is typically $100–$150 out of pocket.
Eagle Aviation tip: You can start ground lessons and fly with an instructor before your medical is finalized — but get the process started early. Contact us with questions.
Applying for Your Student Pilot Certificate
Since 2016, most applicants use IACRA — no more trips to the FSDO for a paper certificate.
- Create an IACRA account at iacra.faa.gov
- Your CFI helps you apply during early lessons
- Select: Pilot → Student Pilot Certificate
- Submit and wait for processing (often 1–3 weeks)
- CFI endorsement allows solo flight when you're ready
Official guide: FAA Student Pilot Certificate
What to Expect in Your First Lessons
Your discovery flight is your first lesson. You'll meet your instructor, tour our Cessna 150 fleet, preflight the aircraft, and — weather permitting — take the controls.
Private Pilot requirements (Part 61)
| Requirement | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Age | 17 years old |
| Total flight time | 40 hours |
| Dual instruction | 20 hours |
| Solo flight | 10 hours |
| Knowledge test (written) | Pass FAA exam |
| Practical test (checkride) | Pass with DPE |
Full details: 14 CFR §61.109. Most students finish in 6–12 months flying 2–3 times per week. Explore our private pilot training path.
Flying in South Texas
- •Summer heat: Schedule dawn or dusk lessons when density altitude is lower.
- •Gulf moisture: Haze is normal — you'll learn visibility judgment.
- •Afternoon convection: Spring/summer pop-up storms — flexibility is a pilot superpower.
- •Crosswinds: South Texas breezes build real crosswind skills early.
- •Wide open airspace: Less congested than metro airports — great for building hours.
Best Free & Paid Study Resources
Mix free FAA materials with one paid course and you'll be ahead of most students.
Free — start here
- Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK)
- Airplane Flying Handbook (AFH)
- Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)
- FAA Safety Team (FAASafety.gov)
- AOPA Learn to Fly
- SkyVector · Aviation Weather Center
Paid — worth the investment
Sporty's Learn to Fly, King Schools, ForeFlight, and Gleim/ASA test prep are popular with Texas students. Pair paid test prep with the free PHAK.
Schedule your written exam through PSI / FAA testing centers — San Antonio-area centers are within easy driving distance from Pleasanton.
Helpful Tools, Apps & Communities
- ForeFlight / Garmin Pilot — charts, weather, flight logging
- LiveATC — listen to KPEZ and SAT tower
- Windy — visual wind and storm tracking for Texas
- AOPA — aopa.org
- EAA Young Eagles — free flights for youth
Once enrolled, Eagle Aviation students track schedules and progress at app.eagleaviationhq.com.
Practical Tips for New Pleasanton-Area Students
Budget realistically
| Expense | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Discovery flight | $195 at Eagle Aviation (gas included) |
| Medical exam | $100–$150 |
| Written test | ~$175 |
| Checkride (DPE fee) | $600–$900 |
| Materials (books, apps) | $100–$400 |
Schedule smart for Texas weather
- Best months: October–April for steady progress
- Summer strategy: Early morning lessons beat the heat
- Watch the Gulf: Coastal fronts can bring low clouds — check 24–48 hours out
Pre-training checklist
- ☑ Read this page
- ☐ Book discovery flight
- ☐ Start MedXPress → schedule AME
- ☐ Create IACRA account
- ☐ Download PHAK & AFH (free PDFs)
- ☐ Contact us with any questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a medical before my discovery flight?
No. You can experience your first lesson without a medical. You'll need one before solo flight, so start the process early.
How old do I need to be?
You can start training at any age, but you must be 16 for solo and 17 for a Private Pilot Certificate.
How far is Eagle Aviation from San Antonio?
About 35–40 minutes south via US-281.
What aircraft do you train in?
A Cessna 150 — see our fleet.
Part 61 or Part 141?
Eagle Aviation trains under Part 61 — flexible scheduling ideal for working adults.
How long does it take to get a private pilot license?
Most dedicated students finish in 6–12 months.
Does the discovery flight count as a real lesson?
Yes. ~1 hour, gas included, and the $195 applies toward training when you enroll.
Do you offer flight reviews?
Yes — see our flight reviews page.