Rocky Mountain Flight Training Center (RMFTC) NEW MEMBER INFORMATION

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The Rocky Mountain Flight Training Center (RMFTC) is a FAA Part 141 Flight and Ground School. Located at Peterson Air Force Base (adjoining the Colorado Springs Municipal Airport, Colorado Springs, Colorado), it is part of the 21st Space Wing’s Mission Support Group and is operated for the benefit of its members.

In addition, RMFTC is affiliated with Utah Valley State University’s Aviation Science Department (Orem, UT), which offers a broad array of online aviation Associate and Bachelor degrees. For more information, visit: www.uvu.edu/aviation.

RMFTC’s highly-experienced instructors and superbly-maintained equipment ensure airworthy aircraft and exemplary flight training. To insure safety and excellence, RMFTC complies with USAF Instructions, Space Command Directives, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulations, and Veterans Administration and State of Colorado Educational regulations.

This publication is a “living document,” subject to change. Its purpose is to inform current and prospective RMFTC members about the basics of the RMFTC. This information is focused around the six timeless questions: WHO? WHAT? WHERE? WHEN? WHY? And HOW?

 

WHO

WHO may become a member of the RMFTC?

  • All active duty & retired military personnel.
  • Active duty Reserve & National Guard personnel.
  • Civil Service, FAA, & FSS Personnel.
  • Department of Defense personnel.
  • Government Contracting personnel.
  • Dependents and Family members of all of the above.
  • Civil Air Patrol members.
  • Civilians who are eligible for VA flight training.

WHO administers the RMFTC?

WHO are the RMFTC Flight Instructors?</strong

  • 21 highly-experienced FAA-certified flight instructors; four full-time
  • Over 50,000 collective civilian and/or military flying hours
  • Individually screened prior to employment by the Chief Pilot and Manager

WHO in my family can train? Can my minor children learn to fly?

  • Dependents must be 16 years old prior to their initial solo flight.

WHO are the people in the Control Tower? What do they do? 

  • Air traffic control (ATC) is a service provided by ground-based controllers who direct
    aircraft on the ground and in the air.
  • The primary purpose of ATC systems worldwide is to separate aircraft to prevent
    collisions, to organize and expedite the flow of traffic, and to provide information and
    other support for pilots when able.

WHO are the military police patrolling the ramp? Will they bother me as a pilot? 

  • United States Air Force Security Forces are the military police and the air base ground
    defense forces of the United States.
  • Because RMFTC is located on Peterson Air Force Base and adjacent to active Air Force
    operations, Air Force Security Forces regularly patrol the adjoining area.
  • RMFTC aircraft are authorized to transit to adjoining taxiways via the painted taxi lines.
  • RMFTC operations cannot cross into “red line” areas without prior permission from
    USAF Security Forces Operations.

WHO are the instructors? Are there female instructors?

  • RMFTC instructors, female and male, are some of the most experienced and qualified in
    the flight training profession.
  • For more information about RMFTC instructors, visit us at Peterson AFB, or call
    719.556.4310

WHO are the officers of the Aero Club Advisory Board? What do they do? 

  • The Aero Club Advisory Board (ACAB) is a volunteer, elected organization that exists to
    help RMFTC management to identify and analyze problems and suggest/monitor
    improvements in areas such as: club operations, finances, safety, aircraft
    quality/maintenance/availability, communications, training, recruiting, and member
    concerns and suggestions.

WHO is the Chief Pilot? What does he do? 

  • RMFTC Chief Pilot is Robert Jerman. According to FAR 135, the Chief Pilot must
    possess very specific skills and capabilities, including having at least 5,000 flight hours,
    posses various type ratings and pilot experience requirements, and possess a Class I
    Medical rating. 
  • The RMFTC Chief Pilot reports to the Director of Operations (RMFTC Club Manager)
    and is has various responsibilities, including: 
    • Monitors flight operations
    • Coordinates with and helps the Club Manager execute operational policies and
      procedures of FAR Part 141 flight operations; 
    • Conducts instructor (flight crew) training and standardization and pilot aircraft specific
      training and checking; 
    • Monitors instructor (flight crew) activities and currency;
    • Initiates changes to RMFTC manuals and training programs as necessary

WHO are the Assistant Chief Pilots? What do they do? 

