With FTB, it’s all about flying.
Can I use my own CFI for my initial checkout?
Short answer… no. All PICs must be checked out by our CFI for safety and insurance purposes. If you want to use your own CFI for training, they must be checked out by our CFI as well. A CFI checkout is slightly different from a standard checkout. Once you are both checked out, you are free to rent that aircraft for instruction with your own CFI.
Can I pay by cash or check?
Yes. You can purchase flight hours directly through Flight Circle or pay FTB directly with cash or check.
How much does it cost to get checked out by your CFI?
Our CFI, Andy Balogh, sets his personal rates as he is an insurance-approved independent contractor. He charges $75/hr for most checkouts, and you must purchase at least one hour in the aircraft you would like to get checked out in. Contact him directly to discuss how much time will be needed for a checkout.
Can I purchase gift cards from FTB?
Definitely! Contact us via email to purchase gift cards and give someone a gift they will love to use.
Can student pilots rent from FTB?
Yes, but they must get checked out by our CFI and carry a valid FAA student certificate. If they have a flight instructor, they must be checked out by our CFI as well. CFIs have a slightly different checkout than standard renters. Student pilots can receive dual instruction from their CFI (that has been checked out with us) but cannot solo without our CFI checkout.
Can pilots under 18 rent from FTB?
No, but FTB reserves the right to decide on a case-by-case basis.
Why do I have to purchase non-owned insurance?
Flying uninsured is a financial risk! A non-owned renter’s policy is a small, inexpensive policy that will cover your liability when using any aircraft that you don’t own. Our insurance covers the actual aircraft. Your policy will protect your liability. This is not optional. Your CFI can fill out the same application for non-owned coverage as well, if they are not already insured as an instructor.
Can I take an airplane cross-country? On an overnight trip?
Cross-country and overnight trips must be approved by FTB. A cross-country flight is anything over 50 nautical miles from M01. Overnight trips can be approved subject to availability and will incur a minimum of two flight hours per day. Please contact us to plan your trip today!
Is fuel included in the rental cost?
Yes, fuel is included. If you land for fuel at an airport other than M01, You must provide a copy of the receipt that clearly has the tail number labeled for reimbursement. Note that the fuel costs is limited to the current posted retail self-serve amount at M01 on the date received. Lost or damaged receipts will not be honored. Prices are guaranteed so they are updated regularly.
How do you bill your hourly rates?
We bill our rental time using the Hobbs time.
Hobbs is the hour meter in the airplane. It runs per hour as soon as the engine is turned on and is used to determine flight time for pilots.
Can I instruct with these rental airplanes?
If you are checked out by our CFI, Andy Balogh, then you may instruct your students. However, you are the listed PIC and students may not operate the aircraft as PIC without also being checked out with our CFI. Please specify if you will need a CFI checkout, which is slightly different from our standard checkout.