  • Lyle Mortenson, Zoan Harclerode, Joe Baillargeon, Les Cox
  • They assist the Chief Pilot in the execution of his responsibilities, as needed.

WHO are the mechanics working at the RMFTC hanger? What do they do? 

  • Neil Wickliff is the RMTFC Chief Aircraft mechanic.
  • The RMFTC Chief Aircraft mechanic and Assistant Aircraft Mechanics service, repair,
    and inspect the airframe, avionics, and power plant of all RMFTC aircraft and assists in
    scheduling and coordinating off-site repairs, overhauls, and replacements as needed.

WHO are the people in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) offices at the RMFTC? What do they do? 

  • The Civil Air Patrol is an American non-profit organization. It possesses 525 Cessna
    aircraft nationwide that perform Search and Rescue, Homeland Security, Disaster Relief
    and Counter Drug missions for the USAF.
  • The Civil Air Patrol (CAP), Colorado Wing 001 is commanded by a Civil Air Patrol
    Colonel, who is responsible for serving more than 2000 volunteers across Colorado. Colocated with RMFTC in Hanger 133 are the offices of the Pikes Peak Senior Squadron
    CO-080 and the Colorado Wing CAP Headquarters.
  • Almost any American citizen who passes an FBI background check can join the CAP.
  • Those age 12-18 can join as cadets, and those older than 18 can join as Senior Members
  • You don’t need to be a pilot, and no flight experience is necessary. In the CAP, there are
    many ways to serve. 
  • For more information go to http://www.coloradowingcap.org/

 

WHAT

WHAT are the requirements to become a private pilot at the RMFTC? 

  • You must be at least 16 years old prior to your initial solo flight and 17 years old prior to
    earning your private pilot license. 
  • You must be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
  • FAA Part 141 flying schools require that you take 35 hours of “ground school;” pass
    preliminary aeronautical knowledge tests; receive a logbook endorsement from your
    instructor that you are prepared to take the FAA written knowledge exam; take it, and
    pass it. 
  • FAA Part 141 flying schools require that you take 35 hours of flight training (including
    20 hours with an instructor); receive various logbook endorsements from your instructor
    (cross-country, instrument training, night flying, solo flying, and certification that you are
    prepared to take the required FAA practical exam); take the practical exam with an FAA
    flight examiner, and pass it. 

WHAT other ratings may be earned at the RMFTC? 

  • MOUNTAIN FLYING GROUND SCHOOL (This school is offered at no cost to
    RMFTC members)
  • MOUTAIN FLYING ENDORSEMENT
  • INSTRUMENT
  • COMMERCIAL
  • CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR
  • CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR, INSTRUMENT
  • MULTI-ENGINE
  • MULTIE-ENGINE INSTRUCTOR
  • AIRLINE TRANSPORT PILOT-MULTI
  • FIXED WING RATING for HELICOPTER PILOTS
  • And OTHER SPECIALIZED COURSES
  • Note: for more information, go to www.rockymountainflight.com and click on the
    “Flight School” tab.

WHAT types of aircraft are available for flight training at the RMFTC? 

SINGLE ENGINE: 

  • Cessna T-41C Mescalero
  • Cessna T-41-D
  • Cessna 172M Skyhawk
  • Cessna 182RG Skylane

MULTI-ENGINE:

WHAT avionics are available for instrument training? 

WHAT does it cost to join the RMFTC?

  • The one-time “Initiation Fee” is $35.
  • Monthly dues are $25
  • Second family member monthly dues are $15
  • High School Student or Cadet member monthly dues are $7
  • For more information, call RMFTC at 719.556.4310

WHAT happens if I get transferred before I finish my flight training? 

  • You may obtain copies of your RMFTC training records to take with you; this
    information plus your logbook will document your progress to date, which you may
    continue at another military flying club (if available), or at a civilian flight training
    center. 
  • Military aero (flying) clubs are located at Air Force, Navy, and Army bases around the
    world. For a complete listing, go to: http://public.afsv.net/Aero/Directory.htm

WHAT training costs will the Montgomery GI Bill through the VA pay for? 

  • 60% of any flight training certificate for all ratings except private pilot (no VA funds for
    private pilot rating). See office staff for current Academic year cap. Under this GI bill you
    must pay us for any certificate you receive and the V.A. will reimburse you up to 60%. 

WHAT training costs with the post-9/11 GI Bill pay for? 

  • Up to 100% of any flight training certificate for all ratings except private pilot (no VA funds for
    private pilot rating). See office staff for current Academic year cap. The V.A. pays the RMFTC directly. 

WHAT training costs will Tuition Assistance pay for? 

  • Military Tuition assistance is no longer available for flight training.
  • MyCAA is a Military Spouse Assistance Program that will pay for flight and ground training. 

 

WHERE

WHERE is the RMFTC located? 

  • 325 Hamilton Ave, Hangar 133, Peterson AFB, CO 80914  (Google Maps)

WHERE are the RMFTC aircraft located?

  • Beechcraft Baron—Hanger 133 (when not flying).
  • During hazardous weather conditions, all RMFTC aircraft must be hangared. 
  • Hangar 133 has 9 designated spots for RMFTC Aircraft, and Hangar 140 has 2
    designated spots for RMFTC Aircraft. All aircraft must be hangared overnight. 
  • All operational RMFTC aircraft may tied down at the apron adjoining Hanger 133. 

WHERE does the RMFTC train? 

  • Ground school training is conducted in a classroom located in Hanger 133.
  • Flight training for student pilots is conducted in the local flying area (commonly called
    the “East Practice Area),” which is a semi-circle of 25 nautical miles radius, east of l-25
    and centered at Peterson AFB.
  • “Pattern work” training (including takeoffs and landings) for student pilots occurs
    primarily at Peterson AFB, which is collocated with the Colorado Springs Municipal
    Airport (COS). This airspace is classified as “Class C.” Traffic separation is provided for
    all arrivals and departures. RADAR coverage extends 20 nautical miles from the primary
    airport, COS
  • Cross-country training for student pilots may include destinations hundreds of miles
    away, such as Goodland, Kansas.

WHERE are the RMFTC Monthly Safety Meetings Held? 

  • Monthly Flight Safety Meetings are held at the Base Officers/Enlisted Club at 17:45
    hours on the last Tuesday of the month. You must attend at least one Safety Meeting
    every 2 months by USAF regulations to be able fly solo.

 

WHEN

WHEN are the RMFTC offices open? 

  • Members can access the facility to train or fly 24/7, 365 days a year
  • Office Hours: • Monday - Friday, 0700-1530; • AFSPC Family Day: Regular
    Hours; • Inclement Weather Office Opening Time: 1030hrs • All Official Government
    Holidays, front office: Closed 

WHEN are the RMFTC monthly Safety Meetings held? 

  • Safety meetings are held at 5:45PM on the last Tuesday of each month, except for
    December, which is cancelled, and the January safety meeting, is typically scheduled the
    second Saturday at noon.
  • Make-up meetings are scheduled for 10 AM, at the RMFTC Ground School Room
    (second floor, Hanger 133), on the second Saturday of the month. 

WHEN are your introductory flights offered? How long are they and how much do they cost? 

  • Introduction flights are roughly $177.00 in a T-41C 2 seat aircraft. You will receive 2 hrs
    of instruction. 1 on the ground learning the aircraft systems and pre & post flighting, and
    1 hour of flight instruction, with a student pilot’s logbook endorsed by the instructor.

WHEN are RMFTC Ground School classes offered? 

  • Ground School Classes are scheduled throughout the year. For more information, call
    RMFTC at 719.556.4310. or go our website and see our calendar.

WHEN are my RMFTC membership dues due? 

  • Membership dues are charged on or about the 15th of each month. Membership dues
    cover you with USAF insurance, so you do not have to buy renters insurance. 

WHEN is my annual flight review due? 

  • Flight reviews are valid for 24 calendar months.
  • If your flight review is not current, you may not act as pilot in command until you have
    satisfactorily completed a flight review.

WHEN must I update my RMFTC Covenant Not to Sue contract?

  • Annually

WHEN are RMFTC flight instructors available? 

  • RMFTC instructors are scheduled using the online Wings ARS system.
  • To schedule a RMFTC instructor, go to www.wingsars.com, and sign in with your Wings
    ARS username and password.
  • If you do are unfamiliar with Wings ARS and do not yet have a username and password,
    click on the “Information” tab and follow the prompts. 

WHEN are RMFTC aircraft available? 

  • RMFTC aircraft are scheduled using the online Wings ARS system.3
  • To schedule a RMFTC aircraft, go to www.wingsars.com, and sign in with your Wings
    ARS username and password.
  • If you have forgotten your user name or password, please call the front office 556-4310
    and we will reset your password for you. 

WHY

Why should I earn private pilot’s license at RMFTC instead of a civilian school? 

  • The RMFTC is an FAA part 141 flight school totally dedicated to excellence in
    curriculum, safety, and the mindset you must learn to be a successful and safe pilot.

Is it cheaper to learn to fly at RMFTC? Why?

  • The RMFTC exists to support the 21st Space Wing, 21st MSG, 21 FSS and all military,
    DOD members. We are about 30% less expensive than any local, “off-base” flying
    school. Our job is not to make a huge profit, but to offer low cost flight training to the
    Military community. We have very low overhead, so we can charge much less for our
    aircraft and instruction.

Do you offer INTRODUCTORY TRAINING FLIGHTS? 

  • We do offer an Intro to Private Pilot Flight which includes two hours of familiarization
    instruction and one hour of actual flight instruction in a T-41C. The current (August
    2019) cost is $177.00. Included is a student pilot logbook with your first hour of
    flight instruction endorsed by the instructor. 

Why do I have to have each flight “cleared” by a RMFTC authority?

  • United States Air Force Instruction 34- 117 mandates an signature from a RMFTC
    authority in order to release (“clear”) and assure that the RMFTC member is qualified
    and current. This clearance also assures that the RMFTC knows where each of its aircraft
    is at all times.

Why don’t you offer helicopter lessons? 

  • Because the RMFTC aircraft inventory does not include a helicopter.

HOW

HOW long does it take to earn a private pilot’s license? 

  • RMFTC is a Part 141 flying school. MINIMUM Part 141
  • Requirements are:
    • 35-hours ground school
    • 35-hours flight training, including 20-hours with an instructor
    • 3-hours cross country
    • 3-hours night flight
    • 3-ours instrument training
    • 5-hours solo

HOW often do I need to train, per week? Per month? 

HOW long does it take to earn an instrument rating? 

  • RMFTC is a Part 141 flying school.
  • MINIMUM Part 141 Requirements are:
    • 30-hours ground school
    • 35-hours dual flight instruction
    • One cross country over 250 nautical miles

HOW long does it take to earn a commercial rating? 

  • RMFTC is a Part 141 flying school.
  • MINIMUM Part 141 Requirements are:
    • 35-hours ground school
    • 190-hours of total flight time,
    • 55-hours dual, in the Commercial Course
    • 5-hours instrument
    • 10-hours in a complex aircraft
    • One day cross country
    • One night cross country

HOW will earning my private pilot license help me, an enlisted member of the (Army, Air
Force, Navy) to become a military pilot?

  • To date, the best answer to this question we have obtained is “probably,” at least it relates
    to the United States Air Force and the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT).
  • According to the USAF’s recruiting website, "The Air Force Officer Qualifying Test AFOQT)
    is a standardized test similar to the SAT and ACT. The AFOQT measures
    aptitudes and is used to select applicants for officer commissioning programs such as
    Officer Training School (OTS) or Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (Air Force
    ROTC). It is also used for selection into specific training programs such as pilot and
    combat systems officer training.” 
  • In January, 2011, a member of the Aero Club (RMFTC) Advisory Board contacted a
    USAF Recruiter and asked the above question. 
  • The USAF Recruiter responded by stating that the current AFOQT includes “Pilot” and
    “Navigation” portions, and that if earning a private pilot license would help the officer
    candidate to be “familiar with such procedures in an aircraft, it should help them with that
    part of the test.”
  • For more information about qualifying for a commission and becoming a military pilot,
    contact a recruiter or personnel expert in your military branch of the Department of
    Defense.